Did you know there’s more – way more – to do in Colorado in the winter than ski? I know…hard to believe, right?

Let me be clear. I have nothing against skiing. But it can be out of reach for a lot of people, whether because of price, distance, or health concerns.

The good news is there are so many other cool, fun winter activities! Here are 5 great things to do in Colorado in the winter other than ski, including one I’m especially eager to try.

Photo credit: 2 Below Zero

Sleigh Rides

The Wild West meets “glamping” with yummy hot cocoa and live music at 2 Below Zero in Frisco. Travel through time in a buckboard sleigh from the Frisco Nordic Center to a welcoming heated tent. Enjoy hot cocoa (with extra “cheer” available for the grown-ups) and a 20-minute live music show from country-western entertainer David Peel. Then snuggle back into the sleigh for your return trip through a stunning wintry landscape. Tickets are $55 each for ages 13+; $45 each for ages 4-12; and free for kids 3 and under. Prices are $4 higher per person during peak season (Dec. 17-Jan. 1). Call 970-453-1520 for reservations.

Photo credit: Denver Adventures

Snowshoeing

Just 30 minutes from Denver in Conifer, there’s a place with towering pine trees, single-track trails, crisp mountain air, breathtaking views, and great snowshoeing for everyone from beginners to experts. Denver Adventures offers both half-day and full-day snowshoe treks. Options to extend your fun include adding a microbrewery tour or any other adventure offered by Denver Adventures – hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, trail running, zip line, rafting, snow tubing, or sightseeing. Half-day snowshoe tours begin at $99.99 per person; full-day tours are $169.99 per person. Prices vary for microbrewery tours and adventure add-ons. All snowshoers must be at least 10 years old and in good physical condition without activity-limiting medical conditions. Click here to book online.

I’ve been dying to try this, and I’m looking to plan a
snowshoeing day with anyone else who’s interested.
Call me at 303-204-6494 or email me at
jensellsco@comcast.net if you’re interested.

Photo credit: Copper Mountain

Tubing

So much fun for everyone from toddlers to grandparents! The Tubing Hill at Copper Mountain is a massive fun zone, with a “magic carpet ride” tow line, four curving and banked tubing lanes and the option to go old-school straight down the hill. There’s also Critterland, a tiny-tot playland and mini tubing area for those under 36 inches tall. Prices are $26 per person per hour  and $13 for each additional hour, but you can save 20% by pre-purchasing online. Prices are slightly higher during holiday season (see their website for dates). Copper Mountain season pass holders and Copper Mountain homeowners received discounted rates.

Photo credit: Grand Adventures Snowmobile Tours

Snowmobiling

Picture yourself on a snowmobile, exploring powder-filled meadows, ridge tops, and winding trails through the trees. At its Winter Park location, Grand Adventures Snowmobile Tours offers guided tours from 1 to 4 hours for all levels of ability, novice to experienced. Families with young kids will enjoy the 1-hour Trailblazer Tour, with easy trail riding, great views, and lots of opportunities for photos. Pricing varies with location and tour duration; click here to book online.

Photo credit: Indian Hot Springs

Hot Springs

After a fun day of sleighing, snowshoeing, tubing, or snowmobiling – or just on its own – there’s nothing quite like a relaxing soak in one of Colorado’s legendary hot springs. Did you know there’s a hot springs resort and spa only 30 miles from Denver? Indian Hot Springs first opened to the public way back in 1863. In fact, these are the springs that gave the town of Idaho Springs its name. Swim under the translucent dome among tropical foliage, relax in a private bath, venture into the geothermal caves, sprawl in the outdoor Jacuzzis, or enjoy a do-it-yourself mud bath at Club Mud. Head up just for the day or book a room in the Resort, Inn, Lodge, or Cabins. Spa services are also available. Click here to check out pricing and packages; call 303-989-6666 to make lodging or spa reservations.

How about you? Have you tried any of these?
What favorite non-ski winter activities would you add to this list?

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