Renowned for its
unmatched downhill ski slopes, Colorado also offers an array of
winter activities visitors can enjoy off the slopes. From luxurious hot
springs soaks and quiet snowshoe excursions, to hot air balloon rides
and dog sledding adventures, Colorado is a wintertime playground for any
age and thrill level. The Colorado Tourism Office has highlighted 13
unforgettable winter activities in store for Colorado travelers. For
more information visit www.COLORADO.com.
- Romantic Relaxation.
Dunton Hot Springs is a 19th century mining camp turned luxe resort
that combines old world charm with modern conveniences. It also provides
opportunities to explore fresh powder beyond an individual cabin’s back
door, including dog sledding, ice climbing, heli-skiing, avalanche
education and more. www.DuntonHotSprings.com
- Nordic Photography.
Learn how to photograph winter using various techniques while accessing
subject matter on Nordic skis or snowshoes. Six Nordic photography
workshops are offered from January through March for $55 each, which
includes the workshop and Nordic pass. www.CrestedButteArts.org
- Dog Sledding Adventures For All Ages.
Siberian and Alaskan Huskies guide sleds through Colorado mountain
trails. Full day “Mushing Madness” and half-day “Mush on the Brain”
options guarantee exhilarating adventure and breathtaking beauty. With a
guide on every sled, all participants have the opportunity to drive. www.DurangoDogRanch.com
- Glide Across Grand Mesa’s Skyway and County Line. Discover
32.4 miles of some of the state’s best trails for cross-country skiing,
skate skiing and snowshoeing. Athletes can enjoy free tree skiing and
open meadows skiing and can even bring dogs along to County Line. www.GMNC.org
- Ice Fishing in Diverse Waters.
Try ice fishing on Colorado’s largest lake, Blue Mesa Reservoir near
Gunnison, with local outfitters who make this winter activity effortless
and fun. www.HighMtnDrifters.com
- Snowshoe Across the Rockies.
Follow in wildlife’s footsteps through Rocky Mountain National Park,
where elk, coyotes, deer and other wildlife remain active during the
winter. Some of the Park’s most beautiful snow-covered backcountry
trails can only be reached on snowshoes. www.VisitEstesPark.com
- Ice Climbing in the “Switzerland of America.”
Novices and gurus alike can experience the exhilaration of ascending
massive walls of ice in Ouray, aptly nicknamed the “Switzerland of
America.” The Ouray Ice Park is the world’s first park dedicated
exclusively to the sport of ice climbing, where local guides and
instructors are available to beginners. www.OurayIcePark.com
- Snowmobiling at Grand Lake.
Travelers can snowmobile to remote locations in the snowmobiling
capitol of Colorado, Grand Lake. Known for its proximity to Rocky
Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is base camp for winter pursuits that
take visitors off the beaten path. www.GrandLakeChamber.com
- Wintertime Golf.
Weather permitting, three golf courses in Montrose remain open all
winter long. The Links at Cobble Creek features jaw-dropping views of
the San Juan Mountains, the Bridges is a par-71, Nicklaus-designed
course, and Montrose Black Canyon Golf Club offers both a park-style
course on the front nine and a links-style course on the back. www.VisitMontrose.com/index.aspx?nid=130
- Hot Air Ballooning.
Get a bird’s eye view of three million acres of snow-covered national
forest and wilderness areas surrounding Pagosa Springs with a winter hot
air balloon ride. www.VisitPagosaSprings.com
- History in the Backcountry.
Many trails in Breckenridge’s snowy backcountry are preexisting paths
and flumes used by miners in search of gold. On a snowshoe or Nordic ski
outing, travelers will uncover restored dredge boats once used for gold
mining, abandoned pioneer cabins and more. www.GoBreck.com
- The Best of Fly-Fishing. Winter
is the best time to fish Colorado's Gold Medal rivers. Carbondale is
centrally located to access the big Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, Crystal
and Colorado rivers. The local fly shops are open year-round to assist
visitors. www.Carbondale.com/winter-base-camp
- Scenic Jeep Tours. Step inside a mountain ATV vehicle to experience the spectacular views of the snow-capped Continental Divide. Travel along historic mining trails on an individualized and professionally guided wintertime tour. www.MileHiRafting.com