Top Winter Activities in Colorado for Water Enthusiasts
For all the water enthusiasts out there, you might find these long frigid winter months feeling endless. If you miss making a big splash, Colorado is the perfect destination to keep the water activities coming even as our mountains turn into winter wonderlands. We have complied a list of the Top 8 Winter Water Activities to participate with the family this season.
Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs, Kremmling
In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, there are roughly 93 developed and underdeveloped hot springs scattered throughout. Although there are three major popular destinations Sulphur hot springs, Glenwood Hot Springs, and Great Pagosa Springs, some locals would argue that the real treasure can be found in Steamboat Springs. Also known as the Strawberry Hot Springs, the year-round average temperature hangs around 104F. Family friendly during the day, adults only after dark come enjoy Colorado’s scenic thermal natural hot springs all throughout the state.
Ice Fishing
If the winter cold has you down and not casting your lines, fret no more. Ice fishing is the perfect activity to shake off the cabin fever and layer up to get outside. The best time to hit the lakes would be from December to late February when the ice is the most solid. Rather fly fish than ice fish? There is plenty of opportunities for that as well. Fishers must always be extremely cautious on lakes below 8000ft in elevation.
Snow Tubing
Frisco Adventure Park. Courtesy of www.townoffrisco.com/play/winter-tubing-skiing/tubing/
If anyone in the family hasn’t learned to ski or snowboard yet, or maybe are looking for a less intense activity come get tubular with one of Colorado’s timeless winter activities. No skill required for this great pass time, and with a single or double tube it’s impossible not to smile the day away. There are countless locations to send it down on a tube. Here are just to name a few we recommend checking out: Fraser tubing hill, Colorado Adventure Park, Copper Mountain Tubing, as well as Snow Mountain Ranch.
Dog Sledding
If you are missing your fur-babies back home and want to meet Colorado’s famous snow hounds dog sledding may be the perfect option for you. With locations all around starting from Buena Vista, Vail and Steamboat Springs just to name a few. Develop a sense of appreciation for this centuries-old mode of transport while gliding through Colorado’s backcountry. There are a variety of dog sledding tours across the state.
Snow Kite Flying
Photo by Mark Reis
Are you unbothered by the traditional activities of the Rocky’s? Come try out one of the newest winter sports Lake Dillion has to offer. If you have ever been windsurfing/kiteboarding then snow-kites might be just for you. Take a short lesson if you are trying it out for the first time and learn to fly a kite in ground school. If you can’t contain your excitement and would like to upgrade to skis and a board then you can participate in the beginner Ski & Ride School.
Snow Shoeing
Want a stellar backcountry experience with minimal crowds and long lines? Then snow shoeing might be the sport for you and your family, come experience Colorado’s flora and phenomenal scenery with guided tours in the Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a trail for everyone and all skill levels all over the state. Have your camera ready to snag photos of the wildlife roaming around such as elk, moose, foxes, and possibly even a bear just to name a few.
Ice Climbing
If your wanting to get outside of your comfort zone, then you might want to consider Ice Climbing. Ouray Ice Park is a human made ice climbing venue in the city of Ouray, CO. With well over 100 climbs for all levels there isn’t a shortage of options for anyone feeling fit and gutsy. Rock climbing’s cooler cousin has folks from all over the world coming to check out these icy slabs in the gorge.
Ice Skating
With Jack Frost visiting us this season what better way to pass the time then with this old-fashioned winter activity. If you are looking for a more traditional outdoor rink a few good locations to check out would be Lionshead Vail Village, Keystone Resort, Crested Butte Nordic Center, Winter Park, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain and the list goes on. Don’t miss out on this classic treat with the family.