Colorado Winter Activities Off the Slopes
Get out and try something new this winter.
Ready to try something new this winter? While Colorado is known for it’s top notch skiing and snowboarding resorts there are plenty of other activities to try out and enjoy in the winter months. Get ready to try something new this winter off the slopes but on the snow (and ice).
Change up your winter routine with some:
Winter Cycling
Dog Sledding
Feel the wind on your cheeks as trained furry professionals whisk you over the hills on a dog sledding excursion. Outfitters in Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Bond, Fraser, Oak Creek, Durango and Leadville offer exhilarating mushing trips through the Rocky Mountains. Take turns running the dogs and riding in the sled on this one-of-a-kind Colorado adventure.
This is an excellent alternative activity for any dog lover or anyone looking to explore the terrain around them in an entirely different way that they are used to. The dogs absolutely love to get out and run and their excitement is contagious leading to and memorable experience in the Colorado high country.
Ice Climbing
Get vertical ice climbing in Ouray, Redstone and Vail this winter. One of the premier climbing venues in the world, the man-made Ouray Ice Park rests along a one-mile stretch of the Uncompahgre Gorge and features 200 man-made ice and mixed climbs, 14 distinct climbing areas and three miles of vertical terrain. While it might not be the best activity for anyone with a fear of heights you don’t have to be an avid rock climber to swing an axe at this winter sport. Hiring a guide is an important first step for a novice ice-climber. From instructions on proper technique, setting good protection and locating where the best ice is a guide is a must have service. Call on area outfitters for instruction and guided trips.
Snowmobile Tours
Colorado snowmobile tours range from groomed-terrain beginner tours to big-mountain backcountry adventures skirting the Continental Divide. Round up your crew for a guided group tour in Winter Park, Leadville, Crested Butte and beyond. Never driven a snowmobile? That’s alright, guided tours will show you not only the way to go but offer important tips on how to handle your machine.
While driving a snowmobile might seem like a casual activity it ends up being harder than it looks and is a great way to build up an appetite as well as a great way to see parts of the mountains that you might otherwise never get to see.
Cross Country Skiing
Get your fill of crisp winter air and gorgeous mountain backdrops on a low-impact Nordic or cross-country skiing outing. Choose from designated backcountry skinny-ski trails or pristine groomed paths at one of Colorado’s many Nordic centers (where equipment rentals and lessons are also available). Most of Colorado’s winter ski resorts have a nearby cross country ski area. Winter Park has the legendary Devil’s Thumb cross country ski area, Steamboat has 3 touring areas and the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic trail system is one of the country’s largest free-access areas. Not only are there a large number of groomed trails available around the state for free the price of trail access for the best trails is still a fraction of what downhill skiing costs at one of the major resorts.
Winter Cycling
Try one of the fastest growing winter sports in Colorado and jump on a fat bike tour or solo ride. These bikes come equipped with beefy wide tires, thick tread and enlarged frames built to float over snow, making it fairly easy to pick up the sport. Rental shops statewide have extended their fleets to accommodate snowy months and many of Colorado’s cross country touring areas now groom trails for fat tire bicycles to ride on in the winter months. While people often look at cycling in the winter time and think “How do you stay warm?” dressing for winter activities isn’t as hard as it might seem. The right clothes can make any activity enjoyable.
For more Colorado winter activity ideas, the lowdown on the state’s 25 ski resorts and Colorado discount travel packages, visit coloradoinfo.com/colorado-winter.
By Doug Demusz
