12/03/2021

12 Winter Activities to Experience in Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful state that offers many breathtaking landscapes. However, there are also some hidden gems in our member areas that you can explore. From Buena Vista to Fort Collins and Granby, there is a lot to discover. Here are twelve fun things to do in our member areas in Colorado - in the winter or anytime.

If you’re packing up your electric vehicle for the road trip, here is a quick EV road trip checklist to use before you head out, and we’ve included some EV charging station locations for each town. Watch the video below to get a small dose of this amazing event. 

Ridgway, Colo., served by San Miguel Power Association, Inc.

Skijoring  

Looking for something different this winter? This entertaining event January 8th-9th, is located within Ridgway, Colorado within the San Juan Mountains of Ouray Country. 

(video provided by  Grand Junction Daily Sentinel YouTube)

Ouray Ice Park

The Ouray Ice Park is a free outdoor ice park open mid-December thru late March for ice climbers. The Ice Park boasts 150 routes along a 1.7-mile stretch of river gorge, attracting 22,000 climbers last season according to Ouray Park Executive Director, Peter O’Neil.

Buena Vista, Colo., served by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association 

Hot Springs

Along with its breathtaking landscapes, this lovely part of central Colorado has several hot spring resorts. Buena Vista, CO is a bustling but peaceful town nestled at the foot of the majestic Collegiate Peaks. The natural hot springs provide a rejuvenating and relaxing experience, especially in winter! 

Located 10-20 minutes from downtown Buena Vista are the premier locations for the Cottonwood Hot Springs Resort and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. After a day of downtown shopping, skiing, or any other Buena Vista excursion, you can relax in one of these healing hot springs. 

Scenic Winter Drives 

Located in the Upper Arkansas River Valley, between Leadville and Salida, Buena Vista is encircled by the majestic peaks of the San Isabel National Forest, the perfect opportunity to plan some beautiful scenic drives of snow top peaks with the family. With summits over 14,000 feet, the town is a hotspot for outdoor adventurers. 

Snowshoeing on Buena Vista Trails 

The Town of Buena Vista provides access to a variety of multiple skill level areas through its trail system. Whether you are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, or riding, there is a trail for you.

Snow hikers are rewarded with stunning scenery as they make their way through the Collegiate Peaks and Mt. Massive Wilderness areas, ascending through picturesque valleys to alpine lakes and high passes. If you’re not sure where to start, Uncover Colorado has some great recommendations for Buena Vista hiking trails.

Find EV Charging Stations in Buena Vista, CO

Granby, Colo, served by Mountain Parks Electric 

Skiing & Snowboarding at Granby Ranch Resort

This family-owned resort is about 90 miles west of Denver and is built and run with families in mind. Both the east and west mountains of the resort provide a variety of terrain types and levels of difficulty. All trails go back to the base area, so family and friends may easily meet up again. The Eastside is mostly green and blue, while the Westside has some more difficult blues and blacks.

Granby is well-known as one of the greatest places in Colorado to learn to ski or snowboard on a variety of easy-to-access slopes for beginners.

Ice Fishing at Lake Granby

The expansive Lake Granby reservoir is the third largest of all lakes in Colorado boasting 45 miles of shoreline offering numerous access points for ice fishing, a popular sport in the winter months. In fact, the lakes of Grand County are home to some of the biggest and best trout fish in the western Rockies.

Find EV Charging Stations in Granby. CO

Around Fort Collins, near Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association

Fat Biking

Northern Colorado is known for bike-friendly commuting year-round. Winter doesn’t stop northern Colorado from biking. Both Cameron Pass and Lory State Park, near Fort Collins, offer amazing Fat Biking adventures. A fat bike is a bike that is meant for riding on snowy trails thanks to its design that includes two oversized tires that make riding on rough terrain smooth. Fat Biking is one of the most unique ways to experience the snow-packed trails that are scattered throughout the Front Range.

Brewery Tours

Colorado's largest craft brew hub surrounds Fort Collins. There are currently over 20 craft breweries in the city, making it the state's largest concentration of microbreweries. Brewery tours are a great way to sample award-winning lagers, pilsners, and ales all year long. Check out

Mash Lab Brewery or Mighty River Brewing.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Take the family to cut down your own tree this holiday season! Head to the cutting area on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District near Red Feather Lakes, close to Fort Collins between Dec 7th-15th for an unforgettable experience. Smokey Bear is there on the weekends!

Drive-through Winter Wonderland

Colorado Youth Outdoors is a member of PVREA. They’re a 501©3 nonprofit bringing kids and parents closer through outdoor recreation. Winter Wonderland was founded in 2020 with the goal of providing an unforgettable experience for everyone while also helping a variety of causes. Many organizations are unable to hold their activities for the second year in a row. Winter Wonderland's purpose is to create a drive-thru experience where people can come together as a community, share a common experience, and celebrate the season by helping one another. 

Sledding

You don’t have to pack up the car and head to the nearest ski resort to have fun. Pineridge Natural Area is known as the best sledding in the Fort Collins area for all ages.

Find EV Charging Stations in Fort Collins, CO

Colorado is a state full of adventure and we know this list has given you some inspiration for your next trip! Interested in more ideas for things to do in the winter? Check out Wyoming in the Winter or Winter Activities for the Whole Family

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Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.