Ski, Snow, and Trail in Rocky Mountains, Colorado (2024)

Finally, after a year from the trip, this post was published! 

Over a week of the Fall Semester 2024 break, one of my friends spontaneously invited me to join a trip. Without overthinking it, I immediately said yes. It was one of those rare moments when I let instinct take over instead of carefully planning everything out. Deep down, I knew I needed a vacation, a little getaway just for myself, before my family joins me at the end of the year. The semester had been intense, filled with deadlines, projects, and constant movement. Shifting from the simple life in Indonesia to the new academic journey in the U.S, I could feel myself craving a pause. So, I packed my bags, said goodbye to my routine for a while, and set off on this sudden adventure.

And honestly, it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The trip became a perfect way to slow down after months of academic hustle. I got to breathe, wander without a strict itinerary, and simply enjoy being present. It was a reminder that sometimes the best experiences come from saying “yes” without hesitation.

We flew out of Chicago to Denver to explore everything at our own pace. Here’s how the trip went.

Day 1 – From Illinois to Colorado

The trip began early in the morning. By 3:30 a.m., we were already on our way to O’Hare airport to catch an early morning flight. I couldn't sleep last night, I had to pack the right clothing for our fall (re: winter) trip. Our flight left at 8:44 a.m., and by 10:21 a.m., we touched down in Denver.

I chose the window seat, as I always do. It is just the feeling of watching the world from above, the rugged surface of Earth made of mountains and streams, the shifting colors of the sky, and the endless patterns of clouds that make you feel both small and free. Yup, it’s my favorite part of traveling, a moment where everything slows down, and all I have to do is look outside and reflect, how I have come this far.

We landed at Denver International Airport, which is famous not only for its size but also for its quirky reputation. Fun fact: it is the largest airport in the United States by total area; it’s bigger than Manhattan! The airport’s iconic white tent-like roof was designed to mimic Colorado’s snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and it looks especially magical against a clear blue sky.

But what really makes it stand out is the conspiracy theories surrounding it. Some say there are secret underground bunkers hidden beneath the airport, supposedly meant for government elites in case of disaster. Others point to the strange murals as evidence of something mysterious. While most of these theories are more entertaining than believable, they definitely add a sense of intrigue to what would otherwise be just another airport.

After picking up the rental car, we set out straight for the Rocky Mountains, excited to make the most of the day. The drive itself was beautiful, wide open roads, crisp autumn air, and the distant peaks slowly growing larger as we approached. The scenery! there is nothing like this found in boring Illinois!

By late morning, we arrived at the Mustang Mountain Coaster, which turned out to be one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was a little nervous at first. The coaster winds down the mountainside on a single rail, and you control your own speed with a simple brake lever, no loops, no drops, just pure scenic thrill.

Once I pushed off and started racing down the track, the mix of adrenaline and mountain views took over. The wind rushed past my face, the pine trees blurred on either side, and the Rockies stood majestically in the background. I couldn’t stop laughing the whole way down, it was the perfect balance between exciting and just scary enough for someone like me. By the time I reached the bottom, I was already tempted to go again.

Just before dawn, we began our hike to Alberta Falls! But when we arrived on top, tadaa, the waterfall was frozen. The forest was quiet except for the sound of rushing water nearby, and a soft mist lingered over the trail. The hike itself was short but surprisingly challenging, snow just poured down, covering the path in a thin white layer. It was enough to awaken that sense of adventure and make every step feel a little more magical.

After a little bit of hiking, we eventually made it to the lake. And yes, of course it was frozen. And the moment we stepped closer, the icy wind hit us, and I realized just how freezing it was. As we lingered, the daylight faded faster than expected, reminding us of how short autumn days can be in the mountains. Before we knew it, night had crept in, and we found ourselves hurrying back down the trail, our breath turning into little clouds in the dark. But luckily, Mr. Moon guided us back to the car with his light.

It was a long day for us. It's time to go back to our motel to recharge our energy for tomorrow

Day 2 – Skiing and Scenic Views at the Rocky Mountains

We started the day with a drive to Loveland. The mountains grew taller and more dramatic as we approached, their peaks blanketed in fresh snow that glittered under the morning light. We are so ready for skiing!

As true beginners, we decided to skip the easy practice area and try one of the expert tracks right away. Big mistake! From the moment I pushed off, I knew I was gonna fall. I wobbled, slid sideways, and had a few dramatic (and hilarious) falls, but each attempt made it more fun. We laughed at ourselves the whole time, because we don't think skiing in the weather was a good idea.

By the afternoon, with our legs officially jelly, we traded skis for scenic views and took time to simply enjoy the snowy mountain landscape.

Day 3 – City tour

Our original plan for the day was to head out for another nature adventure. We were excited to see more of Colorado’s beautiful landscapes, but as soon as we started driving, snow began to fall. The road quickly turned slippery, and visibility dropped. For a moment, we tried to convince ourselves we could handle it, but after a few cautious miles and a couple of small skids, we looked at each other and decided to turn around. Safety first.

So, instead of heading into the mountains, we turned our day into a Denver city tour. It actually worked out perfectly. The city was blanketed in fresh snow, giving it a magical, wintery atmosphere. We wandered through downtown Denver, admiring the mix of modern buildings and historic architecture, and stopped by Union Station, a beautiful, festive spot with holiday decorations and warm cafés. We popped into local shops, grabbed hot drinks to stay warm, and took our time exploring without rushing. The snowflakes falling between tall buildings made everything feel like a scene from a cozy winter movie. 

The day still long, but we got nowhere to go. So we drove to another city to visit Colorado State University (CSU), curious to see what a different campus felt like. The snow-covered walkways, quiet courtyards, and classic buildings gave the campus a peaceful winter vibe. We strolled around, took photos, and imagined what student life surrounded by the mountains.

As the evening approached, we headed back to Denver and ended the day at the Night Market, which was full of twinkling lights, festive music, and the smell of warm food drifting through the cold air. Stalls were lined with handmade crafts, ornaments, and sweet treats. We sipped hot drinks to keep warm and soaked in the cheerful atmosphere, a perfect way to wrap up an unexpectedly magical day.

Day 4 – Heading Home

All too quickly, it was time to leave. We packed up and drove back to Denver International Airport for our 7:00 a.m. flight. By mid-morning, we were back in Chicago, and by early afternoon, I was home again, tired but grateful.

This trip reminded me of the power of saying “yes” to spontaneous opportunities. Colorado was the perfect escape, a place to breathe deeply, to move at a slower pace, and to recharge after a busy semester. If you’re dreaming of a fall break getaway with snowy weather, mountain adventures, and moments of calm, Colorado might just be the answer.