Why leave the elevated air of Colorado for spring break this year? The outdoors is calling you to stay here and enjoy the bluebird days of late winter.

The Thirst Colorado staff compiled a few ideas: near and far; cheap and expensive; extreme and laid back. So, as the B.T. Express suggested, “Go on and do it ‘til you’re satisfied.”

Aspen

Some call it up-valley as you climb from Glenwood Springs to world-class skiing, dining and drinking. Try the Black Swan or Independence Square Hotel and grab some grub just about anywhere you’d like. Aspen Brewing has a pub downtown, and just down the valley a bit, you’ll find Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt.

Manitou Springs

Once you've summited the Manitou Incline and jogged down Barr Trail, you can play classic games at the Penny Arcade or have a picnic at Graffiti Falls. Head to the Cliff House for luxury accommodations. The Victorian-style house is on the west side of town and D’Vine Wine is nearby if you want to create a custom blend.

Silverton

Just when you think you’re in for a mild spring, Colorado typically surprises everyone with big dumps of pow, and there isn't anywhere better than Silverton to experience that. If you are the go-getter type, head southwest, where you can extreme ski (Silverton Mountain), snowmobile (150-plus miles of trails) or ice climb in nearby Ouray.

When the day is done, the Teller House offers a glimpse of Silverton’s historic past in Victorian digs with authentic antiques and mountain views. Nearby Golden Block Brewery serves up pizzas and other pub-type fair alongside rotating microbrews.

Walden

North Central Colorado fails to register on the hottest-spots list in the state, but don’t be fooled. With State Forest State Park nearby, the cross-country skiing snowshoeing and hiking trails are endless. Beware of the moose, which roam the area in abundance. The Antlers Inn is a relaxing place to stay downtown. The hotel is described this way: “where frontier craftsmanship joins hand and hand with the comforts of modern living.” The River Rock Café is on street level below the hotel rooms and features hardy meals with pork, chicken, steak and seafood. The adjacent bar features a decent lineup of craft beers, wine and traditional spirits.

Mesa Verde National Park. *Photo Neill Pieper*

Cortez

Throw the bikes on the roof rack and head to Cortez for singletrack and desert landscapes. The nearby Phil’s World-area provides some awesome singletrack for adrenaline junkies. Take a break at Mesa Verde National Park and check out Puebloan cliff dwellings and learn about ancient Native American culture. Check out the Retro Inn, which features horseshoes, lawn bowling, badminton, volleyball, giant chess and board games. You can also grill and hang out in communal picnic areas. The Main Street Brewery and Restaurant has you covered on both food and libations. The Schnorzenboomer Amber Dopplebock is a local favorite (and just plain fun to say out loud) and the food ranges from pastas and steaks to Tex-Mex.

Winter Park

Tubing, snowmobiling, shoeing and skiing are a few ways to entertain yourself during spring break. Just a short ride from the base of the resort, the Vintage Hotel offers affordable mountain lodging. After your day on the slopes, head to Smokin Moes or Idlewild Spirits. After dinner, go bowling or catch a flick at the Foundry Cinema & Bowl.