THE BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES IN COLORADO
Colorado’s winter offers a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural landscapes. From small, accessible ski areas to enjoying snow sports to Denver with its delicious food and cultural events, Colorado offers something for everyone. These are the top Colorado winter activities you can enjoy on your Colorado trip.
Things To Do In Colorado In Winter
Go Skiing Or Snowboarding
Many consider Colorado the best place to ski or snowboard in the USA. Colorado has more than 25 ski resorts spread throughout the Rocky Mountains. There are slopes for everyone, including beginners and experts. Colorado is high up, so the snow is abundant. It can be skied between October and April. The snow is both dry and fluffy, making it ideal for skiing.
Colorado: Where to Go Skiing and Snowboarding
Colorado has many ski towns, giving you plenty to choose from.
- Vail is home to one of Colorado’s largest resorts, as well as some of Colorado’s most beautiful and diverse terrain.
- Breckenridge, Colorado’s top choice for skiing in Colorado, is convenient to Denver. The airport is less than two hours away unless you’re stuck in traffic on weekends.
- Steamboat Springs is an excellent place for families, as it is less crowded than other resorts. It is cheaper than other towns such as Vail and Aspen. Howelsen Hill Ski Area in North America is the oldest continuously operating ski area. This is the best option for beginners, and it is also the most affordable. The Steamboat Resort offers 1,200 hectares of terrain suitable for all levels.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country and Nordic skiing are great options for those who want to ski more relaxedly than downhill. Cross-country and Nordic skiing allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature while also getting the benefits of a low-impact workout. It is cheaper to ski than to buy a lift ticket at a resort. You can instead find a place that offers a daily trail pass.
Cross-country skiing: Where can you go?
- Many ranches offer cross-country skiing. Vista Verde Ranch can even provide hot chocolate to end your snow adventure.
- You will find Nordic Centers throughout the state, particularly near ski resorts such as the Breckenridge Nordic Center or Beaver Creek Nordic Sports Center.
Snow tubing
You can enjoy the snow in many other ways than skiing. There are many snow tubing spots throughout Colorado. Anyone can enjoy snow tubing. Many hills have conveyor belts that take you back up the mountain and bring you back down again. This takes out most of the effort.
Where to go snow tubing
Colorado has many snow-tubing hills. The Frisco Adventure Park and Coca-Cola Tubing Hill in Winter Park are close to Denver. The all-inclusive ranch provided snow tubing and a snowmobile to transport us up the hill. We then tubed down again.
Copper Mountain Snow Maze
The Copper Snow Maze, located in the East Village at the base of Super Bee’s chairlift, is the highest alpine snow maze made entirely of snow. The Copper Snow Maze has been back for the second year and now covers 8,000 feet.
The best thing about the Copper Snow Maze winter activity is that it is accessible to anyone over 3. Before you visit the Copper website, make sure to sign a waiver.
Sleigh Rides
A horse-drawn sleigh ride is a great family activity or an excellent addition to a romantic getaway. There are sleigh rides with hot chocolate, cookies, or full meals.
Colorado: Where can you go for sleigh rides
Sleigh rides are available at numerous resorts and adventure centers throughout Colorado.
- Two Below zero Frisco offers sleigh rides with hot cocoa and cookies, private rides, or a ride with dinner.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is the perfect activity for those who want to experience more power and speed. You will often see snowmobile trailers on the roads if you drive through the mountains in fresh snow.
Colorado: Where can you go snowmobiling?
We recommend a guided tour for those who are new to the area or new to snowmobiling.
- Breckenridge Snowmobiling offers unguided snowmobile rentals and tours in Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, and Beaver Creek, Colorado.
- TLazy-7 Ranch and Saddleback Ranch offer snowmobiling tours all through the winter.
Hot Springs
Colorado is home to many hot springs, which are an excellent way to unwind and get warm during your Colorado vacation. After a hard day skiing, a soak is a welcome relief. Some hot springs are true to nature, while others are artificially created pools fed by natural hot springs.
Best Hot Springs in Colorado
- Old Town Hot Springs Steamboat Springs
- Glenwood Hot Springs
- Mount Princeton Hot Spring Resort
Horseback riding
Colorado offers horseback riding all year but is limited to indoor lessons or trail rides. Hot chocolate is a common accompaniment to many ranches’ trail rides. It’s possible to have beautiful views and snowflakes falling as you travel along a guided trail.
Colorado Horseback Riding: Where can you go?
- Saddleback Ranch
- Vista Verde Ranch is one of many guest ranches offering winter trails and winter lessons.
Relax in Your Cabin
Colorado has some of the most beautiful cabins available in winter. Thanks to the cozy fireplaces and private hot tubs, you will feel at home in Colorado. You have many options on VRBO and with vacation rental agencies. But make sure to book early. The best properties can be booked up to one year in advance.