Colorado in Winter: 14 Bucket List Things to Do
Forget hibernating! When winter blankets Colorado in white, the real fun begins. Beyond the postcard views lies a world of endless outdoor fun.
Curious about dog sledding through silent forests or sipping cocoa in a snow-globe village? Stick around as we unveil Colorado’s winter magic – no ordinary ski trip here!
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1. Snowshoeing at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park becomes a snowy playground perfect for snowshoeing. Strap on those snowshoes and hit the trails for jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes.
Trek through pristine powder on trails like Lake Haiyaha, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Hallett Peak and Chaos Canyon.
Ranger-led snowshoe walks are available from both the Grand Lake and Estes Park entrances. These guided tours are a fantastic way to learn about the park’s winter ecology.
2. Ice Climbing at Ouray Ice Park
Strap on your crampons and grab your ice axes; the Ouray Ice Park is a frosty playground for winter adventurers. With over 200 routes carved into a natural gorge, you’ll find challenges for every skill level.
Don’t worry if you’re new to ice climbing. Local guides offer lessons to get you scaling frozen waterfalls in no time. The park’s proximity to Ouray’s quaint downtown means you can warm up with hot cocoa after your climb.
Advanced climbers can test their mettle on mixed routes combining rock and ice. The park hosts the annual Ouray Ice Festival, drawing top climbers from around the globe.
Insider Tip: Rent gear in town and arrive early to snag the best routes. The ice park is free to use, so you can climb all day without breaking the bank.
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3. Snowmobiling in the Vail Valley
In Vail Valley, you can zip through snowy landscapes and take in breathtaking mountain views on guided tours.
Vail snowmobile tours often climb to stunning vistas along the Continental Divide. You’ll encounter awe-inspiring sights of Colorado’s tallest peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate experience, consider booking a private tour. You’ll get personalized attention and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
4. Tubing at Keystone’s Adventure Point
Want a break from skiing? Head to Keystone’s Adventure Point for some snow tubing fun. Perched at 11,640 feet, it’s one of the highest tubing hills in Colorado.
No need to trudge uphill after each run. A convenient conveyor lift whisks you back to the top. With multiple lanes of varying steepness, there’s a thrill level for everyone in your group.
Insider Tip: Book your tubing session in advance, especially during peak times. Slots fill up quickly!
5. Ice Skating in Breckenridge
Carve across glistening ice with stunning mountain views in Breckenridge. The Stephen C. West Ice Arena offers both indoor and outdoor rinks for year-round skating fun.
Don’t worry if you forgot your gear. The arena’s Pro Shop has you covered with skate rentals and other equipment.
For a truly magical experience, head to the outdoor rink at Grand Colorado on Peak 8. Surrounded by snowy slopes, the views are absolutely breathtaking!
Insider Tip: Visit the rinks in the evening for twinkling lights and a romantic atmosphere. Warm up afterward with a steaming cup of cocoa from a nearby café.
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6. Dog Sledding in the Mountains
Want to feel like an Arctic explorer? Dog sledding lets you cruise through snowy forests with a pack of energetic huskies leading the way. You’ll zoom past frost-covered pines and catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
Professional mushers teach you the ropes, so don’t worry if you’re new to this frosty sport. They’ll show you how to command your furry crew and steer the sled like a pro.
The San Juan Mountains near Durango offer particularly stunning backdrops for your mushing escapade.
7. Sleigh Rides in the Rockies
Ride through the snowy forests of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, bundled up in cozy blankets as horses pull your sleigh across pristine winter landscapes.
You can choose from daytime or evening rides, with options for couples or the whole family. Many tours include gourmet meals, local wines, and steaming mugs of cocoa to keep you toasty.
Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides are particularly popular, offering dinner packages with breathtaking mountain views. Most sleigh rides run from December to March, weather permitting.
Insider Tip: Book an evening ride to catch the sunset and stargaze as you return. The twinkling night sky above the Rockies is truly spectacular.
8. Go Cross-Country Skiing
Winter transforms Black Canyon into a snowy paradise for cross-country skiers. You’ll glide along the South Rim Drive, now closed to vehicles and groomed for both classic and skate skiing techniques.
The 6-mile one-way trail offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered canyon walls. As you ski, you’ll pass through oak groves and open meadows, with the dramatic landscape as your backdrop.
Rangers often lead guided snowshoe programs, perfect for mixing up your winter activities. These tours provide fascinating insights into the park’s geology and ecology.
Insider Tip: Bring your own skis or rent them in nearby Gunnison or Montrose. Start your adventure at the South Rim Visitor Center for easy trail access and up-to-date condition reports.
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9. Riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
You can’t miss the chance to hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad this winter. Ride through Colorado’s stunning landscapes as you soak in scenic views of snow-dusted canyons and the frosty Arkansas River.
Choose from various seating options to suit your style and budget. Coach class tickets start at $89 for adults, while the Vista Dome offers premium views for a more luxurious experience.
The train serves up multi-course culinary delights paired with wines from around the globe. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
During the holiday season, the Santa Express Train transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Kids and adults alike can revel in the festive atmosphere, complete with carols and cocoa.
Insider Tip: Book an afternoon departure to catch the golden hour light illuminating the gorge. The soft winter sun creates a truly magical atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
10. Hot Springs in the Mountains
Colorado’s mountains hide steamy oases perfect for winter soaking. Imagine yourself immersed in warm, mineral-rich waters as snowflakes gently fall around you. It’s pure bliss.
Glenwood Springs boasts the world’s largest hot springs pool, stretching an impressive 405 feet. The 90-degree water will melt away your winter chill in no time.
For a more intimate soak, head to Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Nestled along the Colorado River, these pools offer stunning views of the snow-capped Rockies.
Insider Tip: Pack a warm, fluffy robe and slip-on shoes for the chilly dash between pools.
11. Fat Biking in Winter Park
Winter Park transforms into a fat biking paradise when snow blankets the trails. You can pedal through frosty forests on specially designed bikes with ultra-wide tires.
Over 600 miles of summer trails become winter playgrounds for these chunky-wheeled rides. Fat biking trails vary based on snow conditions and trail width. Colder temperatures mean better traction, so plan your ride accordingly.
Insider Tip: For the best fat biking experience, head out early morning when the snow is freshly groomed and crisp.
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12. Ice Bumper Cars in Steamboat Springs
At the Howelsen Ice Arena, you can glide, spin, and bump your way across the rink in ice bumper cars. These inflatable tubes on wheels offer a playful twist on a classic amusement park ride.
It’s a perfect activity for all ages, blending the thrill of bumper cars with the novelty of ice skating. No special skills required – just a sense of adventure and a willingness to let loose.
Insider Tip: Book your 20-minute session in advance at the Howelsen Ice Arena. Arrive early to grab the best cars and maximize your time on the ice.
13. Zoo Lights in Denver
The Denver Zoo transforms into a glittering paradise during winter. Zoo Lights bathes the grounds in over two million twinkling bulbs, creating a magical atmosphere.
This beloved holiday tradition runs from early December to early January. You’ll spot illuminated animal sculptures and enjoy festive music as you wander the pathways.
Ticket prices vary, with adults paying around $25 and children $15-20. Book in advance, as this popular event often sells out.
Insider Tip: Visit on a weeknight for smaller crowds and a more relaxed stroll through the luminous winter wonderland.
14. Christkindl Market in Denver
The Denver Christkindlmarket brings a slice of European holiday cheer to Colorado. This German-style market transforms Civic Center Park into a festive hub. You can browse stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and decorations.
Savor traditional German fare like bratwurst and pretzels. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) as you stroll through the market.
The market typically runs from late November to December 23rd, giving you plenty of time to visit.
