Colorado is primarily known, when it comes to recreation, for its world-class skiing.  Aspen and Vail are the most famous of the state's ski destinations, but there are other, less expensive areas, including Copper Mountain, Keystone and Winter Park, that offer outstanding skiing.  In all, the state has more than 20 ski areas.

But Colorado is a recreation Paradise, with much more than skiing available to its residents and visitors.  The state attracts an outdoor-oriented population and has one of the lowest obesity rates in the nation.  That recreation is so ingrained in the fabric of the state may come from the fact that there are more than 300 days of sunshine each year and that when the sun does shine, the state is gorgeous, from flower-covered meadows to soaring mountains, inviting all kinds of outdoor activity, including mountain biking, fishing, roller blading, hiking and rafting.