Winter in Colorado sweeps across the Rockies and transforms them into a playground of powder-dusted forests and snowy backcountry trails. With world-class skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding at your fingertips, you might be looking for something off the beaten path to create some winter magic beyond the slopes.
Whether you’re a non-skier, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to experience a different side of winter in the mountains, these excursions offer all of the beauty Colorado has on display.
Snowmobiling Through the Wilderness
If you want an exhilarating, jaw-dropping experience, snowmobiling is your ride. Across Colorado, outfitters guide visitors along groomed trails, tree-lined routes, and high-alpine bowls that overlook massive mountain ranges.
Grand Lake: Known as the “Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado,” residents in Grand Lake trade in their cars for snowmobiles in the winter. With over 1,000 miles of trails, hot spots include Buffalo and Rabbit Ears Pass, the Grand Lake Town Trail, Stillwater Pass, and the Arapahoe National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest, where the USDA Forest Service provides detailed maps of groomed snowmobile routes.
Steamboat Springs: Here you can enjoy snowmobiling the Continental Divide and Rabbit Ears Pass on an extensive trail system located in the middle of the Routt National Forest. Crystal clear skies lead to spectacular views extending to Wyoming. This two-hour guided tour takes visitors through tree-lined trails and big open meadows.
Vail Valley: Beaver Creek Snowmobiling Tours and Rentals provide the ultimate backcountry escapes. Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour or choose a guided tour and let someone else lead the way across miles of powdery paths. Thrill seekers can explore the high-alpine terrain at Vail Pass atop the Continental Divide. Speed, adventure, and endless photo ops abound on a day spent snowmobiling the trails.
Snowshoeing for a Peaceful Day in Nature
Snowshoeing is the perfect winter activity for those who want to slow down, breathe crisp mountain air, and wander through quiet forests. It’s surprisingly easy to pick up and accessible for all fitness levels. Pack your snowshoes and waterproof boots and head to one of these destinations to take in the natural beauty of Colorado.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area: A magical alpine landscape just an hour from Boulder, visitors will soak up spectacular views of the high peaks along the Continental Divide, the surrounding subalpine forest, and the beautiful lake. Snowshoers can choose from several trailheads, like Long Lake and Mitchell Lake. With the high elevation, snow typically stays until July, and parking reservations are required.
Crested Butte: With some of the most picturesque trails in the state, snowshoeing is a great winter activity for those who love hiking. Groomed trails such as East Side, The Bench, and Magic Meadows require a Nordic Pass. For pristine backcountry wilderness, choose explore Snodgrass, Upper Upper Loop, Brush Creek, and Long Lake. This charming mountain town delivers some of the best snowshoe trails in Colorado with diverse terrain, guided tours, and panoramic views.
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP): When snowshoeing in RMNP, be aware of avalanches and the current forecast before setting out. Scenic loops throughout the park, such as Bear Lake Loop and Sprague Lake Loop are both less than a mile long and have minimal elevation gain. Celebrate wildlife sightings such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and several species of birds.
Dog Sledding for a True Arctic Adventure
For an unforgettable winter outing, dog sledding offers equal parts excitement and heart-warming fun. Professional mushers guide you as a team of enthusiastic Siberian Huskies pulls you across snowy trails. You’ll learn dog commands, mushers’ stories, and just how much these pups love being outside.
Breckenridge: A Breckenridge family favorite, dog sledding can be enjoyed all year long. In winter, a six-mile-long tour winds through the trails of the Swan River Valley. Each tour can handle up to six people and is run as a relay with guests switching duties, including running the dogs, riding the dogsled, and riding on a small passenger sleigh with the guide.
During the summer, meet the huskies and tour the four-acre property. Get all the behind-the-scenes details of the operation and learn what a typical day in the dog yard is like. Ride with the team through their daily workout on a two-mile circuit through the scenic Rocky Mountains.
Winter Park: A dog sled ride through a private trail system of winter beauty offers a truly unique experience. You’ll relax in the sled as the experienced musher guides the dogs down each trail, points out local wildlife, and animal tracks. Myriad photo opportunities are available with amazing views of the 13,000-foot peaks and the Continental Divide.
Winter in Colorado only requires an adventurous spirit to be unforgettable. From revving across snowy valleys on a snowmobile to running with the dogs, the state offers endless ways to take in the season’s charm.