You could stay warm and cozy at home this winter, or you could allow yourself to be taken by the magic of this state’s many winter destinations. And no, you don’t have to ski. Consider these possibilities for an ideal staycation:

Estes Park

If you’ve been there in the summer, you might find the winter refreshing. You might hardly recognize Elkhorn Avenue, what with the available parking spots and elbow room.

But oh yes, the magnificence of Rocky Mountain National Park remains — minus the required reservations of the busy season. The premier drive to the top of the national park is closed, and some snow-packed trails won’t be suitable for little ones. But sledding at Hidden Valley should appeal, or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing elsewhere.

Several rustic, historic lodges represent the great wintertime draw. On the higher end, if you’ve always wanted to stay at The Stanley, winter offers the best rates. If you’re not a guest, you should still check out the amazing whiskey bar.

More warming spirits at Elkins Distilling and Estes Park Distilling. They’re both situated amid Elkhorn Avenue’s festive shops, which roll out plenty of sweets. Among restaurants, The Grubsteak is a family favorite along the main drag. Or go for Italian at Mama Rose’s or Mexican at Ed’s Cantina.

If this is a romantic rendezvous, consider places such as Dunraven or Twin Owls Steakhouse. Make it dinner and a movie at the nostalgic Park Theatre.

Steamboat Springs

We said you didn’t have to ski, and you don’t, but it must be said that this winter marks a marquee moment for Steamboat Resort. An ambitious, multi-year project has transformed the base area and positioned Steamboat as Colorado’s second largest ski area in terms of terrain.

You could stick to the reimagined base area: a family fun zone complete with an ice rink, food and drink hall, retail outlets and live entertainment. Or you could stick to the town down the road, closer to the other, much smaller ski hill. That’s Howelsen Hill, home to Ski Free Sundays. It’s home to a sledding hill as well.

Also for your outdoor consideration: the short hike to a frozen, 300-foot Fish Creek Falls and, with a four-wheel drive and reservation, a day of soaking at unforgettable Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

However remote, it’s the city spoils that make Steamboat shine year-round. Your shopping on Lincoln Avenue is not finished without a stop at F.M. Light & Sons, the Western wear store with a history dating to 1905.

Happy hours abound in town, including at Laundry; get there right away for cocktails and choose-your-own spreads of smoked and cured meats. Aurum is another go-to, as is pizza and beer at Mountain Tap Brewery.

Old Town Pub is another happy hour site and also one of Steamboat’s spots for live music. Locals and visitors boogie down as well at Schmiggity’s.

Durango

Durango knows how to have fun in the winter. Look no further than Snowdown, the annual week-long affair since 1979. Recent years have seen beard-growing contests, beer plunges, outhouse stuffings and more shenanigans in early February.

Maybe that’s when you chart a course to this bustling pocket of the San Juan Mountains. The skiing typically picks up around then at Purgatory Resort, which also offers tubing and the thrilling Inferno Mountain Coaster on weekends. Tubing also is offered at the smaller ski area closer to town: Hesperus, where locals go for night skiing under the lights.

More memories can be made at Durango Dog Ranch, a nearly 30-year-old family business of mushers leading dog sled tours.

Warm up and relax at Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa, which has been included in more itineraries in recent years thanks to extensive renovations.

Add that to a list that inevitably includes the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In winter, the five-hour excursion chugs to Cascade Canyon, a magical realm of snow-draped forests and rock walls.

You won’t soon forget the views, just as you won’t soon forget a night at Strater Hotel. It’s the Victorian landmark occupying a downtown corner, alive at night with a Wild West-themed saloon and craft cocktail lounge.

The hotel’s Mahogany Grille is one of the town’s highly regarded restaurants. Nearby is the popular Steamworks Brewing Co., among other breweries big and small here: Ska, Carver and Animas.

Glenwood Springs

While the world flocks to Aspen, this town less than an hour’s drive away offers similar beauty and spoils without as much hype.

OK, so the skiing isn’t as good. But folks in Glenwood are just fine with Sunlight Mountain Resort, which also sells snowmobile tours and a Nordic trail system. And it sells something Aspen cannot: world-class hot springs down in town.

Commanding the view is the giant, steaming Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Slightly out of view is Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a set of nicely constructed dips near the scenic banks of the Colorado River.

Before settling on more ideas in town, might we suggest a mode of getting there in the first place: Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which departs Denver’s Union Station, weaves through fabulous scenery and drops you off in downtown Glenwood within walking distance of a hotel. You might go for the most historic: Hotel Colorado.

The aforementioned hot springs can be reached without a vehicle, as can downtown’s many colorful shops and eateries. Close together are a few of the finest: Riviera Supper Club, Co. Ranch House and The Pullman. Or make it dinner and a show at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue.

Everybody’s favorite watering hole is Doc Holliday’s Saloon. The legend’s grave can be visited via a short hike.