Embrace the Snow: Best Winter Activities in Colorado

Go ice skating at Keystone Lake

During Colorado’s winter months, Keystone Lake freezes over and becomes one of the best outdoor skating areas in the state. This five-acre lake has 12,000-foot mountains in the background and a large Christmas tree in the center, making for a very picturesque skating experience. This lake is the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ski rink in North America.

Go tubing in Fraser

Tubing, similarly to sledding but on an inflatable tube, is a great way to play in the snow. The city of Fraser is known for tubing. Home to the Historical Fraser Tubing Hill, known as the original tubing hill, Fraser is a two-hour drive from Denver. The slopes to tube down are well groomed and perfect for all ages and all skill levels.

Go ice fishing at Lake Granby

Lake Granby, a 7,250-acre lake, freezes over during the winter time and becomes a popular ice fishing destination. Fish for rainbow trout, brown trout and even salmon that swim beneath the ice. Lake Granby became popular among ice fishers because it is one of the lakes included in the Three Lakes Ice-Fishing Contest that happens every January.

Snowshoe at Copper Mountain

Although there are numerous places to go snowshoeing during the winter months in Colorado, Copper Mountain offers free, guided snowshoe tours, making it perfect for the beginner or anyone new to Copper Mountain. The three-mile, three-hour tour toward Vail Pass is a perfect way to experience the snowy weather at a slower pace. Tours are offered daily.

Try cross-country Nordic skiing at Devil's Thumb Ranch

Nordic skiing, not to be confused with alpine skiing, is the act of traveling on skis on typically flat or mild terrain. Nordic ski bindings are different than alpine ski bindings. The bindings on Nordic skis allow the heel to rise, making climbing up in elevation possible. Also referred to as cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing is very popular in Colorado. There are numerous areas to Nordic ski in Colorado, but Devil’s Thumb Pass in Tabernash has become one of the most popular cross-country ski areas in the state.

Go dogsledding in Leadville

A great way for the animal lover to enjoy winter scenery is to go dogsledding. Alpine Adventures Dogsledding in Leadville is one of the most popular places to experience dogsledding in Colorado. Alpine Adventures also serves as a rescue facility for sled dogs.

Go snowmobiling in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs and its adjacent areas have some of the best snowmobiling terrain in the state. Due to the expansive and rideable terrain, riders of all skill levels will feel comfortable, especially near Rabbit Ears Pass or in Routt National Forest. Steamboat Snowmobile Tours is a company that takes the guesswork out of snowmobiling by providing tours, gear and a free shuttle from popular resorts in Steamboat Springs.

Ski or snowboard in Vail

With 25 ski resorts in Colorado and lots of backcountry terrain to ride, Colorado is a great destination for the skier and snowboarder. Large ski resorts reside in Colorado, but Vail is truly one of the most popular and well known. With seven back bowls and well-groomed runs on the front of the mountain, both skiers and snowboarders at any level will enjoy the terrain at this ski resort. Vail has over 5,289 acres of skiable terrain and offers 31 lifts, three terrain parks and gets over 300 inches of snow a year.

Build a snowman in Pagosa Springs

Now Colorado's winters are notorious for pristine and powdery snow. Snow can be found nearly everywhere in the state during the chilly months, but Wolf Creek Ski Resort in Pagosa Springs receives more snow than any other place in Colorado at over 400 inches a year. A snowman can be built anywhere with snow. However, Wolf Creek's snow at Wolf Creek Ski Area is all natural, not manmade. The area of Wolf Creek is sure to provide the best snow to build the perfect snowman this winter season.

Take a train ride up Pikes Peak

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad, will take you up to the famous Pikes Peak, a 14,000-foot mountain near Colorado Springs. This railway is open year-round for visitors, but winter is a great time to take this train ride. During November and December, enjoy the Christmas-themed train where you can catch a glimpse of St. Nicholas, meet the crew from the North Pole, socialize with Santa's elves and enjoy hot chocolate against the snowy scenery.

Go fat tire biking at Front Range Ride Guides

Biking has become a popular activity among Colorado residents, and the snow doesn't stop bikers from enjoying a great ride. A fat tire bike, an off-road bike with wide, thick tires, makes it possible to bike in snowy and icy conditions. Since the tires are wider, they provide more traction than a regular bike, making it perfect for Colorado's powdery snow conditions. Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins are the top biking towns in Colorado. Hit up any of these destinations to rent fat tire bikes and find guided tours.

Attend the Winter X Games in Aspen

The Winter X Games is held in Aspen every January. Although tickets are required for the nightly concerts, sport competitions are free and open to the public. View some of the greatest athletes compete in winter action sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

View snow sculptures in Breckenridge

From late January to early February Breckenridge hosts the International Snow Sculpture Championship. View incredible works of art made entirely of snow. Artists use only hand tools to create impressive sculptures that start out as a 12-foot-tall, 20-ton block of snow. Typically, it takes artists five days and a total of 65 hours to sculpt the snow into unbelievable works.

View holiday lights in Denver

During the holiday season, a gorgeous array of holiday lights can be found in Denver at Denver Botanic Gardens. Known as Blossoms of Lights, the garden is illuminated with glistening and vibrate lights portraying animated scenes. Since plants don't thrive during the winter months in Colorado, this is a great way for the plants to come back to life with light.

Visit a hot spring in Glenwood Springs

A hot spring is a relaxing way to enjoy the chilly outdoors in Colorado. Although the temperature outside may be well below freezing, a hot spring stays nice and warm year-round. There are numerous hot springs to visit in Colorado. However, the hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs is one of the hottest natural hot spring pools in the world.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Ice Skating at Keystone Lake: Skate on North America's largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rink surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery.
• Tubing in Fraser: Enjoy tubing at the Historical Fraser Tubing Hill, known for its well-groomed slopes suitable for all ages.
• Ice Fishing at Lake Granby: Partake in ice fishing for trout and salmon at Lake Granby, a popular spot included in the Three Lakes Ice-Fishing Contest.
• Snowshoeing at Copper Mountain: Experience free guided snowshoe tours, ideal for beginners or those new to the area.
• Nordic Skiing at Devil's Thumb Ranch: Explore cross-country skiing in Tabernash, known for its extensive and popular Nordic skiing trails.
• Dogsledding in Leadville: Enjoy a unique winter adventure with dogsledding at Alpine Adventures, also a rescue facility for sled dogs.
• Snowmobiling in Steamboat Springs: Explore the vast snowmobiling terrain in Steamboat Springs, with tours and equipment provided by local companies.
• Skiing or Snowboarding in Vail: Ski or snowboard at Vail, one of Colorado’s most famous ski resorts, featuring extensive terrain and multiple facilities.
• Building a Snowman in Pagosa Springs: Create the perfect snowman with the natural, powdery snow at Wolf Creek Ski Resort, receiving over 400 inches of snow annually.
• Train Ride up Pikes Peak: Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad, and enjoy a winter-themed ride with views and Christmas celebrations.
• Fat Tire Biking at Front Range Ride Guides: Cycle through snow and icy conditions with fat tire bikes, available in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
• Attend the Winter X Games in Aspen: Watch top athletes compete in winter sports for free at the annual Winter X Games held in January.
• View Snow Sculptures in Breckenridge: Admire intricate snow sculptures at the International Snow Sculpture Championship held from late January to early February.
• View Holiday Lights in Denver: Experience the Blossoms of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens, where vibrant light displays animate the winter scenery.
• Visit a Hot Spring in Glenwood Springs: Relax in the naturally hot and warm waters of the world-renowned hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.