This may not be the best winter Colorado has ever seen but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out and enjoy it. It’s only winter once a year so hit up some of these great spots for an awesome snow filled day.
Here are our recommendations for a true Colorado winter experience:
Here are our recommendations for a true Colorado winter experience:
Skiing
Copper Mountain
Right off of I-70, Copper Mountain will give you a true Colorado native experience. With fewer tourists on the mountain, lift lines are generally short so you can get a lot of runs in. Copper features runs for everyone, from cruiser greens to powdery back bowls.
Winter Park/Mary Jane
Skip Summit County traffic and head up and over Berthoud Pass to Winter Park and Mary Jane. This large resort features runs for beginners and experts. The Mary Jane side of the resort is not for the faint of heart, but offers a truly exceptional experience on powder days.
Breckenridge
As a true resort town, Breckenridge is a wonderful stop for the whole family. Send the kids to ski school, grandma and grandpa can relax in the lodge and cruise the town while mom and dad and teenagers hit the slopes. The resort features 5 peaks, spans 2,908 acres, has 4 terrain parks and North America’s highest chairlift, the Imperial Express. You may even run into an Olympian or two.
Tubing and Sledding
Colorado Adventure Park
Colorado Adventure Park in Winter Park is an awesome stop for the whole family. All you need is your snow clothes. You can pay for tubing by the hour and the warming hut has wifi, hot chocolate and adult beverages. It’s the perfect place for parents to hang out and stay warm while kids have the time of their lives.
Carter Park
Located in Breckenridge, this park features a fantastic sledding hill. Bring your own sled and be prepared to climb back up the hill. This is the only sledding hill in town so get there early to enjoy the best runs. Warm your legs up with a few runs on a sled and then head on over to the mountain for some excellent skiing.
Ken Caryl Sledding Hill
In the rare event of Metro area snow, stay local and enjoy a fun time in the snow at the Ken Caryl Sledding Hill, part of the Foothills Park and Recreation District. This undeveloped park features excellent topography and the north facing hill has traditionally been used as a sledding hill. Bring your own sled and be ready to hike up the steep hill. Totally worth it!
Ice Skating
Evergreen Lake
Evergreen’s 55 acre lake is a classic Colorado winter stop. Before you head up, call 720-880-1391 to ensure weather conditions are desirable for outdoor ice skating. The lake offers skate rentals so you only need warm clothes. Experience this a classic winter tradition by going out for an afternoon or evening of skating at the Evergreen Lake.
South Suburban Ice Arena
For a winter day any day head to an indoor skating rink, like the South Suburban Ice Arena. Even if it’s warm outside you’ll want to wear long sleeves and pants to protect from falls and keep you warm. Rinks generally offer ski rentals so you don’t have to bring much with you. Cool down and enjoy some exercise. Remember to check schedules for open skating!
YMCA of the Rockies
Located in Estes Park, the YMCA of the Rockies has two lakes to skate on. Pick up your skates from the Sweet Memorial Program Building. There’s no deposit if you’re staying at the lodge, so consider making a weekend of it or purchase a day pass for just $20. While you’re there you can also enjoy snowshoeing and if you’re lodging you can keep yourself busy in the craft room or at the spa.
Whatever you do, take time this season to get outside and see what our great state has to offer!
Copper Mountain
Right off of I-70, Copper Mountain will give you a true Colorado native experience. With fewer tourists on the mountain, lift lines are generally short so you can get a lot of runs in. Copper features runs for everyone, from cruiser greens to powdery back bowls.
Winter Park/Mary Jane
Skip Summit County traffic and head up and over Berthoud Pass to Winter Park and Mary Jane. This large resort features runs for beginners and experts. The Mary Jane side of the resort is not for the faint of heart, but offers a truly exceptional experience on powder days.
Breckenridge
As a true resort town, Breckenridge is a wonderful stop for the whole family. Send the kids to ski school, grandma and grandpa can relax in the lodge and cruise the town while mom and dad and teenagers hit the slopes. The resort features 5 peaks, spans 2,908 acres, has 4 terrain parks and North America’s highest chairlift, the Imperial Express. You may even run into an Olympian or two.
Tubing and Sledding
Colorado Adventure Park
Colorado Adventure Park in Winter Park is an awesome stop for the whole family. All you need is your snow clothes. You can pay for tubing by the hour and the warming hut has wifi, hot chocolate and adult beverages. It’s the perfect place for parents to hang out and stay warm while kids have the time of their lives.
Carter Park
Located in Breckenridge, this park features a fantastic sledding hill. Bring your own sled and be prepared to climb back up the hill. This is the only sledding hill in town so get there early to enjoy the best runs. Warm your legs up with a few runs on a sled and then head on over to the mountain for some excellent skiing.
Ken Caryl Sledding Hill
In the rare event of Metro area snow, stay local and enjoy a fun time in the snow at the Ken Caryl Sledding Hill, part of the Foothills Park and Recreation District. This undeveloped park features excellent topography and the north facing hill has traditionally been used as a sledding hill. Bring your own sled and be ready to hike up the steep hill. Totally worth it!
Ice Skating
Evergreen Lake
Evergreen’s 55 acre lake is a classic Colorado winter stop. Before you head up, call 720-880-1391 to ensure weather conditions are desirable for outdoor ice skating. The lake offers skate rentals so you only need warm clothes. Experience this a classic winter tradition by going out for an afternoon or evening of skating at the Evergreen Lake.
South Suburban Ice Arena
For a winter day any day head to an indoor skating rink, like the South Suburban Ice Arena. Even if it’s warm outside you’ll want to wear long sleeves and pants to protect from falls and keep you warm. Rinks generally offer ski rentals so you don’t have to bring much with you. Cool down and enjoy some exercise. Remember to check schedules for open skating!
YMCA of the Rockies
Located in Estes Park, the YMCA of the Rockies has two lakes to skate on. Pick up your skates from the Sweet Memorial Program Building. There’s no deposit if you’re staying at the lodge, so consider making a weekend of it or purchase a day pass for just $20. While you’re there you can also enjoy snowshoeing and if you’re lodging you can keep yourself busy in the craft room or at the spa.
Whatever you do, take time this season to get outside and see what our great state has to offer!