– Researched & written by Mike Hamers
1. Head Out on a Snowshoeing Adventure
Colorado is home to some incredible winter hiking trails. Although the snow may shut some areas down in the winter, there’s still plenty of amazing winter trails. Rent some snowshoes from a local gear shop and hit up one of the easier Colorado hiking trails this winter for a fun-filled day.
WHERE: There are many amazing winter hiking trails in Colorado. Be sure to check out:
• Mayflower Gulch (near Copper Mountain)
https://www.theoutbound.com/
• Herman Gulch (right before Loveland Pass on I-70)
https://www.alltrails.com/
• Rocky Mountain National Park (ranger-led Snowshoe Walks}
https://www.nps.gov/romo/
• Estes Park – Bear Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Black Lake
https://www.visitestespark.
• Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail
https://www.theoutbound.com/
COST: Snowshoe rentals run at about $20 per day, $25 if you need poles (recommended).
2. Take a Thrilling Dog Sled Ride – “Mush!”
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a musher on a dog sled team? Now you can ride along with a dog sled team in Colorado. Dog sledding is one of the most fun-filled things to do in winter. Learn about the sport and see these amazing animals in action.
• BRECKENRIDGE – an awesome 6-mile tour along gorgeous winding trails of the Swan River Valley. Each dog sled trip begins with guides explaining how to run the sled and how to work with the Siberian Huskies on your team. The tour can handle up to 6 people, is run as a “relay” – guests switch off between running the dogs, riding in the dogsled, and riding on a small passenger sleigh with the guide. It’s about 90-minutes, stopping along the way to trade places. WEB: https://
• THE VAIL MOUNTAIN MUSHER offers the best dog sledding in the Vail Valley. Private beautiful trails, free from snowmobiles, await you! run on a private trail in Wolcott, 10 miles west of Beaver Creek. WEB: https://www.
• DURANGO DOG RANCH provides lots of love and attention to their canine cohorts and offers several different tour options that include personalized, hands-on instruction. WEB: https://www.
3. Enjoy Glenwood Springs with a Frosty Glow
One of the most scenic places in Colorado, Glenwood Springs offers some of the best things to do in winter. Soak in the incredible Iron Mountain Hot Springs after you spend the morning snowshoeing to Hanging Lake. Seeing one of the best lakes in Colorado amongst a dreamy winter landscape is a must-do.
You can scope out the lights downtown during the holiday season or try your luck at the Glenwood Escape Room. You’ll also still be able to visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (just wear warm clothing) and even enjoy ice fishing.
Where: Glenwood Springs, 2.5 hours from Denver
Cost: budget around $400 for the weekend with lodging
Website: https://www.
4. Go Fish…on the Ice
Ice fishing is arguably one of the biggest Colorado past times. You can opt to rent your own gear or go out on a guided adventure at one of the many ice fishing locales throughout the state.
Worried about the cold? Don’t fret – you can chose to rent a heated tent to stay toasty warm while you try your luck at catching rainbow trout and other Colorado fish friends. A few amazing places to ice fish in Colorado include:
• Elevenmile Reservoir, Chambers Lake, Lake Granby, Twin Lakes, and Georgetown Lake
• Guides: Ice Fishing Colorado Guides at https://icefishcolorado.com
5. Stay in a Nordic Yurt or Historic Backcountry Ski Hut
Escape the mundane days of winter and head to the mountains for a weekend yurt getaway! Pack the essentials and hike in a couple of short miles to the Never Summer Nordic yurts in State Forest State Park. Play games, go for hikes, and enjoy the cozy feel of yurt life in a wintry wonderland. You can easily snowshoe to this hut, making it an ideal choice of things to do in Colorado if you don’t ski.
If you’re really into backcountry skiing or you love spending time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, check out one of the many 10th Mountain Division backcountry huts in Colorado. Each hut is unique, some have wood-fired hot tubs and even dry saunas! Most huts require an advanced reservation, but others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pro Tip: Be prepared to hike out your trash. You don’t need to bring the kitchen sink, definitely ask what the yurt provides prior to heading out. Bring plenty of tasty snacks and some fun games to play.
Where: State Forest State Park or one of the many 10th Mountain Division huts.
Web: https://www.huts.org/
Cost: $95 per night for a 6-person yurt.
6. Take a Thrilling Snowmobiling Tour
Taking a ride on a motor-powered sled is one of the most thrilling things to do in Colorado in the winter. Snowmobile tours take you through wintry trails and lead to stunning vistas. Trail tours range from beginner to advanced.
• STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Backcountry Explorer: Cruise the Continental Divide on wooded trails through scenic Routt National Forest. The 2-hour outing includes some time for riding on your own in open meadows, but tour-takers find the guides knowledgeable, entertaining and professional. Web: https://www.
• VAIL: Sage Outdoor Adventures – This 2-hour excursion on a private course boasts views of several mountain ranges, the Continental Divide and peaks standing 14,000 ft. During the 100-mile ride, participants will climb 2,400 ft to admire the ski areas and alpine ridges below. WEB: https://
• ASPEN T-Lazy-7 Ranch – Maroon Bells Tour: This 2-hour tour on groomed trails takes riders to Maroon Lake at the base of the Maroon Bells, dual 14,000 ft peaks just southwest of Aspen. They’re often described as the most-photographed mountains in North America. Along with the views, you’ll enjoy historical commentary from your guide. WEB: https://www.tlazy7.com/
7. Fat Biking in Winter
Think you can’t ride a bike in winter? Think again. As one of the best things to do in Colorado in winter, fat biking should be at the top of your list. Beginners can enjoy an array of groomed trails, while experts will have literally limitless terrain to explore. You can rent bikes from various establishments.
• CRESTED BUTTE – Must-visit trails include: Town Ranch, Rec Path or Riverbend Connector trails. Rent from The Alpineer – info at: https://alpineer.com
• WINTER PARK – Biking doesn’t stop when snow falls. The bike tires just get a little bigger. With fat bikes, riders can keep playing on 2 wheels all winter long. Most of the 600 miles of trails that are available in summer are still available after they’re blanketed with snow. WEB: https://www.
8. International Snow Sculpture Championships Near Breckenridge Ski Resort
For a real icy treat, head to the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Every year in the town of Breckenridge, artisans work day and night to create glamorous ice sculptures. Interact and walk through the icy marvels! Seriously, it’s an amazing sight to behold.
Local Tip: There are lots of things to do in Breckenridge during winter besides skiing and snowboarding. Be sure to check out other activities too!
Where: At Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge, CO
When: January 27 – February 1, 2023
Web: https://www.
Cost: Free!
9. See the Holiday Decoration at The Broadmoor
Nobody gets into the holiday spirit quite like The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. This high-end, all-inclusive resort property is a long-coveted establishment that goes all out for Christmas. It’s one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter.
Head into the main lobby and up the stairs to see one of the most impressive gingerbread displays on the planet. At night, the grounds come alive with beautiful light decorations, outdoor fireplaces complete with s’ mores and hot cocoa.
Where: The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
Cost: Free to walk the grounds and see the gingerbread displays. Food and drinks are extra.
Special Packages: https://www.
10. Go Ice Climbing / Ouray Ice Park
Try a new outdoor sport this winter and climb some ice. If you’re into adrenaline rushes, then ice climbing is one of the best things to do in Colorado in winter besides skiing. This crazy, yet super fun sport is an excellent way to see frozen waterfalls up close and personal. Hire a guide or take a lesson and learn how to top-rope ice safely.
Pro Tip: Ice climbing is COLD and wet! Be sure to bring hand warmers, extra jackets, and toe warmers. Packing a hot thermos of soup is also a real treat. Wear waterproof pants, a jacket and gloves.
Don’t forget you’ll need to rent: Crampons, ice tools, and crampon-compatible mountaineering boots.
Where: Ouray Ice Park and the Vail Valley offer world-class ice climbing opportunities for beginners and experts alike. One of the best places to learn is the Ouray Ice Park. They “farm” or make the ice themselves and it is a more controlled environment than ice climbing in the backcountry. More into at: https://ourayicepark.com/
• ALSO SEE Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak: https://www.broadmoor.
11. Zoom Down a Winter Alpine Slide Roller Coaster!
Thrill-seekers need to check out these amazing roller coasters in Colorado.
• GLENWOOD SPRINGS – This high-flying ride is an awesome winter activity. Due to its track system, The Alpine Coaster is able to operate all year-round. The car is fixed to a track, so while you control your speed, you can shoot faster through hairpin turns and bumps without getting ejected. Try it in winter when the mountainside is bedecked with snow and the rails are lit with thousands of fairy lights. It’s magical! WEB: https://www.
• WINTER PARK ALPINE SLIDE– After a scenic 6-minute chairlift ride with amazing views, bobsled down 3,000 feet of slide that drops more than 600 vertical feet. While you’re there, check out the resort’s mountain-bike trails, gold panning, bungee tramps, human maze, zipline, climbing wall and many other family activities. WEB: https://www.
• BRECKENRIDGE EPIC DISCOVERY – This alpine coaster, Gold Runner Coaster, has elevated tracks to thrill you down 2,500 ft of mountainside (your car is also fixed to the track). They also have a typical alpine slide that gives you 3 different tracks to choose from. The park also offers a zipline, 4×4 and guided hiking tours, mini golf, scenic chairlift rides, gemstone panning, a climbing wall and other family favorites. WEB: https://www.breckenridge.
• STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – The Howler Alpine Slide is located at the top of Howelsen Hill and offers a cruise down 2,400 ft of banked turns, while the Outlaw Mountain Coaster at Steamboat Ski Resort is the longest coaster in North America at more than 6,280 linear ft.
Cost: $42 for adults and $37 for kids but it includes a gondola ride, haunted mine drop, laser tag, and two walking cave tours. WEB: https://www.colorado.com/
12. Hit-up a Mountaintop Snow Tubing Adventure Park
Skip the long lift lines and go adventure tubing at Keystone’s Mountaintop Snow Park. Perfect for families or date night, this fun-filled ride will have you smiling and laughing your way down the mountain. It’s a great way to spend some time on a ski slope without dropping tons of money to ski.
Children info: Everyone must ride in their own tube (no children on laps). Must be at least 42 inches (3.5 feet) tall — usually 4 years old.
Where: Mountaintop Snow Tubing at Keystone Resort • Cost: $30
Website: https://www.
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