If you do go, let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Cost: Varies.

This family-friendly winter activity in Colorado is a great way to get into the winter spirit. And they also had loads of activities for adults and little ones that didnt require skis. Im an absolute expert in Colorado travel. Pro Tip: Layer up to stay warm over winter. With its unique landscape and quaint towns, the western slope is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter. Dont fret you can opt to rent a heated tent to stay toasty warm while you try your luck at catching rainbow trout and other Colorado fish friends. The weather can be wild in Colorado.

If youre renting a car, be sure youre following the law! Theres plenty of things to do in Colorado if you dont ski. Mostly due to the higher altitude. Keystone is really built around skiing. They shoot them from the top of Dercum Mountain. Photos, snow reports, rideshares, and secret stashes.

My husband and I just returned from a mini Christmas Vacation with our 14-month-old son in Keystone Colorado. Going to book through AirBnB or a rental company rather than through Keystone. You take 2 gondolas to get to the top where they serve fondue and a 4 course meal and have live entertainment.

No matter what place or destination I drag my family to, you can best bet, Ill be dragging them to the highest point of that location on every-single-trip. Where: Mountaintop Snow Tubing at Keystone Resort. There are many different places to visit in Colorado for winter, but these are a few must-see towns: So if you DO ski or snowboard, you can partake in a magical light show by partaking in a ski parade at one of many Colorado ski resorts.

5 Tips for a Successful Colorado Winter Vacation with a Baby! However, if youre into holiday light displays, theres nothing more impressive than the Denver Botanical Gardens Blossoms of Light festival. Luckily for Will, the highest location came via gondola rather than by foot this time. Curious more at the base, but also if we take the gondola up and/or go tubing.

On Saturdays, starting at 4pm, Ripperoos Parade makes its way through River Run Village and ends with free cookies and hot cider at the Dercum Ice Rink. It has all the same activities, and the gondola. Plan is to go Thursday - Monday or Wednesday- Sunday. You can head to an escape room, catch a show on Colfax, or visit the Denver Art Museum for the day. They also handed out free hot chocolate and cookies along with pictures with Santa inside the summit mountain restaurant next to the fort. Start the morning off with a crisp hike on the Flatirons Vista Trail one of Boulders best hikes. The keystone nordic center also has some tubing, but you have to walk yourself up the hill there. Escape the mundane days of winter and head to the mountains for a weekend yurt getaway! Here are a few Colorado travel tips to keep in mind: When it comes to things to do in Colorado in winter, you dont need to be a ski bum to have fun. The lessons kids learn from traveling (adaptability, patience, & adventure, to name a few) are worth every effort to travel as a family. Where: Crested Butte must-visit trails: Town Ranch, Rec Path or Riverbend Connector trails. The hill was perfect for babies as it was a gentle slope and easy to walk back up carrying the the tube. Think you cant ride a bike in winter?

Ive lived in Colorado for over 13 years. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Denver is an excellent place to snuggle up and enjoy winter. And the memories made by us parents, are invaluable. Afterwards have dinner or drinks at the summit mountain restaurant right next to the fort. Lodging We are looking to stay at a condo inside of River Run Village. We are also debating getting a stand-alone townhome in East Keystone which would give us a private lot/space to play outside. There are lots of hiking trails in the Keystone area. Not only is ice skating a fun activity to do other than skiing, but for us it also provided hours of entertainment from our window seal INSIDE our cozy cabin. Grab a cup of hot chocolate for the gondola ride and enjoy the views! And mom to the cutest little boy (5) and girl (4). On Saturday night we visited the top of Dercum Mountain to explore the worlds largest Snow fort! But this year, being 8 months pregnant and bringing along our toddler, I knew our annual ski trip was going to be much different. It came equipped with a heated pool, 2 hot tubs, a spa, a wading pool for babies, and an indoor childrens play area. A family of 4 exploring the world using points and miles. Local Tip: As a beginner snowshoer, make sure you understand avalanche risks. Thats where you find the best views! I am not sure about the kids but I am hoping at least 2 of your kids are able to use the gondola for free. It's a short trip from all of those over to any of the ski areas if you want ride up to the top of a mountain for some cool views. This allows you on the gondola up to the top of Dercum Mountain where there is a restaurant as well as access to another gondola that takes you to another part of the mountain with more scenic views. This is an absolute must for any babies winter. Unfortunately this was also the day James was adjusting to the altitude along with having a bad reaction to the sunscreen I just put on him. Pro Tip: Be prepared to hike out your trash. Would any of those towns have snow on the ground? If you dont want to hit the slopes, consider checking out one of the Colorado mountain towns that dont have a ski resort.

But you can take another Gondola and get to Northpeak. No, Im not talking about Denvers favorite 21-plus recreation pastime. Understand the avalanche risks before heading out into the backcountry. Keystone, along with many other mountain towns in Colorado offer Scenic horse drawn Sleigh Rides. But honestly, Ive hardly hit the slopes in the past 5 years. At 8 months pregnant, the doc said hot tubs were out of the question for me. Keep in mind some of the attractions may be limited if the weather is poor. These Colorado winter activities offer plenty of thrills for any type of traveler. They have little bitty snowshoes for kids. Does the snow fort really only open on 12/15? As one of the best things to do in Colorado in winter, fat biking should be at the top of your list. We take the kids (now 3 and 5) to Georgetown in early December for the Christmas market plus Santa train ride and it's a massive hit! When: November 7th 29th, December 1 Jan 3. There are plenty of jaw-dropping hot springs in Colorado from Glenwood Springs to Steamboat Springs. The snow fort is open daily from 9am to 4pm all throughout the ski season. Booking Tips for a (Mostly) Stress-Free Family Ski Vacation. Try a new outdoor sport this winter and climb some ice. If you aren't dead set on Keystone; Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne or anywhere around there should be much much cheaper. I think with the right expectations (by that, I mean, knowing it may be one of the more expensive meals of your vacation) it could be fun for the whole family. Toutes as one of the most magical things to do in Colorado during the winter, you can take a horse-drawn carriage to a beautiful dinner location nestled in the heart of Rockies.

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Ice fishing is arguably one of the biggest Colorado past times. Would any of those towns have snow on the ground around then? The second we walked into this place, we heard this sound non-stop for about 15 minutes. Would I even expect much snow on the ground in early December? You could do that ride for fun and spend sometime in the town of Frisco. Pro Tip: Ice climbing is COLD (and wet)! I still manage to have an amazing winter season in my home state. My wife, daughter, and I spend a lot of time there, but we ski a lot. Seeing one of the best lakes in Colorado amongst a dreamy winter landscape is a must-do. Plan fun outdoor activities or spend time indoors at museums, theatres, and even climbing gyms. And it was an awesome experience! Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. I want to say that sight seeing tickets up the gondola at Keystone are like $50. ), This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it wont cost you a penny more!) This crazy, yet super fun sport is an excellent way to see frozen waterfalls up close and personal. Complete with toys and games galore and scheduled activities such as face painting, its a perfect place to escape the cold air for a bit and let the little ones play. Where: There are many amazing winter hiking trails in Colorado. Wear waterproof pants, a jacket and gloves. Its free entry for all ages. Shout out to all, And thats a wrap!

On i70 it is now in effect permanently from September through May. Trail tours range from beginner to advanced. Cost: $31 for adults, $22 for children under 15. You dont need to bring the kitchen sink, definitely ask what the yurt provides prior to heading out. Hire a guide or take a lesson and learn how to top-rope ice safely. Ill let you know how well it works. I have been using an app called hopper. It tries to predict future airfares and alerts you to purchase a ticket or to wait. Instead of staying stuck at home, head out on a weekend getaway to one of Colorados best mountain towns. Dont forget youll need to rent: Crampons, ice tools, and crampon-compatible mountaineering boots. Cost: Free to walk the grounds and see the gingerbread displays. Winter mountain traffic, especially near ski areas, is a real thing. Cost: Varies, but plan on spending between $350 $500 including lodging for the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nordic Center has snow tubing for all ages including babies and toddlers. Keystone offers these excursions too as well as snow shoeing through designated trails in the mountains.

See below for the view from our condo.

Each hut is unique, some have wood-fired hot tubs and even dry saunas! Now you can ride along with a dog sled team in Winter Park, Colorado. As a local Colorado expert, Im not only going to share the best things to do in Colorado in winter, but Ill also give you exclusive local information you cant find anywhere else. How is the snow typically this time of year?

Local Tip: There are lots of things to do in Breckenridge during winter if you dont ski!

Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Time to wake your a$$ up and help me load the kids, Finally dusting off our passports after a year and, How do you and your partner agree on the vacation, Yall this has been the ultimate labor of love p, Soooo many of you have been requesting all the det, Any 4 Non Blondes fans out there? Avid sport climbers will also want to check out the climbing at Shelf Road nearby. Unfortunately it was an activity we didnt get to try because we ran out of time but based on reviews seemed like a fun thing to do outside of skiing. Ultimate Insiders Guide to Ice Skating in Breckenridge (and Nearby). We travel often using credit card points and miles. As a local, Ive got the inside scoop on the best things to do in Colorado in winter besides ski. Where: Denver Botanical Gardens Downtown Denver, Cost: $21 for non-members $19 for members, Related: 32 Things to Do in Denver You Cant Miss. Think again. Where: The best place to learn is the Ouray Ice Park. Thanks for following! There are traction laws in Colorado. Walkthrough mesmerizing, interactive light shows. I'm planning a family trip to Keystone for snow fun but not skiing. Although he did go skiing one day, this list helped fill the hours on the rest of the days of our non-ski-cation. Other than tubing and the nordic center there's really not a whole lot for non-skiiers. Will and I have done a snow mobile excursion before.just in another Colorado ski town. After a fun-filled day of activity, head to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak.

Be sure to check out the many Grand Junction hikes in the area to get up close and personal with these landscapes. Needed to get a critique on my plans, as the wife and I have never been to a Colorado winter resort. Good luck with you trip planning and I hope you have a great time in Colorado! Id also suggest that if what you want is a winter wonderland type feel and don't care about downhill skiing, Yellowstone in the winter is incredible. Cost: Snowshoe rentals run at about $20 per day, $25 if you need poles (recommended). ! Hes 14 months oldwhat do you expect? Where: All over the Colorado Rockies.Cost: Varies depending on the hut, but generally not too expensive. Take a twirl on the ice or join a pick-up hockey game. Kidtopia Headquarters is located next to the Dercum ice skating rink in River Run Village. If wanting to vacation a lot means you're lazy, then call me Lazy Lauren. Something you might look into for something to do in Keystone Colorado other than ski.

Not to mention, its my day job to write about the outdoors so Ive been around the block and back. Next, enjoy a spa treatment at the St Julien Hotel (hello RnR). If you are like me, simply chilling by the fire with a glass of wine and a view of a snow covered mountain out the window is all I need to have a great time. You are required to carry chains UNLESS you have snow tires or a 4WD/AWD vehicle. Winter is prime time here in the Centennial State and you dont need to ski to enjoy the fluffy white snow! Heres the link to all Kidtopia activities in Keystone Colorado along with schedule information. Worried about the cold? Always be prepared and pack extra layers so you dont get too cold! None of us have been to Colorado in the snow, and Keystone seemed to be the most family friendly for that. Where: Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat SpringsCost: $10, children are $5. Since you don't ski I would suggest looking at Frisco, Silverthorne, or even Georgetown. Many will also have spa amenities (music to a pregnant girls ears). Press J to jump to the feed. Der Fondue Chessel is a Bavarian Beer Hall/Restaurant at the top of the mountain in Keystone Colorado. Have you taken your little one to the mountains? If youre into adrenaline rushes, then ice climbing is one of the best things to do in Colorado in winter besides ski. Lessons are $55 for adults and $45 for kids. Cost: $95 per night for a six-person yurt. If youre really into backcountry skiing or you love spending time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, check out one of the many 10th Mountain Division backcountry huts in Colorado.

Skip the crowds (and oppressive heat) with a visit to the Colorado National Monument along the Western Slope. They changed the traction law this year. You can easily snowshoe to this hut, making it an ideal choice of things to do in Colorado if you dont ski. Looks like we might miss it by a weekend. Be sure to bring hand warmers, extra jackets, and toe warmers. A few awesome activities to check out include: You can still have a ton of fun visiting Colorado in the winter even if you dont ski or snowboard. Ever wondered what its like to be a musher on a dog sled team? Where: Dog Sled Rides of Winter ParkCost: $195 per person. The winter lodges open Dec 15. In this guide, youll find expert, local advice.

You can also take a train to and from the town from Denver. Spend the day snowshoeing to Emerald Lake, soaking up the views of Notchtop and Hallett Peak. A personal favorite of mine? Where: State Forest State Park or one of the many 10th Mountain Division huts. If it's snowing, AWD or snow tires may be required. I've been to the ones at Keystone and Breck and they're both nice. Youll also still be able to visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (just wear warm clothing) and even enjoy ice fishing. Head to Evergreen Park for the worlds largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink. The tubing on the mountain at keystone has a magic carpet lift to take you up the hill, so it's less work, but you pay more and you're limited on time. Where: Glenwood Springs, 2.5 hours from Denver, Cost: budget around $400 for the weekend with lodging. Just because you dont ski, doesnt mean you cant have fun in the wintery mountain scenes of Colorado. Family has 3 kids who will be 6, 4, and 20mos. Where: Snowmass Mall and Base Village at Snowmass Aspen, ColoradoCost: Free to watch! On the day that Will went skiing, James and I met him around lunch time at the top of the mountain using our foot pass (under age 2 is free). Should I have any preference on arrival/departure days? This list of the amazing things to do in Colorado this winter focuses on ways to enjoy the shorter days without buying a ski pass. Where: Steamboat Snowmobile Tours in Steamboat SpringsCost: $150 per person.

Wink, wink. Follow along for tips on cutting travel costs with points and miles plus detailed destination guides and itineraries. Let me know .

It was perfect for a daytime activity with a little one. There are hundreds of them scattered about the village providing parents a more fun and easier option of hauling their kids and ski equipment around. Plan plenty of extra time to get to the airport, especially if youre driving on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. The site doesnt say. Where: Boulder, CO just 40 minutes from Denver. Afterwards enjoy the fireworks from anywhere in the Village.

Soak in the incredible Iron Mountain Hot Springs after you spend the morning snowshoeing to Hanging Lake. Where: Vail Nordic CenterCost: Prices vary but rentals run from $25 to $30 per day, plus a $15 day pass. You can opt to rent your own gear or go out on a guided adventure at one of the many ice fishing locales throughout Colorado. You can scope out the lights downtown during the holiday season or try your luck at the Glenwood Escape Room. Another two activities we didnt attempt but worth mentioning. Spend a afternoon in Vail ski area. This is a great activity for the entire family. Cost: $60 for a half-day, or $80 for the day. Anything else I should be considering? From wonderful light festivals in the cities to remote yurts in the wilderness, you can have a whole season of snowy fun.

Pack the essentials and hike in a couple of short miles to the Never Summer Nordic yurts in State Forest State Park. For a snow vacation you are definitely taking a risk that early in the season.

It seemed that Keystone Resort prided themselves as Colorados kid-friendliest resort. (Some activities are geared more towards babies and kids than others. Remember, the Denver International Airport is far from the city center and even further from the mountains. Because I want you to make the most of the snowy season. One in River Run Village and a much larger one in Lakeside Village. There is plenty of things to do in Colorado in winter, even if you dont ski. I don't know when it opens but kids sure seem to enjoy it. Play games, go for hikes, and enjoy the cozy feel of yurt life in a wintery wonderland.

You will need AWD or snow / mud tires legally if the traction law is in effect on I-70. If you have tiny travelers in tow (particularly under age 3), you can still have an amazing time. Colorado is a great place to visit any time of year. I really just depends on the weather, and it's super unpredictable.

Just 2.5 hours south of Denver youll find Canon City and the Royal Gorge.

I would double check the schedule for night hours if you go at a different time of year. Learn what it means to go brap brap with a snowmobiling tour in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. You can rent bikes from various establishments. As such, Ive been all over the state. We were lucky enough to stay at the Willows in Lakeside Village where ice skating was just outside our front door.

Im a sucker for views. Its one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter. One of the most scenic places in Colorado, Glenwood Springs offers up some of the best things to do in Colorado in winter if you dont ski. So while planning the itinerary for this winter vacation, I was in need of activities to do other than ski. Air Travel with Kids during a Pandemic: What to expect plus tips to limit exposure.

At one of the best weekend getaways from Denver, youll love spending a couple of days nestled up in Estes Park. I want to provide encouragement and inspiration for the parents out there that hesitate to travel with their young children! We loved it so much we actually hiked this trail on 2 different days. Dont miss out on winters in Colorado. James could stare for hours at the skaters. 5 Tips for a Successful Colorado Winter Vacation with a Baby, Ultimate Guide to St. John U.S. Virgin Islands, 3 Day Itinerary Yosemite National Park with Kids. It's not a real town but a ski resort. Thanks Nancy! Historical snowfall charts show some snow having fallen typically by this time. If not it's no big deal. With lots of amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park during winter, youll have an action-packed wintery weekend.

Snowmobile tours take you through wintery trails and lead to stunning vistas of the famous Rabbit Ears Pass.

But it's a way more interesting town. Your source for Colorado snow sports information. Beginners can enjoy an array of groomed trails, while experts will have literally limitless terrain to explore.



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