Looking to make the most of Colorado’s snowiest month? We’ve got you covered. Colorado is the perfect state to enjoy all things winter, and we don’t only mean skiing and snowboarding. Although our state has some of the most amazing skiing and snowboarding out there, we have to admit that not everyone can do or enjoys it. That’s where this guide comes in. If you’ve felt disenchanted by long waits, don’t particularly enjoy the sport, or want to try something new and adventurous, then read along for some of the best winter activities you can do in Colorado that don’t involve skis or a snowboard.
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a close activity to snowboarding and skiing if you aren’t very much into the latter winter sports, and lucky for us, Colorado has plenty of trails to choose from. A lot of place also allow you to rent snowshoe equipment in case you don’t have any lying around, but you’ll need to have waterproof boots. The best place to go snowshoeing is definitely Rocky Mountain National Park which offers spectacular mountain views. Some other trails are
- St. Mary’s Glacier
- Vail Pass
- Rabbit Ears Pass
- Rampart Reservoir
- Betasso Preserve
2. Dog Sledding
Snuggle up in warm blankets and glide over the snow as a team of trained huskies take you through beautiful alpine terrain. Dogsledding is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s completely cruelty free and fun, and we’d recommend giving it a shot if you’ve never tried this winter sport. Mountain Musher in Wilcot is one such dog-sledding company that’s family owned and passionate about dog sledding or Alpine Adventures in Leadville–be warned that in March, unless the weather is very cold, there’ll be only morning time slots available.
3. Ice Climbing
Ice Climbing is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an adrenaline-inducing sport that’s winters answer to rock climbing. With the correct equipment, climb up vertical walls of ice in Colorado’s ice climbing capital, Ouray. Ouray Ice Park is the world’s first official ice park, with tons of man-made ice walls for you to climb. You can also go ice climbing at Loch Vale Gorge, Hidden Falls, and Clear Creek Canyon.
4. Aprés Ski Activities
We are big proponents of aprés ski, even if you take away the ski aspect, and Colorado isn’t short of ski resort bars, restaurants and activities, just check out our guide here. Just meet up with your snowboarding, skiing-loving buddies after they hit the slopes at one of these joints. Breckenridge Brewery is one great spot for a good after-ski craft beer or beer-bbq drenched ribs. The wildly popular Manhattan-based cocktail bar Death & Co has expanded into Colorado with a location in Aspen. Also in Aspen, the Little Nell, which was nominated for best wine program at this years James Beard Awards. And for something a little less ritzy, try New Sheridan, a saloon-style spot in Telluride that is bringing back bits of the Old West and offering $5 Jack Daniels.
5. Camping
Colorado has got some of the most beautiful and natural landscapes for camping and glamping alike. From beautiful, decked out cabins you can find through Air BnB tucked away in the mountains of Breckenridge and the Rockies, to glamping in places like the ‘Never Summer Nordic Yurts.’ In places like San Luis Valley, you can also pull up a van or an RV an sleep under the stars.
6. Snowmobiling
Power up your snowmobile and get ready to surf across some of the state’s best terrain. Enjoy either guided or non-guided tours in the backcountry of Colorado State Forest Park or Grand Lake, pictured above.
7. Hot Springs
There’s no shortage of hot springs to soak at in the Centennial State–we’ve even got a guide to our favorites. We’d recommend trying out each kind to see what you’re more into–resorts or natural–so here are a few of our favorites in both categories. Just remember that the natural hot springs can sometimes be a little harder to access.
Resorts:
Natural:
- Penny Hot Springs
- Radium Hot Springs
- Conundrum Hot Springs
- Piedra Hot Springs