Top 7 Winter Activities in Colorado Beyond Skiing

Colorado is the best ski destination in the country, renowned for its world-class resorts, abundant snowfall, and extended seasons that attract skiers and snowboarders alike. However, if skiing is not your passion or you simply wish to take a break from the slopes, Colorado offers a wealth of outdoor adventures during the winter season.

Besides skiing, there are numerous outdoor sports and activities available in Colorado. You can strap on a pair of snowshoes to explore the snow-covered wilderness (just be cautious of avalanches). Enjoy ice skating, snowboarding, or snowmobiling, or take a fat bike for an adventurous ride through the snowy terrain. The winter landscape also invites playful activities like building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and sledding or tubing down snowy hills.

Moreover, Colorado has some creative winter adventures that go beyond traditional activities. Discover unique and unforgettable experiences off the ski slopes that you might not have considered before.

Climb a Frozen Waterfall

Visit the Ouray Ice Park in southern Colorado for thrilling ice climbing adventures. During the winter, this man-made ice-climbing park features hundreds of icy climbs catering to various skill levels, from beginner-friendly to advanced. Don’t miss the diverse climbing experiences available at the Five Fingers area, which offers stunning views right from the highway.

Go Dogsledding Through the Snow

Dogsledding is gaining popularity in Colorado, offering a unique way to explore the snowy landscape. Several companies provide exhilarating dogsledding tours, where trained sled dogs pull you and a companion through picturesque terrain.

Take a Snowcat to Dinner

After a day on the slopes, enjoy a scenic dinner at an on-mountain restaurant accessible only by Snowcat. One exceptional option is at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen Highlands. Here, you can delight in a wonderful dinner experience with a glass of Gluehwein, followed by a cozy 30-minute ride in an open-air Snowcat to the mountaintop venue.

Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Experience the joy of a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride amidst the beautiful mountains near Beaver Creek. The BearCat Stables provides scenic rides through the picturesque landscape, where you’ll be enveloped in the charm of a historic cabin and treated to a cozy dinner upon your return.

Hop Aboard the Santa Train

Enjoy a delightful ride on one of Colorado’s historic trains during the winter. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway near Colorado Springs features special themed rides during the holiday season, complete with the appearance of Santa, elves, and treats like hot chocolate and cookies.

See the World’s Best Snow Carvings

Every winter, Breckenridge hosts the International Snow Sculpture Championships, where talented artists carve 12-foot-tall blocks of snow into intricate designs and impressive characters. Visiting this enchanting display is a magical experience for all ages.

Explore an Ice Castle

Explore stunning ice castles that are visually captivating. The seasonal ice castle in Dillon, formerly Silverthorne, presents magnificent ice structures adorned with colorful lights and music, offering a unique winter fairy-tale experience.