The Best Winter Activities in Colorado

Person skiing with sun setting

In Colorado, winter is a time of transformation. Snow turns Colorado into a winter wonderland with all the winter activities you can imagine. That includes world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and much more! If you’re planning to visit Colorado and looking to enjoy yourself to the fullest, the information below is perfect! It’s a list of the top winter activities in Colorado, brought to you by SecurCare Self Storage, the storage experts in Colorado. Read on to find information to help you have a fantastic, snow-filled time while you’re here!

Before diving into Colorado’s exciting winter activities, it’s important to remember to bundle up and stay informed about the weather. Colorado’s winter weather can be unpredictable and sometimes harsh, so proper clothing and gear are essential to keep you warm and safe. Always check the weather forecast before planning your activities, as conditions can change quickly. Staying prepared will ensure your winter adventures in Colorado are not only fun but also safe.

Skiing

Most folks know that Colorado and skiing go together like peanut butter and jelly. The state offers several world-class resorts, including Steamboat, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail, amongst several others.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a huge pastime in Colorado, and, just like skiing, there are plenty of first-class resorts where you can enjoy snowboarding, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

Snowmobiling

Like skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling is an adrenaline rush. It’s also easy to do, as many companies rent snowmobiles in Colorado. Most give guided tours, which make it easy for beginners to learn and experienced snowmobilers to have a blast!

Ice-skating

Besides skiing and snowboarding, few winter sports are as beloved in Colorado as ice skating. You’ll find scenic outdoor skating rinks throughout the state, many in city parks. There are also hundreds of indoor skating arenas where you can lace up a pair of skates and carve up the ice!

Snowshoeing/Winter Hiking

Snowshoeing up close

Snowshoeing is a great choice if you’re looking for a slower-paced, quieter, and more relaxing winter sport in Colorado. It’s easy to learn and fun to do and allows you to immerse yourself in Colorado’s wilderness while also getting an aerobic workout. Again, make sure to check weather and bundle up!

Relaxing in Hot Springs

While Colorado might be well-known for its winter sports, it’s also a fantastic place to relax, and there’s no better place to do that than in one of the state’s hot springs. Glenwood Springs, for example, offers phenomenal mountain views while you soak in a soothing, natural hot spring. It’s a great way to end a day of whatever winter sport you enjoy.

Dog Sledding

There are a few winter sports as exhilarating as dog sledding, especially if you love dogs! Feeling the power of a pack of Huskies as you fly down winter trails, snow in your face, is something everyone should experience at least once in their life!

Discovering Wildlife

Have you ever seen an elk, bighorn sheep, or a deer up close and personal? (It’s amazing!) Those incredible animals, and many more, make their home in Colorado and can be seen in winter. We suggest taking a guided wildlife tour to have the best chance of seeing some winter beasts and staying safe.

Relaxing by the Fire

This isn’t exactly an “activity” but relaxing by the fire is still a favorite among many Coloradans. It’s even better after a long day on the slopes or engaging in your favorite winter activity. (Adult beverages are optional, but hot chocolate is a must!)

Colorado’s Winter Festivals

Ice sculptures during the day

In Colorado, snow is a fact of life. For that reason, Coloradans have embraced the conditions and learned to enjoy it thoroughly! Many of the winter festivals in Colorado are unique, fun, and exciting, including the following;

  • Winter X Games (Aspen)
  • Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships (Breckenridge)
  • Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival (Steamboat Springs)
  • Frozen Dead Guy Days (Nederland)
  • Ouray Ice Festival (Ouray)
  • Ullr Fest (Breckenridge)
  • Winter WonderGrass (Steamboat Springs)
  • Estes Park Winter Festival (Estes Park)
  • Telluride Fire Festival (Telluride)
  • Snowdown (Durango)

The Top Ski Resorts in Colorado

Colorado Ski town from an aerial view
  • Aspen Snowmass: Known for its four mountains, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, this resort is famous for its upscale amenities and vibrant après-ski scene.
  • Vail: One of the largest ski resorts in the world, Vail boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and offers something for every level of skier and snowboarder.
  • Breckenridge: A historic mining town turned ski resort, Breckenridge offers a charming downtown, world-class terrain, and many activities on and off the slopes.
  • Telluride: Telluride is known for its stunning scenery, challenging slopes, and charming Victorian-era architecture.
  • Steamboat: Famous for its “Champagne Powder” snow, Steamboat is a family-friendly resort with a western flair.
  • Keystone: Family-oriented resort with night skiing, terrain parks, and a massive A51 Terrain Park for freestyle enthusiasts.
  • Copper Mountain: Known for its naturally divided terrain, it offers excellent skiing and snowboarding options for folks of all levels.
  • Crested Butte: With challenging terrain, Crested Butte is adored by expert skiers and snowboarders looking for steep slopes and sweet powder.
  • Winter Park: A short drive from Denver, Winter Park is a favorite among locals.
  • Arapahoe Basin: Referred to as “A-Basin,” this resort is known for its longer ski season, high-altitude skiing, and challenging terrain.

Store Your Winter Gear and Toys in Colorado with SecurCare

Whether you’re coming to Colorado to enjoy the winter, moving here, or living here all of your life, when you need to store winter gear and toys, you can do it securely and safely with SecurCare Self Storage. SecurCare offers a wide variety of storage unit sizes, 1st-class security features, including video cameras on-site, and convenience features that make storing your winter gear and toys easy and quick. When you’re ready, you can easily reserve a storage unit online with SecurCare, and it will be ready and waiting when you arrive to store your belongings. Until then, this information about the best winter activities in Colorado has been helpful and given you some great ideas about what to do when you arrive in the Centennial State!