Current Issue

Colorado Vignette - Winter Wonderland

Known the world over for our “champaign powder”, Colorado has the best of winter activities for any age or ability. Our bright sunny days and clear beautiful sky’s make for fantastic winter outings.

The accommodations and towns range from “Old West Rustic” to some of the most luxurious in the world. Winter Carnivals and World Cup Ski competitions provide plenty of choices in entertainment.

If the death defying sport of Ice Climbing is your forte, the beautiful alpine village of Ouray offers that and much more. There are other ares, such as above Vail, where this sport is practiced as well.

Skiing and Snowboarding can be enjoyed in many different atmospheres. From the luxury of Aspen and Vail to the charm of Eldora Mountain Resort. Top rated Ski and Snowboard Schools are available at all the ski areas. You may choose private lessons or the comradery of a small class. Most areas have both Nordic and Alpine Ski Lessons, plus Snowboard Lessons available. Wonderful child care facilities are located at most resorts.

One of the more colorful groups of skiers and boarders in Colorado belong to the “Over The Hill Gang”, these 50 years plus members are more fanatical about skiing and boarding than even their children and grandchildren are. The oldest chapter of this international organization, from Copper Mountain, has more than 1,000 members.

Snowshoeing has gained popularity recently. Entire families can participate and it can be done in the nearest open field or park. Snowshoeing can be a vigorous, aerobic workout or a leisurely stroll on level ground, or groomed trails. It is probably the easiest winter sport to learn and the equipment is fairly inexpensive.

Snowbiking is another growing activity. Sol Vista Resort and Vail both offer this sport, akin to skiing sitting down.

Many resorts have opened sledding and tubing hills. This can be an exhilarating change of pace for the whole family. Snowmobiling and dog sledding are old favorites of many winter enthusiasts.

There are many places over the state to enjoy these activities. The lovely rustic village of Grand Lake bills itself as the Snowmobiling Capitol of Colorado, for good reason.

It is one of the few places you may snowmobile on the town streets. The proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and the availability of rentals for unescorted snowmobile tours, makes for a wonderful way to see this winter wonderland, off the main highways.

A very enchanting and popular Rocky Mountain adventure is the horse-drawn sleigh rides offered at many resort areas. Sleighs pulled by beautiful draft horses with bells tinkling, especially on a moon light night, make for a memorable experience. Many include hardy dining or even gourmet fare, in a cabin in the back woods.

What ever you choose to do to enjoy our beautiful mountains, clothed in their winter white garments, we hope you have an experience that will live in your memory for many years and bring you back this way again. Contact the chamber of commerce in the towns mentioned or the Resort Center for more information. Enjoy!!!

Return to Table of Contents