When the snow finally starts to stick around, we can take full advantage of all the awesome Denver winter activities that our colorful state has to offer. From powdery slopes to romantic horse-drawn carriage rides, Colorado boasts a bevy of snow-themed activities for city dwellers and mountain enthusiasts. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the winter.
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Related: A Guide to Denver’s Neighborhoods
Search for the Perfect Powder
Fortunately for us, Colorado is home to some of the world’s best terrain— novices and experts both welcome. There are many affordable season passes that let powderhounds ski all season long for a much more affordable price than buying multiple day passes. Load up the gang and head to your favorite resort. When your toes get a little too cold, warm up in the lodge with a Bloody Mary or Irish Coffee.
Hot Tip: Make sure you get on the highway early if you’re planning on hitting the slopes for the day, Coloradans love a good ‘pow’ day and traffic turns bumper-to-bumper real fast.
Snowshoe in the Shadow of the Rockies
Rocky Mountain National Park showcases spectacular beauty and less crowds during the snowier months. Rent snowshoes from an outdoor store and pack a picnic lunch. Hike along cross country ski trails through snow-blanketed trees. Take in the silence of a wintery forest and the cold, crisp air during a gentle, picturesque mountain excursion.
Hot Tip: Bring lots of water! Colorado is very dry as it is and you may not realize how much water you need at this altitude— especially when you’re being active.
Apres Skiing
For those of us who don’t enjoy ripping down the mountain, we can still enjoy Colorado’s charming mountain towns. Bundle up and bar hop along snowy main streets with tired skiers who are ready to kick back. Better yet, book a stay at one of the many elegant resorts and watch the snowfall from the comfort of a gorgeous outdoor hot tub.
Throughout ski season, many mountain towns host winter festivals, carnivals, and outdoor concerts. Check out your favorite locale’s event calendar and plan to stay the weekend to enjoy a full Colorado ski-town experience.
Our Picks:
Breckenridge, CO: International Snow Sculpture Championships
Vail, CO: Burton U.S. Open Championships
Aspen, CO: X Games
Hot Tip: Head out on the town before the lifts close so you guarantee a spot at the local favorite bars!
Hot Springs
Denver is close to numerous hot springs that offer healing and replenishment through their mineral-laden waters. If the winter weather gets you down, head to Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs for a unique experience. Book a private tub or soak in the communal, indoor hot springs.
If you’re looking to make a vacation out of it, head to Steamboat Springs and dip in the natural outdoor pools of Strawberry Hot Springs. Stay in the warmth of the pools while watching snow fall all around you in the colder months. For those really seeking adventure, head to Joyful Journey Hot Springs just outside of Alamosa. Natural, outdoor pools speckle the mountain side and clothing is optional!
Hot Tip: Most hot springs are driveable, but many also offer a hiking option so you can get some exercise in before relaxing in the naturally heated pools.
Take a Tour
Can’t fathom taking to the streets just after a snow-storm? Stick around town and book an indoor tour! Denver winter activities boast numerous educational experiences from microbrewery excursions to history tours, our city’s tour groups run the gamut. Interested in learning more about Denver’s haunted past? Book a ghost tour! Feeling hungry? Pamper your inner chef with a food tour that hits some of Denver’s hottest restaurants.
Venture a little further and partake in a snowmobile or dog-sledding tour at one of the many Colorado’s ski towns. Winterpark, Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge have amazing winter tour options that take guests out to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.
Hot Tip: Tours can be expensive, but don’t worry— Denver offers some free excursions including a behind the scenes of Hammond’s Candy Factory to satisfy your sweet tooth or learn about the history and architecture of some of Denver’s most famous attractions with a self-guided audio tour.
Or if you’re more of a DYI kind of person, read up on Denver’s up and coming neighborhoods and explore for yourself what they have to offer.
Ice Skate around Town
Bring out your inner child with an evening of ice skating at Skyline Park. Glide gracefully, or plod along, under pretty lights with a full view of Denver’s growing skyline. Get out of town and enjoy ice skating in Old Town Fort Collins or at Evergreen Lake. Both of these locations have awesome dive bars, unique restaurants, and picturesque scenery. Plus, each is only an hour’s drive from Denver.
Hot Tip: Skyline Park offers free music on the ice on Friday nights from 7pm to 9pm, so come ready to ice skate to top Denver DJ’s.
Museums
As Denver continues to grow, it attracts a plethora of artists, makers, and musicians that add to its colorful cultural tapestry. Denver Art Museum consistently attracts fantastic exhibits on a rotating basis. Its Museum of Modern Art is not only interesting to look at but houses some truly inspiring works from contemporary artists.
Hot Tip: For a different take on the traditional museum, head to the Denver Botanic Gardens and warm up in the greenhouse. With the amount of humidity and numerous tropical plants you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics. Maybe.
There’s always something happening in the Mile-High City. Whether you’re craving some new scenery, wanting to learn something new, or simply kick back with friends and enjoy a beer (psst here are our top Denver brewery picks), Denver’s got you covered this winter.
Now that you’ve sorted your Denver winter activities, let AptAmigo help you find your dream apartment. Reach out and let us know your preferences and lifestyle and we will coordinate everything so your apartment hunt is stress-free and maybe even a little fun!
Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places - especially in the southwest - and moved into her van full time last fall. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
