If sliding down a mountain on skis or a snowboard isn’t your style, we get that. While Colorado is known for some of the best slopes in the nation, we keep a few tricks up our sleeves off the slopes, too. If you haven’t been dog sledding, snow tubing, or enjoying winter another way, now is the time.
Ice Skating
If you’re in the mountains, there’s ice skating in almost every ski town. Or, if you’re along the Front Range, there’s ice skating in every city from Fort Collins down to Colorado Springs. We made a list of where to go in Denver, Longmont, and Louisville.
Snow/Ice Sculptures & Ice Castles
Want to step inside an ice castle, or see ice towers more than 40ft high? In Dillon, Colorado, you can take a tour of the huge ice castles and towers made with more than 25 million pounds of ice. Or, head over to Breckenridge to watch professional ice sculptors carve 20-ton blocks of ice into elaborate sculptures during the International Snow Sculpture Championships. You won’t believe the impressive artwork that snow sculptors can make.
Snow Tubing
Inner tubing down the slopes instead of skiing? Yes, Colorado has that, and it’s become so popular that most major resorts in Colorado have hills designated just for it. You can find snow tubing at Copper, Snowmass, Frisco, Vail, Keystone, and even more resorts. Enjoy the “magic carpet ride” to the top of the tubing hill, and then feel the wind on your face as you slide down your lane!
Snow Shoeing
If a scenic hike in the mountain is more your pace, try snowshoeing. Along the Front Range, check out the 355 miles of trails at Rocky Mountain National Park, or the 5,000 acres of trails at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Most resorts – including Eldora, Crested Butte, Keystone, Vail, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek – have packages to rent equipment and follow along a guided tour, providing the comfort and expertise of a guide leading you through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
Snowmobile Tours
Take on the slopes with some speed on a snowmobile tour! Everything from family-friendly tours to excursions where you can catch some speed are available at different resorts in Colorado. Gear up and dress warm, and get ready for some fast-paced fun. Whether you’re taking a day off skiing or headed into the mountains just for this, don’t forget to take a look at the panoramic mountain views while you’re gliding across the snow.
Dog Sledding
Take a step back in time to enjoy an older pastime: dog sledding. Up to twelve huskies will pull you through the peaceful mountain terrain, while you stay warm beneath the cozy blankets on a wooden dog sled. Watch the dogs do what they love, learn about this old-fashioned method of transportation, and enjoy the mountains in a brand new way.
Hot Springs
While soaking in the hot springs might not involve snow, it’s perfect for after a day of any winter sport. Relax and unwind while surrounded by the snowy mountains you explored all day. One of the most popular hot springs is Glenwood Springs, but you can find numerous hot springs tucked into the mountains.