Must Do Winter Activities

The winter season is a magical time of the year to visit Colorado. It’s the perfect season for unique activities like dog-sledding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. Here are 10 winter adventures you’ll find in Colorado that should be on your bucket list.

1. Ice Castles

Ice Castle

The Dillon Ice Castles offers a winter experience unlike any other in the state. The castles are built by ice artists in Dillon’s Town Park, featuring slides, fountains, tunnels, thrones, crawl spaces, and towers that dazzle with LED color-changing lights and music. Tickets normally sell out pretty fast, so be sure to grab them in advance. Get all the details here.

2. Ice Climbing

A woman climbs a frozen waterfall. Photo Credit: frontpoint (iStock).
Dig your axes into frozen falls this winter season. Climbers looking for an exhilarating way to explore Colorado’s picturesque alpine scenery can embark on an ice climbing adventure. Head for the small town of Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, one of the top ice climbing destinations in the world. If you’ve never been ice climbing before, we strongly recommend using a guided service.

3. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in Colorado
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from casting a line. Get hooked on ice fishing this winter season. Popular destinations for exploring this winter sport include Eleven Mile Reservoir, Lake Granby, Twin Lakes Reservoirs, and Chambers Lake.

4. Skiing & Snowboarding

Person on a snowboard
There’s no better place to explore the magic of fresh powder skiing than Colorado. Each ski resort has its own unique personality, offering the chance to explore varied tree-runs, alpine bowls, steep slopes, backcountry terrain, jumping hills, scenic overlooks, and much more. Here’s an entire list of all 26 Colorado ski resorts.

5. Hot Springs

hot springs
Recharge your adventurous spirit with a wintertime soak in any one of the natural hot springs floating around the state. Shake off the winter chill with creekside soaks at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort or head to Strawberry Hot Springs for a soothing mountain escape. Soaking in the world’s deepest hot springs at Pagosa Springs is another refreshing pick. For a full list of hot springs around the state, click here. Please note, hours vary and some locations may be closed during the winter season.

6. Scenic Train Rides

Train
Journey into a winter wonderland and experience natural beauty around the snow-filled state in a unique way by hopping aboard a train. When it comes to scenic train rides, there are several options including Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad TrainRoyal Gorge Route Railroad, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Take your pick and enjoy the views!

7. Snowmobiling

snowmobiles
Snowmobiling is a great way to get an adrenaline rush while seeing beautiful backcountry scenery. There are a number of guided tours that can be found around the state including T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Snowmobiles in Aspen, Vail Snowmobiling Tours & Rentals in Vail, High Country Snowmobile Tours in Breckenridge, White Mountain Snowmobile Tours in Leadville, and Grand Adventures in Winter Park.

9. Dog-Sledding

Riding husky dogs sledge in snow winter forest.
Calling all dog-loving explorers! This snowy adventure is for you. Dog-sledding is a fun way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of glittering snow-capped peaks and freshly dusted pines set in the winter season. Here are just a few dog-sledding destinations that will take you off the beaten path.

10. Snow Tubing

snow tubing
Riding down snowy slopes isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. Discover a winter activity that’s fun for the entire family. Snow tubing is a great alternative for adventuring off-the-slopes in Colorado. Top spots for tubing include Copper Mountain, Fraser Tubing Hill, Echo Mountain, Monarch Mountain, Keystone Resort, Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Winter Park, and Hesperus Ski Area.

Post a Comment