12 Grand Winter Adventures in Colorado
We all know Colorado offers some of the best downhill skiing in the country. But there's plenty of other snowy adventures beyond the slopes in Grand County. To help inspire a bit of winter wonder, we narrowed it down to these favorite Colorado winter activities below:
Winter Activities in Colorado
- Snowmobiling
- Dog Sledding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Off-The-Grid Lodging
- Wildlife Viewing In Rocky Mountain National Park
- Snowshoeing In Rocky Mountain National Park
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Ice Fishing
- Sledding and Tubing
- Sleigh Rides
- Fat Biking
- Hot Springs
1. Snowmobiling
With more than 1,000 miles of snowmobiling trails across Grand County, there's a whole lot of exploring to be done here. Pretty much everyone can traverse our frosted pine paths and powdery hills on a snowmobile. If you're a beginner to the sport, we recommend starting out with a guide. Then once you're up to speed, head to the trails in Grand Lake, the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado™ or any of Grand County's hotspots.
Local Tip: Get in touch with On the Trails Rentals to reserve your snowmobile and schedule your guided (or unguided) tour through Arapaho National Forest.
2. Dog Sledding
You don't have to fly to Alaska to feel the thrill of racing along the trails of Iditarod on a dog sled. Snow Mountain Ranch has teams of Siberian and Alaskan huskies that can give you an exhilarating winter experience right here in Grand County. Bring the family, bundle up in the provided blankets and enjoy the ride!
Local Tip: Schedule a 30-minute dog sled ride at sunset at Snow Mountain Ranch, then retire to one of their yurts for the ultimate winter glamping experience.
3. Hot Air Ballooning
Here's one adventure you won't soon forget — winter hot air ballooning. Your journey starts with low-contour flying along the Fraser Valley —where you're bound to see elk and other wildlife on the ground below — before you soar 2,000 feet up and take in magnificent 360-degree views of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains. A post-flight Champagne brunch keeps the fun going even longer.
Local Tip: Grand Adventures Balloon Tours will be your guide in the skies. Check out their website to book your balloon.
4. Off-The-Grid Lodging
Spend some time off-grid at a mountain hut, where just getting there is a bit of an experience. The High Lonesome Hut in Tabernash is a 2.5-mile snowshoe or cross-country-ski trek in and sleeps 12, while Broome Hut, on the west side of the Berthoud Pass, is a 1-mile trek in and can accommodate 16 people. Once there, you and your companions will have your own private winter wonderland and basecamp to explore the backcountry.
Local Tip: Need some ski rentals before embarking on your mountain hut adventure? Stop at Beavers Sports Shop to get all your gear in Winter Park, then head to the Broome Hut trailhead.
5. Wildlife Viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park
Winter completely transforms Rocky Mountain National Park. Its mountain peaks turn brilliant white, its waterfalls freeze over and its animals (well, the ones that don't hibernate) leave their high-altitude summer homes and head down into the valleys, where you won't have to travel far to see them. Stop in at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center to find out where you can spot some elk, moose and more, and make Grand Lake, the western gateway to the park, your base.
Local Tip: The best time of day to spot elk in the Kawuneeche Valley is dawn or dusk. You might even hear some elk bugling.
6. Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park
For another great Rocky Mountain National Park adventure, strap on a pair of snowshoes and head to the west side of the park. The Kawuneeche Valley has plenty of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing, including the hike to the Holzwarth Historic Site and the Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadows. And if you'd like a guide, the park also offers ranger-led snowshoeing expeditions.
Local Tip: Ranger-led snowshoe walks typically take place from mid-January to early March. You can learn more about what’s coming up through the National Park Service site.
7. Cross-Country Skiing
For an unforgettable cross-country skiing experience, head to Kremmling, where you can skate or ski classical on 50 kilometers of groomed trails at Latigo Ranch, or blaze your own trail in the Rabbit Ears Pass area. Either way, you’ll enjoy plenty of backcountry powder. Other great options include the popular Grand Lake Nordic Center, Granby Ranch, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center and Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa.
Local Tip: Use these links for trail maps for Grand Lake Nordic Center, Granby Ranch and Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center so you can plan your route.
8. Ice Fishing
The trout don't stop biting when the ice freezes over Grand County's lakes and ponds. In fact, winter is a great time to fish here. You can fish anywhere on the lakes you want — and you don't even need a boat. The only thing more fun? Entering an ice-fishing contest and testing your skills against other winter anglers. Granby, Kremmling and Grand Lake all host annual ice-fishing contests that offer big prizes and bigger bragging rights.
Local Tip: Discover how you can win grand prizes at these local ice-fishing contest.
9. Sledding and Tubing
For a fun family adventure, head to one of Grand County's seven sledding and tubing hills. You'll find plenty of fresh sparkly powder and slopes that keep kids, teens and adults smiling. Hideaway Park in Winter Park and the Grand Lake Nordic Center both have classic hills that are also free. The Colorado Adventure Park and the Historic Fraser Tubing Hill add lifts and cozy warming huts to the mix. And Winter Park Resort, Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa and Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies give tubing the full resort treatment.
Local Tip: For even more fun and smaller crowds, consider night tubing at these hills.
10. Sleigh Rides
Here's another adventure the whole family will enjoy. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy some lovely weather for a sleigh ride together, as you jingle-jangle through serene forests and broad meadows with marshmallowy mountain peaks in the distance. Dashing Thru the Snow in Winter Park, Winding River Resort in Grand Lake and Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash are all family favorites.
Local Tip: Sleigh rides make for the perfect romantic evening with your special someone. Reserve a spot and spend an hour snuggled up while being whisked through the forest.
11. Fat Biking
Fat biking in Grand County is always epic, whether you ride the groomed trails at one of our resorts, roll through the trails around Winter Park or explore Arapaho National Forest.
Local Tip: Ready to start riding? Read our guide to fat biking in Colorado.
12. Hot Springs
Sometimes all that adventure requires some rest and relaxation. That means it's time for a soak at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort. With 21 natural spring-fed pools at temperatures ranging from 95° to 112°F, you'll be sure to find your bliss as you soothe your muscles and plan your next adventure in a warm, steaming hot spring.
Local Tip: Visit the hot springs on a weekday or book a private pool to get even more space while you soak.
Plan Your Trip Around a Winter Event
Trying to figure out the perfect time to visit? Plan your trip around a winter event! Keep an eye on our events calendar to book your stay around a festival, competition, theater performance or other event.
More Winter Activities for the Perfect Colorado Getaway
If you’re looking for even more winter fun in Colorado, check out these resources: