Winter in Colorado offers you entry to various pure snow-covered landscapes, offering tons of winter actions. From iconic small ski cities that make having fun with snow sports activities accessible to Denver, a big metropolis with scrumptious meals, cultural occasions, and historic websites, Colorado has one thing for everybody. Here are the highest winter actions in Colorado to take pleasure in throughout your journey.
Best Things to Do in Colorado in Winter
Visiting Colorado in winter transports you to a real winter wonderland. The Rockies remodel into a surprising snowy playground, ideally suited for world-class snowboarding and snowboarding at well-known resorts like Aspen and Vail. Beyond the slopes, charming mountain cities sparkle with festive lights and a comfy ambiance the place you possibly can sip scorching cocoa and get into the vacation spirit. Colorado affords an ideal mix of journey and serenity, from exhilarating snowshoe hikes to enjoyable in scorching springs. So seize your ski gear and head out to the nice open air as a result of these are one of the best issues to do in Colorado in winter.
1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Colorado is taken into account by many to be one of the best ski and snowboarding vacation spot within the USA. There are over 25 ski resorts within the state unfold throughout the Rocky Mountains which have slopes for novices, consultants, and everybody in between.
Because of Colorado’s excessive altitude, the snow is plentiful. It will be skied from October by means of April and is thought for being each dry and fluffy, making it good for snowboarding.
Where to go Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado
Ski cities are scattered round Colorado, providing you with loads of choices to select from.
Vail has one of many largest resorts and a number of the finest and most various terrain in Colorado. For comfort to Denver, Breckenridge Ski Resort is the best choice for snowboarding in Colorado. You will likely be there in lower than two hours from the airport (except you’re in site visitors with the locals on the weekends). Steamboat Springs Ski Resort is much less crowded than different ski cities and is nice for households. It is cheaper than extra well-known cities like Aspen or Vail. Howelsen Hill Ski Area is North America’s oldest working ski space. It is the most affordable possibility and is ideal for new skiers. The Steamboat Resort offers 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain for all expertise ranges.
Winter Park Resort
Winter Park is certainly essentially the most all spherical ski expertise in Colorado. Often rated as the highest ski resort in North America, Winter Park Resort is the longest frequently working ski resort in Colorado and went by means of an enormous transformation when it was owned by Intrawest (The identical firm that reworked Mont Tremblant and Whistler into the dynamite ski resorts in Canada.
Renowned for its expansive ski terrain, Winter Park affords slopes that cater to all ability ranges, from novices to consultants. The resort’s alpine setting is ideal for households with alternatives to discover snow-covered trails on snowshoes or take pleasure in family-friendly actions like tubing.
Things to do at Winter Park Resort
Winter Park Resort is so fashionable for the entire household due to the sheer quantity of winter actions on provide. From sundown snowshoes to downhill snowboarding on a ski bike, if affords distinctive experiences. It has guided night time snowboarding on its Ski & Ride by Headlamp tour, and even sleigh rides. Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s most full resort in case you are trying for a resort much like Whistler with a incredible village.
With cozy lodging and a energetic après-ski scene, Winter Park Resort isn’t just a spot to go to; it’s an expertise to expertise winter in Colorado to the fullest.
2. Cross Country Skiing
If you wish to go snowboarding however in a extra relaxed manner than downhill snowboarding, give cross-country or Nordic snowboarding a strive. You can discover solitude away from the crowds the place you possibly can higher take pleasure in nature and get the well being advantages with a low-joint affect exercise. Since you don’t want to purchase a carry ticket at one of many ski resorts, it’s also a extra reasonably priced possibility for snowboarding. Instead, you will discover a spot with a every day path move.
Where to go cross-country snowboarding
3. Snow Tubing
There is a lot you are able to do to benefit from the snow past snowboarding. Snow tubing is an exercise anybody can take pleasure in, and there are lots of snow tubing hills all through Colorado. Many hills present conveyor belts that can take you proper again up the hill to come back again down once more, taking away a lot of the effort required.
Where to go Snow tubing
You can discover snow-tubing hills all through Colorado.
The Coca Cola Tubing Hill at Winter Park and the Frisco Adventure Park are each pretty handy to Denver. We went snow tubing whereas staying at an all-inclusive ranch, the place they pulled us up the hill utilizing a snowmobile, so we tubed down again and again.
4. Copper Mountain Snow Maze
Located within the East Village close to the bottom of the Super Bee chairlift, The Copper Snow Maze is the world’s highest alpine snow maze that’s made solely out of snow. It will likely be returning quickly on the mountain and has doubled in measurement with 8,000 sq. ft for friends to get misplaced within the mountains.
What’s nice about this winter exercise on Copper Mountain is that the Copper Snow Maze is free for anybody over the age of three. Just signal a waiver earlier than visiting on the Copper web site.
5. Sleigh Rides
Going on a horse-drawn sleigh journey makes for an ideal household exercise, or may also be an ideal addition to a romantic getaway. You can discover sleigh rides that embody scorching chocolate, cookies, and a few that can take you on to full meals.
Where to go for Sleigh Rides in Colorado
You can discover sleigh rides all through Colorado supplied at many resorts and journey facilities. There is nothing fairly as romantic as a sleigh journey by means of a winter wonderland. whereas sipping scorching cocoa as you watch the surroundings unfold.
6. Snowmobiling
For vacationers trying for one thing with just a little extra velocity and energy, snowmobiling is one of the best exercise for you. If you drive by means of the mountains after recent snow you will note vans with snowmobile trailers lining the highway.
Where to go Snowmobiling in Colorado
Being new to the world and certain new to snowmobiling we suggest going with a guided snowmobile tour.
Breckenridge Snowmobiling offers snowmobiling excursions and unguided snowmobile leases in Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Copper Mountain, Colorado. T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Saddleback Ranch provide snowmobiling excursions all through the winter.
7. Hot Springs
Colorado has a number of areas with scorching springs that make for a good way to chill out and heat up throughout your journey. A soak will likely be welcomed by your sore muscle mass after a day of snowboarding. Some scorching springs are very true to nature whereas others are man-made swimming pools fed by pure scorching springs. No matter what you resolve you’ll love taking a dip within the springs to heat up.
Best Hot Springs in Colorado
8. Horseback Riding
Horseback driving is a year-round exercise in Colorado however is usually restricted to path rides or indoor classes. Many of the ranches provide path rides that finish with scorching chocolate. You by no means know if you should have a sunny day with views for miles or have snowflakes coming down as you make your manner by means of a guided path.
Where to go Horseback Riding in Colorado
Saddleback Ranch Several visitor ranches like Vista Verde Ranch embody winter path rides and classes through the winter.
9. Relax in Your Cabin
Take benefit of the superb cabins in Colorado in winter. With cozy fireplaces, personal scorching tubs, and facilities that make you’re feeling at house whereas nonetheless being secluded in nature. There are tons of choices out there on VRBO or with trip rental businesses, however ensure you e book early as one of the best ones can e book as much as a yr prematurely.
Looking for a spot to remain in Colorado? Check out these Cozy Cabin Rentals for your subsequent Winter Getaway!
You can even discover cabins on the dude ranches all through Colorado. We have been to Vista Verde Ranch a number of instances and have been singing their reward ever since. You keep in a cabin however get luxurious meals and 5-star service. They maintain the everyday winter chores like shoveling your snow for you and stocking your wood-burning range with firewood. If it’s in your price range, that is one of the best ways to have a magical winter getaway in Colorado.
10. Spend Time within the Mile High City
Take a break from the mountains to see what Denver has to supply. The meals scene in Denver is continually evolving with new microbreweries opening up and loads of range of different choices. We have observed a number of stylish meals courts opening up within the space which supplies you the chance to strive a number of eating places in a single spot.
We loved going to a Denver Nuggets skilled basketball sport. The Bronco’s soccer season goes into early winter and Colorado Avalanche performs hockey by means of the winter.
Since Colorado was one of many first states to legalize marijuana within the USA, take a hashish tour to go to a develop facility, dispensaries, and eating places.
Winter Activities in Denver
11. Extreme Winter Adventures in Colorado
Dan did a incredible job showcasing one of the best winter actions in Colorado that they did. But Dave and I wish to take issues up a notch and share just a few winter adventures for adrenaline junkies and for these you’re looking for a little bit of a weekend exercise or a brand new winter sport to strive.
12. Backcountry Skiing
We have talked about downhill and cross nation snowboarding, however for actual thrill seekers, backcountry snowboarding isn’t for everybody, however if you wish to get away from the resorts and have the talents, Colorado affords a number of the finest backcountry snowboarding alternatives within the United States. If you don’t have expertise, you possibly can be part of a backcountry ski tour which is the most secure possibility. Go with an professional information who will scout avalanche hazard and one of the best situations prematurely.
Even in the event you by no means skied within the backcountry, you possibly can ski one of the best bowls in Colorado with a information. Never go into the backcountry with out expertise or a information. Places like Vail and Steamboat Springs provide guided excursions.
Where to Go Back Country Skiing
Aspen Expeditions Worldwide (Aspen): Offers guided backcountry snowboarding within the Aspen and Snowmass areas, catering to numerous ability ranges.
Colorado Adventure Guides (Summit County): Provides guided excursions in areas like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone, appropriate for completely different expertise ranges.
San Juan Mountain Guides (Ouray and Telluride): Specializes in guided backcountry excursions within the San Juan Mountains, identified for their difficult terrain.
Irwin Guides (Crested Butte): Offers customized backcountry snowboarding experiences within the Elk Mountains, together with the well-known Crested Butte space.
Paragon Guides (Vail and Beaver Creek): Known for their hut-to-hut snowboarding journeys and backcountry excursions within the Vail Valley and surrounding areas.
Rocky Mountain Alpine Guides (Rocky Mountain National Park): Provides guided backcountry snowboarding within the gorgeous terrain of Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park has quite a few backcountry snowboarding routes, notably round Bear Lake and Longs Peak
Don’t fear in the event you don’t have the price range for heliskiing, die-hard backcountry snowboarders go mountaineering as much as the highest of the bowls. It makes the reward a lot extra value it!
13. Fat Biking
Mountain bikes remodel to fats bikes take over in winter and is among the finest winter actions in Colorado. Plenty of locations provide fats biking leases the place you possibly can hit the paths and plow by means of snow. The better part? When you fall within the fluffy snow, it doesn’t damage!
Make positive to test the native path situations and climate forecasts. Some trails could require particular permits or have restrictions throughout sure instances of the yr.
Where to go Fat Biking in Colorado
Crested Butte: Often considered one of many birthplaces of mountain biking, Crested Butte affords quite a few trails good for fats biking in winter.
Aspen/Snowmass: affords wonderful fats biking trails, with leases and guided excursions available. T
Durango: This space affords a wide range of trails which might be well-suited to winter fats biking. The Horse Gulch and Telegraph Trail Systems are native favorites, providing routes for all ability ranges.
Steamboat Springs: The space round Steamboat Springs is famend for its ‘Champagne Powder’ snow, which makes for wonderful fats biking situations. The Yampa River Core Trail and Emerald Mountain are fashionable spots.
Breckenridge: Breckenridge additionally boasts nice fats biking trails, with lovely winter landscapes. Boreas Pass is a really useful path for a scenic and pleasurable journey.
14. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a enjoyable method to get into the backcountry in winter. We love canine sledding nearly as a lot because the sled canine like to run on the path. These canine have been made for winter. It is essential to e book dogsledding excursions with a good firm. Read extra: Is Dog Sledding Cruel? The Misconceptions of Dogsledding
Breckenridge: Known for its ski slopes, Breckenridge additionally affords memorable canine sledding experiences by means of lovely snowy forests and meadows. Companies like Good Times Adventures present guided excursions.
Winter Park: Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park and different native outfitters provide excursions by means of the scenic Fraser Valley, offering a mixture of exhilarating rides and alternatives to find out about mushing.
15. Ice Climbing
Colorado, affords distinctive mountaineering experiences, typically finest loved with the experience of a information. If you haven’t tried it earlier than, Ice climbing will be a whole lot of enjoyable. But like most of the adventures we recommend right here, don’t go alone in the event you don’t have expertise. There are loads of locations in Colorado that supply mountaineering programs and excursions.
Where to Go Ice Climbing in Colorado
Ouray Ice Park: Located within the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray Ice Park boasts over 200 man-made ice and combined climbs, and quite a few guiding providers function right here, catering to all ability ranges.
Lake City: This space affords a wide range of pure ice formations appropriate for climbing. It’s much less crowded than extra well-known spots, offering a extra serene expertise. Several information providers in Lake City provide personalised climbing adventures.
Vail Valley: Guided excursions can take you to hidden ice falls and frozen waterfalls within the surrounding areas, appropriate for each novices and skilled climbers.
Telluride: The space affords a spread of routes, and native information providers present professional instruction and tools.
East Vail Chutes: This space is a little more difficult and is finest suited for climbers with some expertise. Local guides can present a secure and exhilarating climbing expertise.
16. Snowshoe in Colorado
Snowshoeing is probably not thought-about excessive, however it’s positively an excessive exercise. We have carried out a ton of snowshoeing and it’s an wonderful method to keep in form. Snowshoeing will be very troublesome when breaking path however it’s a lot simpler than mountaineering in winter. When mountaineering into the backcountry you’ll want to strap on a pair of snowshoes to chop by means of the deep snow as an alternative of falling in.
Where to Go Snowshoeing in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park: With its gorgeous mountain landscapes, the park affords a spread of trails good for snowshoeing, reminiscent of Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake trails.
Aspen and Snowmass: The space round these iconic ski cities offers quite a few trails with breathtaking views, appropriate for snowshoeing lovers of all ranges.
Breckenridge: Besides being a ski haven, the world round Breckenridge has nice snowshoeing trails like Boreas Pass, which supply scenic vistas and a peaceable ambiance.
Vail: The Vail Valley has a number of trails which might be ideally suited for snowshoeing, offering a serene method to discover the winter fantastic thing about Colorado’s mountains.
Steamboat Springs: The space round Steamboat Springs is thought for its ‘Champagne Powder’ snow, good for a snowshoeing journey. The Uranium Mine Road and Fish Creek Falls path are fashionable decisions.
Telluride: The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride provide a number of the most dramatic landscapes for snowshoeing, with trails that cater to all ability ranges.
Crested Butte: Often known as the Nordic ski capital of Colorado, Crested Butte additionally affords distinctive snowshoeing alternatives with miles of scenic trails.
San Juan Mountains: This area, notably close to Ouray and Silverton, affords a number of the most picturesque snowshoeing within the state, with trails winding by means of serene, snow-covered forests and alongside frozen waterfalls.
Winter Packing Tips
When planning a winter journey, you’ll be spending a whole lot of time open air in chilly climate. Make positive to pack in layers together with breathable base layers made out of Mereno Wool, a heat insulating layer made and a water-resistant windproof outer layer.
You can learn our full articles about winter packing right here: 5 Winter Layering Tips to Dress for Extreme Cold Weather
These are all one of the best winter actions to do in Colorado. The Centennial state is an superb winter journey vacation spot. So what are you ready for? Get exterior and benefit from the snow and go to Colorado this winter.