Why More Travellers Are Choosing Seasonal Living in Colorado

If you’re someone who feels like a weekend getaway just isn’t long enough, you’re not alone. More travellers are trading short vacations for longer, more intentional stays and Colorado is quickly becoming one of the most popular states for this new kind of travel lifestyle.

It’s not hard to see why. Colorado offers the best of both worlds: deep powder days in the winter and lake life, hiking, and endless sunshine in the summer. And thanks to the rise of remote work and flexible travel, you don’t have to choose between them. You can do both with just one state and one booking.

According to a recent report by Forbes, midterm rentals (typically 30–90 day stays) are growing rapidly as travellers look for ways to explore new places without the long-term commitment of a lease. These rentals are often fully furnished, more affordable than hotels, and ideal for anyone seeking a “live like a local” experience, especially in a seasonal playground like Colorado.

Whether you’re chasing Champagne Powder® in Steamboat Springs or paddleboarding in Grand Lake, Colorado gives you room to breathe, explore, and truly settle in. It’s not just a trip. It’s a lifestyle.

“People aren’t just travelling for the weekend anymore,” says Amy Hinote, founder of VRM Intel. “They’re working, living, and experiencing places like Colorado for a season or more. Midterm stays are no longer niche; they’re mainstream.”

In this post, we’ll break down why Colorado is one of the top destinations for seasonal living. From where to stay and when, to packing tips and how to get the most out of your midterm rental, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to explore? Browse our seasonal rentals across Colorado and start living like a local.

Winter in Steamboat Springs: A Powder Lover’s Paradise

Steamboat Springs, affectionately known as “Ski Town USA,” is a prime destination for those craving winter adventures and seasonal living. With its legendary Champagne Powder® snow, headlining the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort, you’re not only signing up for incredible skiing but also for a vibrant local culture and authentic mountain lifestyle.

What makes Steamboat stand out for midterm rentals is its perfect blend of convenience and charm. Many homes feature ski-in/ski-out access or complimentary shuttle services, making it easy to hit the slopes without hassle. Natural hot springs like Strawberry Park and Old Town Hot Springs add a soothing counterpoint to cold ski days, creating a well-rounded seasonal experience.

Monthly rental arrangements in Steamboat offer outstanding value and flexibility. Properties furnished and available for 30-day stays often come with significant savings, some are even exempt from local lodging taxes, thanks to Colorado’s “30+ day” rule. That translates into luxury mountain living at an accessible price.

Steamboat’s community is another draw. Its small-town atmosphere complete with winter festivals like the iconic blazing-shovel shovel race which creates easy opportunities to integrate into the local scene. With a population hovering around 13,000, it’s big enough to support great restaurants, breweries, and creative culture but still small enough to remain neighborly.

From the flexibility of midterm stays to the powder that keeps fresh daily, Steamboat is a compelling choice for those pursuing a winter escape. Whether you’re a travel nurse looking for a month away or a remote worker craving ski days followed by productive evenings by the fireplace, this town delivers.

“Remote workers love Colorado’s balance of productivity and recreation,” says urban planning expert Dr. Zoe Harper. “Monthly rentals in mountain towns like Steamboat are booming because people want to live, not just visit.”

Explore our monthly rentals in Steamboat Springs to find your basecamp for winter adventure.

Summer in Grand Lake: Small Town, Big Adventure

Come summer, Grand Lake transforms into a vibrant hub of adventure, nature, and laid-back charm. Tucked into the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, this mountain town offers lake living with a side of small-town authenticity, making it the perfect backdrop for monthly stays.

Rental properties range from cozy cabins to lakeside estates with fire pits and hot tubs, all a short walk or drive from the lake, shops, and trails. Many are just blocks from the historic Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, which hosts live summer musicals that can make your porch evenings feel magical.

Grand Lake excels at outdoor fun. Paddleboarding on morning mirror waters, wildlife watching in Rocky Mountain National Park (without the crowds of Estes Park), or casting a line at Shadow Mountain Reservoir—every day invites exploration. Month-long guests appreciate the relaxed lifestyle: a slow breakfast, a midday paddle, and a return home to unwind by a firepit at sunset—no rush, no schedule.

Monthly rentals here offer more than just comfort—they offer connection. Fully furnished homes with full kitchens, laundry, and strong Wi-Fi allow you to structure your days for work, family time, or adventure. Pet-friendly options abound, so your furry friends don’t miss out .

“Guests stay longer when they feel at home—and Grand Lake quietly delivers that feeling,” says Rocky Mountain rental expert Laura Benson. “The combination of lake access, theatre nights, and local events makes month-long stays special.”

Pro Tip:
 Book rentals between late June and early September to get peak summer weather and full access to theatre schedules and festivals. Look for homes with fire pits, BBQ grills, or hot tubs—they’re crowd favorites.

🔗 Explore our Grand Lake summer rentals: Browse range and prices and be ready to make lifelong memories.

Breckenridge: The Best of Both Seasons

Breckenridge has evolved into a standout destination for those seeking midterm rentals year-round. Spring and fall, the “shoulder seasons,” offer incredible opportunities for longer stays thanks to fewer crowds, lower prices, and a captivating local rhythm.

During shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October), prices on monthly rentals in Breckenridge drop significantly, HomeToGo shows some properties reduced by as much as 68 percent compared to peak times. Fewer tourists also mean quieter slopes, minimal wait times at restaurants, and a much calmer vibe in town. It’s the perfect balance between mountain life and daily comfort.

Breckenridge’s charm comes to life in these seasons. You’ll find golden aspen groves, lively art walks, and craft brewery events, plus the chance to explore trails without peak crowds. Even if you time a spring visit during residual snow, nearby Arapahoe Basin continues operating until mid-May and fat‑bike trails make for exciting early runs. In autumn, crisp air and fewer visitors make every hike, bike ride, and Main Street stroll feel exclusive.

Monthly rentals here are designed for longer stays. Fully furnished condos and homes often include kitchens, laundry, high-speed internet, and workspace setups, ideal for anyone working remotely or transitioning life seasonally. Many even welcome pets and offer great parking or storage for outdoor gear .

“Adapting to local trends and offering unique experiences is key in Breckenridge’s competitive rental market,” says a property manager with Ski Country Resorts. “Midterm guests want more than a place to stay—they want to belong.”

Pro Tips for Shoulder-Season Stays

• Look into homes with storage space for ski or bike gear; many condos offer locked storage.
• Share insider tips on fat-biking, fall hikes, art fairs, and food events for locals.
• Negotiate monthly rates: shoulder season often means hosts are open to flexible terms and discounts.

Browse monthly rentals in Breckenridge: Find your seasonal base

The Flexibility of Midterm Rentals in Colorado

Midterm rentals give you the freedom to experience Colorado on your own terms without the constraints of a lease or the hassle of daily check-ins. Whether you’re chasing ski powder, working remotely, or exploring mountain towns, living month to month means you don’t have to commit for the long haul.

Seasonal stays in Colorado often fall between 30 and 90 days, offering a sweet spot that combines short-term excitement with long-term comfort. Properties are fully furnished and purposefully equipped, think kitchens, laundry, high-speed internet, even workspaces, so you can feel settled from day one.

For guests like travel nurses, consultants, or digital nomads, this model delivers both stability and mobility. You can show up with a suitcase and begin living right away; no utility setup or furniture shopping required and only stay as long as you want.

Midterm rentals also offer financial advantages. Many hosts build in monthly discounts, and because stays are over 30 days, some properties avoid short-term lodging taxes altogether. Plus, lower turnover means fewer cleaning and maintenance costs compared with shorter stays.

“Midterm rentals are gaining traction because they bridge flexibility and home-like comfort,” says real estate analyst Leah Verdolino. “They’re ideal for professionals or families who want remote work capability and a stable base but without signing a year-long lease.”

Pro Tips for Finding the Right Midterm Stay

• Search for rentals tagged “monthly discount” on platforms like Vacation Rental Co.
• Confirm what’s included: Wi-Fi, utilities, parking, and seasonal services like snow removal.
• Ask about flexible extensions; many hosts let you extend stay easily if your plans change.

Discover our Colorado seasonal rentals: Browse properties and availability

What to Pack for Seasonal Living in Colorado

Living in Colorado for a month or more across seasons means packing smart. Here’s how to be prepared and avoid overpacking or missing essentials:

Winter Essentials

Choose gear that keeps you warm and mobile. Pack thermal base layers, moisture-wicking socks, waterproof winter boots, and a durable parka for snowy adventures. Bring ski gear if you’re a powder chaser or plan to rent locally and save on transport and storage. For comfort, don’t forget touch essentials like candles and a portable laptop stand for alpine Zoom calls.

Summer Must-Haves

Summer days in Grand Lake or Steamboat bring sun and warmth but don’t be fooled by chilly mountain nights. Include hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and layered apparel like lightweight fleece or windbreakers. Swimsuits and water shoes are great if you plan on lakeside afternoons. Reusable water bottles and cooling towels help stay hydrated on long hikes.

Seasons-Overlapping Items

Bring consistent essentials like:

• A foldable laptop stand or portable monitor
• Laundry items such as detergent pods or quick-dry towels
• Durable luggage and collapsible duffel for flexibility
• Reusable bags, snacks, and first-aid kits

Pro Tip: For convenience, rent specialized outdoor gear (like bikes, paddleboards, snowshoes, skis) once you arrive. Local shops offer pickups and drop-offs that mean less luggage and more space. Also, ask your host for a list of nearby stores or rental partners; they’ll often give you a discounted rate.

Packing smart ensures you’re ready to live and explore every day without lugging extra bulk. Follow this strategy and your Colorado seasonal stay will feel much more like home, no matter the month.

Conclusion: Live the Colorado Lifestyle, Season by Season

Colorado isn’t just a beautiful place to visit, it’s one of the best places in North America to stay for a month or more. With two peak seasons, a variety of midterm rental options, and built-in lifestyle perks like hot springs, alpine lakes, ski runs, hiking trails, and small-town charm, this state invites you to live, not just pass through.

Whether you’re carving down the slopes in Steamboat, paddling across Grand Lake at sunset, or soaking up golden aspen views in Breckenridge, a midterm rental lets you slow down and really take it in. You’re not rushing through a long weekend. You’re settling in, connecting with the rhythm of the place and creating the kind of memories that stick.

Midterm rentals offer everything modern travellers need: furnished homes, Wi-Fi for remote work, flexible dates, and better value than short-term stays. They’re ideal for digital nomads, families in transition, couples taking a break from the city, or anyone curious about seasonal living without the weight of a lease.

As real estate writer Jill Chodorov Kaminsky noted in a Washington Post article, “Midterm rentals are helping people redefine what it means to live well—on their terms.”

If you’ve ever dreamed of wintering in the Rockies or spending a quiet summer month by the lake, there’s never been a better time to try. Colorado is ready—and Vacation Rental Co. has you covered.

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