Colorado’s Best Winter Activities for Newcomers

Colorado’s Best Winter Activities for Newcomers

If you’ve recently moved to Colorado or are considering relocating here, you’re in for a treat when winter rolls around. Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and vibrant outdoor culture, Colorado is a winter wonderland with something for everyone—whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

Winter in Colorado isn’t just about shoveling snow or bundling up by the fireplace; it’s about embracing the season and getting out to enjoy all the activities this beautiful state has to offer. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and winter festivals, there’s no shortage of fun waiting for you.

Here’s your ultimate guide to Colorado’s best winter activities for newcomers, with tips on how to make the most of your first snowy season in the Centennial State.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Colorado’s Crown Jewel

Colorado is famous for its ski resorts, with over 30 world-class destinations spread across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete beginner, you’ll find the perfect slope for your skill level.

Where to Go:

• Aspen: Known for its luxury, stunning views, and celebrity clientele, Aspen offers a variety of terrain for all levels. If you're a beginner, the Buttermilk mountain is perfect for learning, and more advanced skiers can head to Aspen Mountain for challenging runs.
• Vail: Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, boasting over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. With plenty of beginner slopes and après-ski options, Vail is a top choice for newcomers.
• Breckenridge: A bit more laid-back, Breckenridge offers a charming town vibe and great beginner slopes like the Peak 9 area. It’s also known for its après-ski scene and historic downtown.
• Keystone: Keystone is ideal for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers. With night skiing available on select days, it’s a great place to extend your day on the slopes.

Tips for Beginners:

• Lessons: Most ski resorts offer lessons for beginners. Signing up for a class can help you learn the basics, from how to properly stop to how to navigate the chair lifts.
• Rent Gear: If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, renting equipment for your first few trips is a great way to avoid the large upfront cost of buying gear you may not use often.
• Take It Slow: The altitude can be challenging for those new to Colorado, so take it easy at first. Give yourself time to acclimate to the higher elevation and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

2. Snowshoeing: A More Relaxed Winter Adventure

If you prefer a more peaceful winter activity, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore Colorado’s winter landscapes without the need for high-speed downhill action. Snowshoeing is a great workout, and the best part is you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it.

Where to Go:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Just an hour's drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views, quiet trails, and various difficulty levels for snowshoeing. Check out the Bear Lake area for some of the best beginner-friendly routes.
• Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Located just outside of Boulder, this area offers peaceful, beautiful trails perfect for beginners. The trails wind through forests and open meadows with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Mount Falcon Park: Near Morrison, this park offers great views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and easy-to-moderate snowshoeing trails for newcomers.

Tips for Beginners:

• Guided Tours: If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a guided snowshoe tour. Many places, like Rocky Mountain National Park or local outfitters, offer beginner-friendly tours where you can learn the basics and enjoy the scenery with an experienced guide.
• Layering Is Key: As with any winter activity, dressing in layers is important. Snowshoeing can get your blood pumping, so you’ll want to shed a layer or two as you move along the trail.

3. Winter Festivals: Embrace the Season with Colorado’s Local Culture

If you’re looking to experience Colorado’s winter culture beyond outdoor sports, the state is home to some of the most unique and exciting winter festivals. These events celebrate the season with food, music, and, of course, plenty of snow.

Top Winter Festivals:

• Telluride SnowFest: Held annually in March, Telluride SnowFest is a family-friendly celebration with a variety of events, including a parade, fireworks, snowman building contests, and more. It’s a great way to embrace the mountain town vibe and enjoy all the snow has to offer.
• Breckenridge Ullr Fest: Held in January, Ullr Fest is a wild and fun celebration of Ullr, the Norse god of snow. Expect a parade, snow sculptures, snowball fights, and a huge après-ski party to warm up afterward.
• Frozen Dead Guy Days: This quirky festival in Nederland celebrates the “Frozen Dead Guy” who is kept in a cryogenic state in the town. The festival includes ice sculpting, a polar plunge, and music—definitely an event that’s unlike any other!
• Colorado Springs Winter Lights: For a more relaxed winter experience, head to Colorado Springs for their Winter Lights display, which showcases thousands of beautiful lights in the Garden of the Gods park. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season while keeping warm.

Tips for Enjoying Winter Festivals:

• Dress for the Weather: Winter festivals can involve a lot of outdoor activities, so make sure to dress warmly and bring layers. Also, pack waterproof boots if you plan to be walking through snow or slush.
• Arrive Early: These festivals tend to attract big crowds, especially on weekends, so arriving early can give you the best access to activities and events.

4. Ice Skating: A Classic Colorado Winter Activity

For a more classic winter experience, ice skating is available at numerous outdoor rinks across Colorado. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned skater, this is a fun and low-key way to enjoy the crisp winter air.

Where to Go:

• Downtown Denver’s Skyline Park: A popular outdoor rink in the heart of the city, offering great views of downtown Denver while you skate.
• Breckenridge Ice Rink: Located in the heart of Breckenridge, this rink offers skating with a picturesque mountain backdrop. Rentals are available for beginners, and the rink is open daily during the winter months.

Tips for Beginners:

• Start Slow: Don’t rush it! Take your time, especially if you’re new to skating. Hold onto the edge of the rink until you get your bearings.
• Bring Warm Gloves: Your hands may get cold quickly while skating, so make sure you have gloves to keep your fingers warm.

5. Affordable Winter Options: Enjoy Colorado Without Breaking the Bank

If you’re looking for more affordable options to experience Colorado’s winter activities, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives to the high-end resorts. For skiing and snowboarding, resorts like Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin offer more affordable lift tickets and rental rates compared to larger destinations like Aspen or Vail. Additionally, smaller towns like Crested Butte and Wolf Creek provide fantastic skiing experiences without the hefty price tag. For those who prefer quieter winter adventures, snowshoeing on local trails like Mount Falcon Park near Morrison or Flatirons Vista in Boulder offers a free or low-cost way to explore the stunning winter landscapes. Ice skating at outdoor rinks, such as the one at Ice at the Park in Denver or Steamboat Springs, is another affordable winter activity that doesn’t require a huge investment. Even winter festivals like Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland or Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest are free to attend and offer an opportunity to experience local culture without breaking the bank. With so many affordable options, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the beauty and excitement of a Colorado winter!

Colorado’s winter season is nothing short of magical. From thrilling ski runs and snowboarding adventures to peaceful snowshoe treks and quirky winter festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As a newcomer, this is your opportunity to dive into a whole new world of outdoor adventure and embrace the winter lifestyle that Coloradans love. So bundle up, get outside, and make the most of your first winter in this stunning state.

No matter your skill level or preferences, Colorado’s winter activities are sure to make you fall even more in love with your new home.