Denver Is Known for It’s Amazing Winter Activities
Denver, often referred to as the "Mile-High City," is known for its vibrant urban culture, stunning mountain views, and proximity to world-class outdoor activities. When winter rolls around, Denver becomes a hub for snow lovers, offering an array of winter sports that cater to everyone from seasoned athletes to casual enthusiasts. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone looking to enjoy the winter landscape at a more relaxed pace, Denver has something for you. In this blog, we’ll explore the exciting winter sports activities you can enjoy in and around Denver.
Skiing and Snowboarding: The Pinnacle of Winter Sports
The Best Nearby Ski Resorts
Denver’s location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains makes it a prime gateway for skiers and snowboarders. The city is only a short drive away from several world-renowned ski resorts, where visitors can enjoy thousands of acres of slopes, top-tier amenities, and a vibrant après-ski culture.
1. Loveland Ski Area Just an hour west of Denver, Loveland Ski Area is known for its early season openings, often being one of the first resorts in Colorado to start the ski season. With over 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, Loveland offers something for all skill levels, including challenging runs for experts and terrain parks for freestyle enthusiasts.
2. Arapahoe Basin Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as "A-Basin," is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders. With its high-altitude terrain, A-Basin is often one of the longest open ski seasons in Colorado, sometimes lasting into June. The resort boasts steep terrain, wide-open bowls, and a lively après-ski scene.
3. Breckenridge Ski Resort A bit further out, about two hours from Denver, Breckenridge offers a wide range of terrain, from mellow beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. With 2,908 acres of skiable terrain, Breckenridge is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. The resort also features a charming Victorian town full of restaurants, shops, and bars, making it perfect for a multi-day ski trip.
4. Keystone Resort Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Keystone is about 90 minutes from Denver. The resort has 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and offers night skiing, making it ideal for those who want to extend their day on the slopes. Keystone also features snow tubing, ice skating, and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
5. Vail Resort A little further at two hours' drive, Vail is one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in the world. It offers over 5,200 acres of terrain, perfect for both seasoned experts and beginners alike. Vail is also known for its après-ski scene, high-end dining, and luxurious accommodations.
Skiing and Snowboarding in the City: A Few Local Options
While Denver itself may not have ski resorts in the city limits, it does offer several areas for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby foothills. A popular local spot is Echo Mountain, located just 35 minutes from downtown Denver. While smaller than the big mountain resorts, Echo Mountain offers a variety of runs and a relaxed, local vibe perfect for beginners and those who prefer to avoid crowded slopes.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Explore Winter's Peaceful Beauty
Explore Denver's Open Spaces
If you're looking for a quieter, more serene winter experience, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are fantastic ways to explore the snowy landscapes around Denver. The city is home to numerous parks, open spaces, and trails that become winter wonderlands once the snow falls.
1. Denver’s City Park, located just a short distance from downtown, is an iconic urban space that transforms into a tranquil winter landscape. It offers wide, flat paths perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can explore the park's lake, historic buildings, and even take in the view of downtown Denver with the snow-capped Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.
2. Cherry Creek State Park, Just 20 minutes south of downtown, Cherry Creek State Park is a prime destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park offers miles of trails that wind through open fields, wetlands, and woodlands. The park's natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect winter escape.
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Located about 45 minutes from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers over 12 miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. The park is known for its pristine natural setting, providing an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife like deer, elk, and birds while enjoying the winter weather.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, For those willing to venture a bit further, Rocky Mountain National Park is an exceptional destination for winter sports. Just under two hours from Denver, the park offers a wide range of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, from easy treks to challenging backcountry routes. You can explore the majestic winter landscapes, complete with towering snow-covered peaks and serene alpine lakes.
Ice Skating: A Classic Winter Activity
Denver offers several great spots to lace up your skates and glide across the ice, whether you’re looking for an outdoor rink with a view or a cozy indoor option.
1. Downtown Denver’s Skyline Park Ice Rink Located in the heart of downtown, the Skyline Park Ice Rink is a popular winter attraction. Open from mid-November to mid-February, the rink offers affordable rentals and skating sessions with beautiful views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the winter season while surrounded by the buzz of the city.
2. Belmar Ice Rink in Lakewood Just outside Denver, in the suburb of Lakewood, Belmar Ice Rink is an outdoor rink that offers both public skating and ice hockey. The rink is set in a charming open-air shopping center, so you can skate and then grab a warm drink or bite to eat at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.
3. The Ice Center at the Promenade Located in Westminster, about 30 minutes from Denver, this indoor ice skating rink is a great spot for year-round skating. Whether you’re looking for a casual skate or want to join a hockey league, the Ice Center offers a wide range of skating activities for all ages and skill levels.
Snowmobiling: A Thrill-Seeker's Paradise
For those who crave a bit more speed and adventure in their winter activities, snowmobiling offers an exhilarating way to explore the backcountry around Denver. Several operators in the nearby mountain towns, such as Winter Park, offer guided snowmobile tours that take you through scenic alpine meadows, dense forests, and deep powder.
Winter Park is just 1.5 hours from Denver and is one of the top destinations for snowmobiling. Tours here can range from beginner-friendly trails to advanced routes that climb up into the high mountains. These tours offer an unforgettable way to experience Colorado’s snowy terrain and often include stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Sledding and Tubing: Family-Friendly Fun
If you’re looking for a more laid-back winter activity, sledding and tubing are perfect for families or groups of friends. While many ski resorts offer tubing lanes, you can also find some great local spots for snow play right in or near Denver.
1. Ruby Hill Park Located just south of downtown Denver, Ruby Hill Park is a local favorite for sledding. The hill here is steep enough to provide an exciting ride but safe enough for younger sledders. The park also has an expanded tubing hill, which is perfect for those looking to slide down on inflatable tubes.
2. Frisco Adventure Park About 90 minutes from Denver, Frisco Adventure Park offers one of the largest tubing hills in Colorado. The park has a dedicated tubing area where riders can enjoy a thrilling descent with views of the surrounding mountains. There are also designated areas for sledding, making it a perfect family destination.
Winter Hiking: For the Adventurer Who Wants to Be Outside
Winter hiking is an increasingly popular activity in Denver, with many people taking to the trails even when covered in snow. Trails that are usually too hot to tackle in the summer months become stunningly beautiful when blanketed in snow.
The Mount Falcon Trail near Morrison offers sweeping views of the snow-covered plains below and is accessible year-round. The Flatirons in Boulder, about 30 minutes from Denver, also provide some spectacular winter hiking opportunities. The iconic rock formations are especially breathtaking when dusted with snow, and the trails are less crowded during the colder months.
Denver offers a vast array of winter sports and activities So, bundle up, grab your gear, and explore everything the Mile-High City has to offer this winter! This information has been provided by Fireplace and Grill Experts, Inc., for informational and entertainment purposes. Fireplace and Grill Experts, Inc., is a locally owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience in the hearth industry. If it is gas related, we are your professional and experienced service team. We service Metro Denver and all surrounding areas and pride ourselves on providing affordable transparent pricing and exceptional service.