If you’ve never been to Colorado before you are probably wondering what are winters like in Colorado? The answer: winter is absolutely perfect, nature is unforgettably striking with frozen landscapes. To put it simply Colorado is a true winter wonderland. 

Winter is the most exciting time in Colorado. As soon as the first snowflakes begin to fall, Colorado becomes a joyous place that attracts many people looking for a magical wintertime holiday. Skiers and snowboarders love Colorado, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering the fact that Colorado has 28 ski resorts.

But winter activities in Colorado include much more than just skiing and snowboarding. Here you are going to find out what wonderful activities you can enjoy with your family and friends in this beautiful winter paradise.

Go Snow Tubing

A couple of snow tubers gonig down a mountain

Let’s be honest, skiing and snowboarding are a bit overrated. We’re not saying it’s not fun or not challenging it’s just that some people like to relax during their vacation. That’s why they decide to experience the giggle-induced snow tubing.

Rushing down a hill on an inner tube at the speed of light will take you to your childhood memories and you won’t be able to stop laughing. Especially if you are sliding down with your friends and family.

You can go snow tubing on Copper Mountain’s tubing hill, Firecracker sledding hill in Telluride, Frisco Adventure Park to name just a few. This is surely going to become one of your favorite winter activities in Colorado.

Dashing Through the Snow

On a one-horse open sleigh! Don’t miss the chance to make your holiday extra special with a magical ride on a horse-drawn sleigh.  

There is actually a family business located in Winter Park called Dashing Thru The Snow (so sweet) that offers horse-drawn sleigh rides. You can also check out Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch. This is a perfect activity for families with small kids and for people who during this time of the year feel like children again.

You’ll get the chance to enjoy the view of beautiful secluded woods and magical meadows while riding on a beautiful old fashion sleigh drawn by horses. With the soft sound of bells jingling while enjoying the view you’ll surely feel like you’re in a winter fairytale.

Dog Sledding

Several dogs pulling the sled

Colorado really has a way of making you feel like you’re in some magical winter Disney movie. Frozen anyone?

Horse riding, horse-drawn sleighs, dog sledding. Colorado really is magical. But dog sledding is a little different from horse-drawn sleighs. For starters, they can be a wild ride. So for people who are looking for a different kind of rush, this will be an absolute thrill-inducing experience.

There are plenty of snowy mountain towns that offer dog sledding like Snowmass, Winter Park, Telluride, Vail… Colorado has a bunch of professional dog sledding companies with professional mushers and handlers that take great pride in their dogs.

So what are you waiting for? Mush.

Snowmobiling

Two snowmobiles on mountain in Colorado

The great thing about snowmobiling in Colorado is that you can be either an experienced and an inexperienced driver. Either way, you are going to have the time of your life!

The majority of snowmobile tours provide you with a tutorial that covers all the operations and allows you some practice time before you actually depart.

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For family holidays, there is even a Kids Snowmoblinig tour that offers special mini snowmobiles for kids up to twelve in the Winter Park Ski area. You can also check out Breckenridge Snowmobiling Tours & Rentals located in the heart of Colorado Rockies.

Wherever you choose to go there is no denying that you will enjoy the view of a lifetime. With beautiful frozen landscapes and snowy sceneries. They will stay with you for a while.

Magical Winter Carnivals

Carnivals are always fun. Especially when you are on holiday with your friends and family. They are a great way to enjoy the festive season and engage in some fun activities. 

There are plenty of fun winter activities in Colorado and many towns and villages host fantastic winter carnivals in the name of joy for all. You should definitely check out the Ullr Fest, which is a carnival dedicated to the Norse God of snow, Ullr.

There you will get to enjoy some fantastic activities like the dating game, Ullympics, there is going to be a parade, music, and ice skating party, mulled wine, tea and plenty of mouth-watering food.

All Aboard for the Holiday Train

The famous Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado

If you want to feel like that kid from The Polar Express then you should definitely consider boarding on a whimsical holiday train. 

Consider checking out Georgetown Loop Railroad. They offer special and magical train rides during Christmas. This train ride is going to absolutely make you feel like a kid again. These rides feature Santa Clause that offers presents, there is a lights show and of course holiday music we all know by heart.

We mentioned The Polar Express, well there is actually an annual event The Polar Express train ride offered by Colorado Railroad Museum! You can experience the movie in action along with the dancing staff that is going to offer holiday cookies and hot chocolate.

Simply magical.

Visit Santa’s Workshop

 At the base of Pikes Peak, there is a magical winter land. The North Pole in Colorado, the Santa’s Workshop which is a marvelous Christmas themed amusement park. You’ll get the chance to meet Santa Claus in person! Just imagine the smiles of your kids on their faces! 

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Not only will you be able to meet him, but you will also get the chance to take a picture with him and also visit his home and see his workshop. You’ll meet Santas’s busy and hard-working elves that are preparing everything for a perfect Christmas.

There you will get to explore many rides, shows and plenty of fantastic attractions. You can ride the Christmas Tree Ride, Enterprise Space Shuttle, Antique Carousel and many many more. You’ll also be able to spend some time with goats and llamas and explore Santa’s village.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has given you an insight into what beautiful and magical activities you can enjoy in the winter paradise that’s Colorado. We didn’t talk about skiing and snowboarding because we assumed that you are probably already familiar with that. But yes, Colorado does have 28 ski resorts and if you just want to enjoy good old skiing or snowboarding, fantastic! 

Colorado definitely is a magical winter wonderland place that will win you over with its unique nature covered in sparkly white snow. Combine that secluded woods and beautiful, still frozen landscapes and you will have a calming picture in your mind for the rest of the year. 

So to revise one more time apart from skiing and snowboarding you can also enjoy some snow tubing or sliding, go dog sledding, go on a horse-drawn sleigh, visit a magical winter carnival, go to a Christmas themed amusement park, go on a holiday train and ride a snowmobile. 

One thing is for certain, your vacation in the Rocky Mountains is going to be an unforgettable magical time spent with the people you hold close to your heart.