Colorado Winter Activities

One of the many draws for visitors and locals to Colorado is the access to adventure in all seasons. As the days get shorter and colder, it can be easy to feel like the window for enjoying the outdoors is over, but for many Coloradans, this couldn't be further from the truth.

Colorado is known for its world-class ski resorts that bring millions to the state each winter, but there is so much more to Colorado’s snowy splendor!

• Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking

• Backcountry Skiing

• Natural Hot Springs

• Ice Castles & Snow Sculptures

• Ice Skating Frozen Lakes

• Lake Fishing

• Fat Biking Snowy Trails

• Frozen Waterfalls

• Frozen Lake Yoga Class

• Stargazing and Northern Lights Chasing

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

• If you enjoy hiking, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the quieter, snow-covered trails in winter. Rocky Mountain National Park offers trails that range from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents. The Bear Lake trail is a popular spot, or if you want something more remote, try Chasm Lake for an epic view. Winter hiking does require more intentional gear choices, planning, and knowledge of the terrain. Check out our snowshoeing services here.

Level-Up to Backcountry Skiing

• Millions of tourists come to Colorado to experience Vail, Breckenridge, Winter Park, and other infamous mountain resorts, but another gem for skiers and snowboarders is the opportunity to ditch the crowds and get immersed in the landscape through backcountry skiing. It is essential to have proper avalanche education to go backcountry skiing, and this can be best supported by an expert guide, especially for any first-timers.

Experience Natural Hot Springs

• Relaxing in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks is one of Colorado’s ultimate winter treats. Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs has secluded pools nestled in the woods, while Glenwood Hot Springs boasts one of the world’s largest mineral pools with views of Glenwood Canyon. For a rustic and private experience, try Dunton Hot Springs, where luxurious cabins await after your soak.

Wander Through the Ice Castles and Snow Sculptures

• The Colorado Ice Castles in Dillon are an enchanting maze of frozen sculptures, tunnels, and towers. Perfect for kids and adults, this winter wonderland is illuminated at night, making it magical for evening visits. Additionally, the International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge each January showcase intricate works of art crafted entirely from snow by teams from around the world.

Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes

• For a classic winter experience, try ice skating on Evergreen Lake, the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink in North America. Other scenic rinks include Beaver Creek and Vail Square, where you can skate under twinkling lights with a backdrop of snowy mountains. Many rinks offer skate rentals, and there’s no better way to embrace the winter chill than gliding on a frozen lake.

Fishing in Colorado’s High-Country Lakes

• Fly fishing is a common year-round activity for many Coloradans, and winter brings an additional outdoor favorite: ice fishing! This peaceful winter activity can be found on lakes like Eleven Mile State Park and Lake Granby. You can set up a cozy tent and drop a line for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and more. Local outfitters in these areas can support safety on the ice, and fly fishing in lower-elevation regions is accessible to our guide team at any time.

Try Fat Biking on Snowy Trails

• Fat biking, or riding a mountain bike with oversized tires built for snow, is a fast-growing winter sport in Colorado. Trails at Winter Park, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte are groomed specifically for fat biking, giving you a chance to ride through powdery landscapes. It’s a unique and active way to explore the snowy backcountry without needing to know how to ski.

Explore Frozen Waterfalls

• Discover some of Colorado’s spectacular frozen waterfalls, which transform into glittering ice sculptures each winter. Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon is breathtakingly beautiful, with the lake and its falls encased in ice. For another scenic spot, try Boulder Falls or Rifle Falls—both are easily accessible.

Take a Frozen Lake Yoga Class

• Maybe you’ve done heated yoga, but have you done frozen yoga? This emerging winter trend can be found in places like Evergreen Lake and other frozen bodies of water. Local instructors hold outdoor classes on the ice (with mats and special shoes to prevent slipping), offering a serene, mindful experience surrounded by snowy landscapes. Practicing yoga outdoors in winter offers a refreshing, invigorating way to connect with nature while embracing Colorado’s beautiful winter setting.

Stargazing and Northern Lights Chasing

• On clear winter nights, Colorado’s skies are brilliant with stars. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both designated Dark Sky Parks, making them ideal stargazing locations. Head out on a cloudless night to catch glimpses of constellations, planets, and even the occasional shooting star. With rare but real northern lights sightings in Colorado’s northern regions, you might even get an unforgettable view of the aurora, keep an eye on aurora conditions here.

Colorado offers a diverse array of winter activities beyond skiing. Embrace the season by exploring these exciting options and make the most of Colorado's winter wonderland. Give us a call or contact us to learn more about our programs.