Colorado winter bucket list: 10 ways to celebrate the season, from recreation to relaxation

There’s a reason visitors travel from across the globe to Colorado in the winter. And if you’re a local, I don’t need to tell you that the state offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, or that there are only so many months you can put those snowshoes to use.

But recreation is just as alluring this time of year as relaxation because, honestly, there are few better ways to celebrate the season than cozied up under a blanket reading a book or watching a storm cover the landscape in a fresh layer of powder.

Whatever your preference, here are 10 very Colorado activities to cross off your winter bucket list.

Hit the slopes

Colorado winter is synonymous with skiing, whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a newcomer taking a lesson, or just here for the après. For those looking for suggestions on where to shred, vacation rental site Holidu recently unveiled a list of the most — and least — affordable resorts in the country, and found Purgatory Resort and Winter Park Resort to be among the most budget-friendly. (Vail, on the other hand? Not so much.)

And you don’t have to go downhill to check this item off your bucket list. Conversely, you could go uphill or enjoy a chill, scenic trek on a cross-country track. The latter is much more affordable than its adrenaline-powered counterparts, and Breckenridge Nordic Center is one of our favorite spots to try it. Check out this beginner’s guide to cross-country skiing for tips before you go.

Après like a champ

So you’ve unclipped your boots and unstrapped your helmet. It’s time to reward yourself for a hard-earned day on the mountain with a refreshing beverage. Belly up with our ultimate guide to après-ski breweries and distilleries near ski resorts, including in Steamboat Springs, Summit County, Crested Butte and Telluride.

Soak in a natural hot spring

Few things feel better than a post-mountain soak in a hot tub. Better still: A natural hot spring. Here are five hot springs located near ski resorts to rejuvenate those tired muscles. Non-skiers are welcome, too!

Ride the Winter Park Express

Whether you’re looking to carve the mountains at Winter Park Resort or simply enjoy the snow-capped views, you don’t need to sit in traffic on Interstate 70 to do so. Instead, hop on the Winter Park Express, which runs from Denver Union Station to its namesake mountain town Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 3. Trains leave Denver at 7 a.m. and afternoon rides leave at 4:30 p.m. The trip is about two hours, and one-way fares start at $29.

Hike it out

With locals and tourists gravitating toward the slopes, winter might be one of the most serene times of the year to hike. And there’s plenty of variety in these 10 Front Range trails, whether you’re looking for something snowy and steep, or a sunny casual stroll. Heck, you could even trek to a destination-worthy frozen waterfall.

Strap into a snowshoe adventure

Those seeking to level up on the winter-ness of a hike can opt for one of these trails optimal for snowshoeing, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Golden Gate State Park and beyond. Or choose a remote hut to snowshoe to because — say it with me — the journey is the destination.

Book a scenic cabin getaway

So being outdoorsy isn’t exactly your thing? No problem. Relaxing is an excellent way to spend the winter, especially if you stay in a cozy cabin or chalet. Choose from our top picks for places from Estes Park to Pagosa Springs. Some even boast extra perks like saunas, hot tubs, tubing and snowshoeing, so you can crush two bucket list items in one trip.

Go tubing like a boss

Want the thrill of descending downhill without all the gear to strap into? Colorado is brimming with places to go tubing. Grand County’s Fraser Tubing Hill is one of the pioneers of this pastime, and now many ski areas including Echo Mountain, Aspen Snowmass and Purgatory offer the family-friendly activity as a way to entice new customers or those who don’t ski.

Sled when it snows

If you don’t want to travel to the mountains, sledding hills abound on the Front Range. Here are 10 to slide on a snow day, from Ruby Hill Park in Denver to Chautauqua Meadow in Boulder.

Hit a winter festival

Have you sensed that life in Colorado doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops? Winter festival season revolves around these unique conditions, whether it’s witnessing an annual migration at the High Plains Snow Goose Festival (Feb. 3-6), watching sculptures take shape at the Cripple Creek Ice Festival (Feb. 5-13), or enjoying the “magical and mystical” at Durango’s Snowdown (Jan. 26-30.) See more events here.

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