EnCompass cover


Reader Service
Free Travel Info
Colorado Calendar
About our Advertisers
   
EnCompass®
Wherever You Want to Go
November | December 2003
Volume 77 Issue 6
Web Exclusive

AAA Connection:
Outdoor Winter Activities in Colorado
The November/December 2003 issue of EnCompass magazine included a special feature about winter outdoor activities in the Colorado Rockies. Space limitations in the magazine meant we could barely touch on the tremendous variety of activities that are available around the state.

The information below has been excerpted from material we received from promotional agencies around Colorado. Our thanks go to the state tourism office for alerting these agencies of our plan to collect information on winter activities. Though what follows is not a comprehensive list of activities from every area, we hope this information is useful and, more importantly, that some of these ideas encourage readers to get out this winter and enjoy some of what this amazing state has to offer.

Travel & Safety Information

For road conditions, contact Colorado Department of Transportation: 877-315-7623 or www.cotrip.org.
For AAA 24-hour road service: call 303-753-8800 or 800-AAA-HELP. Or online at aaa.com.

AAA reminds members to make sure your automobiles have been properly winterized and checked before heading for the high country. Typical problems discovered by AAA repair facilities during Car Care Month in October include: improper tire pressure, unsatisfactory tread depth, and low levels of or dirty fluids such as oil and antifreeze. Also be sure the wiper fluid is full and that wiper blades are in good shape. For additional safety information, visit aaa.com:
vehicle maintenance   driving tips
AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Colorado Ski Areas

Arapahoe Basin, 888-272-7246, arapahoebasin.com; Aspen's four resorts: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass: 800-308-6935, aspensnowmass.com; Four Vail Resorts properties: Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail: 800-404-3535, vailresorts.com; Copper, 866-841-2481, coppercolorado.com; Crested Butte, 800-544-8448, crestedbutteresort.com; Durango Mountain, 800-525-0892, durangomountainresort.com; Eldora, 303-440-8700, eldora.com; Hesperus, no number, durango.com/skihesperus; Howelsen Hill, 970-879-8499; Kendall Mountain, 970-387-5522; Loveland, 800-736-3754, skiloveland.com; Monarch, 888-996-7669, skimonarch.com; Powderhorn, 970-268-5700, powderhorn.com; Silverton Mountain, 970-387-5706, silvertonmountain.com; Ski Cooper, 800-707-6114, skicooper.com; SolVista, 800-757-7669, solvista.com/winterhome; Steamboat, Steamboat.com; 800-922-2722, Sunlight Mountain, 800-445-7931, sunlightmtn.com; Telluride, 866-287-5015, tellurideskiresort.com; Wolf Creek 970-264-5639, wolfcreekski.com; Winter Park, 800-729-5813; skiwinterpark.com

Winter Activity Ideas, by Area

ASPEN/SNOWMASS
  • Cross-Country Skiing —The most extensive free Nordic trail system in the United States is found in and around Aspen-the area is home to more than 40 miles of trails that are often labeled "Aspen's 5th mountain." The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System links the villages of Aspen and Snowmass via the 9-mile long Owl Creek Trail. This trail system is complemented by beautiful views of the area's magnificent scenery. Ashcroft Ski Touring Unlimited: 970-925-1971
  • Snowshoeing — Snowshoers are welcomed on Aspen's free Nordic trail system, which winds throughout the Aspen area and as far as the village of Snowmass. This activity is perfect for groups and can be a high- or low-impact workout depending on what you want from the experience. Since the majority of the trails are shared with cross-country skiers showshoers are reminded to stay off of the grooved tracks of the skiers ÿ following this friendly etiquette keeps everyone happy. Showshoes are available for rent from a variety of outfitters in town.
  • Snowmobiling — For an experience like no other, take a snowmobile tour to the base of the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in Aspen. Guided tours take visitors along miles of groomed trails that wind through beautiful forests and open up on to magnificent meadows. Have a hot cocoa at Maroon Lake, enjoy the views of Colorado's winter scenery, and hop back on your snowmobile for an exhilarating ride back to town. Tours run three times a day. T Lazy 7 Ranch. Tel: 970-925-4614
  • Dog Sledding — The Krabloonik Restaurant and Kennels offers visitors the chance to experience the Colorado outdoors from a dogsled and feel the power of being pulled behind 12 canines. Dogsleds can hold up to two adults and one child and are led by an experienced 'musher,' or guide. Dogsled Rides: Krabloonik Kennels, 970-923-4342.
  • Tubing — Head to Snowmass for some serious family fun. Hop on an innertube and glide down the hill as the world whizzes by. Located on Assay Hill on Snowmass. Tubing Tube Town, Assay Hill, Snowmass, 970-923-8656.
    BEAVER CREEK
  • Nordic Activities — Beaver Creek is among very few resorts in North America with a dedicated snowshoe and cross-country ski park atop its mountain rather than at the base. Beaver Creek Cross-Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center is located at the base of Strawberry Park Express lift (#12) and offers equipment rental, lessons, and maps. McCoy Park's 32-plus kilometers of trails are groomed for classical cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Group cross-country lessons and tours are offered daily for those who wish to learn the sport or hone their skills. Call 970/845.5313 for prices and reservations.
  • Snowshoeing — One of the fastest growing sports in the country, snowshoeing accounts for a major portion of business at the Beaver Creek Cross-Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center. Trails are located on Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead Mountains, outside of McCoy Park. Refer to the Beaver Creek trail map for routes. Call 970/845.5313 for prices and reservations.
  • Snowshoe Tours — The Beaver Creek Cross-Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center offers a variety of tour options throughout the season. Each is led by a knowledgeable guide, and features a look at the flora and fauna found in McCoy Park.
  • Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series — This popular series features four races during the season in various locations throughout Beaver Creek. Beginners and walkers can enjoy a leisurely 5K or one-mile stroll, while hard-core competitors battle for a prize purse in the 10K race. The series takes place Dec. 13, 2003, Jan. 10, 2004, Feb. 21, 2004 and Mar. 13, 2004 (North American Snowshoe Championships). Visit www.bcsnowshoe.com or call 970/476.6797 for more information and registration.
  • Ice Skating — The centerpiece of Beaver Creek Village, the Black Family Ice Rink has become wildly popular - more than 50,000 visitors took to the ice last season. Rink dimensions: 150 feet long by 65 feet wide. Winter Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Open year-round, 6 - 10 p.m. during the summer.
    BRECKENRIDGE
  • Cross-Country Skiing/Nordic Centers — Breckenridge boasts two quality Nordic centers: The Gold Run Nordic Center located on the Breckenridge Golf Club and the Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center near Peak 8. The Gold Run Nordic Center has over 20 groomed kilometers of skating and classic trails, in addition to a network of backcountry touring and snowshoe trails. The center offers a ski retail and rental shop with group and private lessons, backcountry ski tours, and technique and waxing workshops. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and a full service restaurant for evening dining are also available. 970.547.7889, www.townofbreckenridge.com/nordic. At the Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center, 30 kilometers of groomed skating and classical skiing await you, including 20 kilometers of snowshoe trails and five kilometers of dog walking trails. The center operates out of a historic lodge with ski and snowshoe rentals, a retail shop, waxing services and a professional ski school with guest instructors and clinics. 970.453.6855.
  • Dog Sledding — Experience rushing through the snowy woods on a sled pulled by a team of magnificent sled dogs. 970.453.7604 for Good Times Adventures.
  • Ice Skating — Glide gracefully on Maggie Pond at The Village at Breckenridge, 970.453.2000, or enjoy two Breckenridge Ice Rinks, a year-round indoor and an outdoor. 970.547.9974.
  • Snowmobiling — The backcountry awaits all adventurers who wish to carve their way through forests, along paths and through the mountains on snowmobiles. 970.453.6018.
  • Snowshoeing — Another terrific sport for those who want to keep in the tip-top condition. Fast becoming the conveyance of choice among serious competitors and those who just want to take a stroll through the forest atop five or six feet of snow, snowshoes can be rented at several shops in town. 970.453.6018.
  • Hot Air Ballooning — Experience the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country with all flights launching above 9,600 feet MSL. Your balloon adventure will provide you with spectacular 100-mile panoramic mountain views. Includes in-flight classical music and use of our high powered binoculars. Take home a complimentary 8x10 digital photo of your flight. Each flight is followed by a continental breakfast/champagne toast. Colorado Rocky Mountain Balloon, 888-468-9280; www.coloradoballoonrides.com, Coloradoballoonrides@msn.com.
    CANON CITY
    Experience the majestic beauty of the Royal Gorge on a special Twilight Dinner train aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Beginning in November the trains will depart at 6:00 PM for the remainder of the winter and spring. The journey lasts 2 ½ hours, covering a distance of 24-miles. Make your reservation today for a trip aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad-the only train that takes passengers through the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge. www.royalgorgeroute.com or 1.888.RAILS.4U.
    CARBONDALE
  • Activity Summary — Just 12 miles to the west is Glenwood Springs, with the Ski Sunlight ski area and the largest natural hot springs pool in the world. All of Sunlight's trails eventually end up right back at the base lodge so families won't lose each other. Sunlight is a year round resort that also offers snowmobiling and a free Nordic center for cross country and snow shoeing. Carbondale has a community run cross country ski area with 21 kilometers of groomed trails as well as easy access to back country trails for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. There are several designated snowmobile trails and places to rent snow machines. In addition, Aspen, with the widest variety of skiing in the entire State, is 30 miles east of us. It's 4 mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass have extensive trails for everyone from first timers to extreme whackos.
    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY
  • Hot Springs Soaks — At the Indian Springs Resort - after a long day of skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. 303-989-6666. www.indianspringsresort.com
  • Mountain Fun Tours — Snowcat Tours and Backcountry Ski Excursions. 303-569-3779

    Snowshoeing in the Mt. Evans Wilderness or along Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Downloadable maps are available at www.clearcreekcounty.org as are a wealth of outfitters for the area.
    CREEDE
  • Nordic and Snowshoeing —The Upper Rio Grande Nordic Club maintains several cross country ski trails within a few minutes drive from Creede. The forest service road into North Clear Creek Falls, the most photographed waterfall in Colorado, is a popular area for snowshoeing and provides a fantastic view of Bristol Mountain as well as an ice wall at the falls. The Ivy Creek Trail leads cross country skiers and snowshoers to the San Juan Ski Huts which are available for day or overnight visits. Lost Trail Ranch, at the very head of the Rio Grande near Stoney Pass, has yurts and cabins for winter vacationers and offers access to the high mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness.
  • Ice Skating — The City of Creede maintains an ice skating rink at the baseball field and a frozen pond on Willow Creek near the Underground Mining Museum. A city committee is working on establishing an ice climbing park on the canyon cliffs above Willow Creek.
  • Snowmobiling and Snowcats — The Snow Country Explorers snowmobile club maintains hundreds of miles of trails that link with snowmobile trails maintained by the Lake City and South Fork clubs. The club publishes a colored Winter Use Trails Map that shows all of the snowmobile and ski trails. Continental Divide Services, Inc., three miles west of Creede on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (SH 149), rents snowmobiles and provides guided tours. San Juan Snowcat can carry up to 10 people into backcountry terrain to peak elevations of 13,250 feet for telemark skiing or snowboarding.
    CRESTED BUTTE
  • Activity Summary — It is the ideal winter wonderland here for anyone who likes outdoor activity. For the non-skier, we have snowshoeing, a complete nordic trails system, snowmobiling in any direction from town, dogsled rides through the backcountry, sleigh rides through town, a custom sledding hill for the kids, public ice skating facility with hockey leagues, and that's just to name some. For the skier, we have the most unique terrain in Colorado at Crested Butte Mountain. There is a good mix of beginner/intermediate terrain as well as the steepest, most eye-opening black and double-black diamond skiing, unlike anywhere else around here. There is a terrain park for skiers and snowboarders alike. For the backcountry savvy we have the most incredible array of skiable mountains anywhere. Guides are willing to take newcomers into the backcountry, and telemark skiing lessons are always available.
    GLENWOOD SPRINGS
  • Hot Springs Lodge & Pool — No matter if the sun is shining or snow is falling, there is non-stop fun at the World's Largest Hot Springs Pool. In the winter, steam rises in thick clouds as snowflakes melt into the water. Some experience a Nordic tradition of emerging from the warm waters only to roll around in the snow on the deck. 1-800-537-SWIM (7946), 970-947-2954 or visit www.hotspringspool.com.
  • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Historic Fairy Caves — In Spring 2003, the Iron Mountain Tramway opened, which makes the caverns accessible during the winter for the first time. The views from the tram and restaurant at the top of Iron Mountain are incredible as well. The temperature in the caverns remains about 50 degrees year-round, so winter is a great time to enjoy what USA Today called One of 10 Great Places to Go Underground. www.glenwoodcaverns.com, 1-800-530-1635, or info@glenwoodcaverns.com.
    GRAND JUNCTION
  • Activity Summary — The Grand Mesa, with its rolling terrain and expansive views, is a popular destination for snowmobilers. Guided tours, snowmobile service and rental equipment are available from many local outfitters. The backcountry nordic trail system also makes for some great snowshoeing. The area's winter sports activities take place, for the most part, on the western slope of the Grand Mesa. The city of Grand Junction, which sits in the Grand Valley, benefits during the winter from a relatively dry, mild climate. What this means for the non-skier is that golf is a year-round proposition; Grand Junction boasts five excellent golf courses with great links and fabulous views: the Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Tiara Rado Golf Course, Lincoln Park, Adobe Creek National Golf Course, and Chipeta Golf Course. Those not-so-athletically-inclined might enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the many wineries operating in the Grand Junction area, using one of the local companies that offer chauffered tours of the Grand Valley's wine country. Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau, 800-962-2547
    KEYSTONE
  • Activity Summary — Known more for its ski mountain than its town atmosphere, Keystone is a planned, upscale addition to outdoor playground, Summit County. Located just up the road from Dillon and down the pass from Arapahoe Basin ski area, Keystone is perfect for both first-time and advanced skiers. A nice, partly creekside walking trail lies between the mountain and village shops and leads to Keystone Lake. In fact, the lake is one of the largest groomed ice skating ponds in the nation (Lakeside cafes are available for non-skaters.) Keystone also has it own cross-country skiing center with 29 kilometers of trails and Nordic instruction taught by a former Olympian.
    MESA VERDE
    Winter is a special time to visit Mesa Verde National Park. Everything seems to be cast in a golden light; the summer crowds have gone and silence reigns. Please keep in mind that all activities at this time of year depend on weather conditions. Take advantage of Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, free Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, a drive around the Mesa Top Loop, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking opportunities. For additional park information, tune your radio to AM 1610.
    PAGOSA SPRINGS
  • Activity Summary — The Pagosa Springs area boosts some of the finest recreational opportunities available anywhere in the world. Winter time recreation centers around downhill skiing and snowboarding at the local Wolf Creek Ski Area, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on numerous area trails, ice skating in a town park beside the San Juan River, ice fishing in area lakes, and family sledding trips to various sledding hills around town. The Great Pagosa Hot Springs, at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, is much too hot for safe human use, but it's a popular visitor attraction nevertheless. Today, two established spas make use of water from the same heated underground aquifer which feeds the Great Pagosa Hot Springs: the Spring Inn Resort, with over a dozen naturally-heated, family-sized outdoor pools of different temperatures, and, just across the street, the Spa Motel, which has a year-round outdoor swimming pool as well as men's and women's indoor hot baths.
    RED FEATHER LAKES
  • Sundance Trail Guest Ranch — Sundance Trail is not a large, homogenized corporate experience — it's a small ranch. It's also our home. We accept no more than seven families or 24 people at a time. This allows us to keep our lifestyle relaxed and flexible. We are open all winter as a Country Inn with horseback riding. Guests stay one day or ten. Relax, ride horses, hike, and fish. Enjoy the jacuzzi, the rifle range and the views. Horseback riding is the main activity here. www.SundanceTrail.com; 800-357-4930 (Voice and fax); 970-224-1222 (Voice and fax); Ride@SundanceTrail.com
    SILVERTON
  • Ice-Skating — The Town Rink is located at the Kendall Mt Recreation Area. Rental Skates are available at the Chamber of Commerce. Ice-skating is free of charge and is always open (weather permitting, of course).
  • Sledding Hill — Sledding is also available at the Kendall Mt Recreation Area. There is a gentle slope for the youngsters and a more adventurous tubing hill available. Remember this is old-fashioned fun so be ready to hike and bring your own sled.
    STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
  • Cross-Country Skiing — There are many kilometers of marked trails to choose from on Rabbit Ears Pass, accommodating all skill levels. The Ski Touring Center offers 30K of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and 8K of snowshoe trails. Trails travel along beautiful Fish Creek and throughout the surrounding countryside. Trail passes are available at the Steamboat Ski Area Ticket Office. A free shuttle service runs daily between the resort and the Touring Center offering half-day and all-day trips. Howelsen Hill also offers a network of trails in the heart of downtown Steamboat.
  • Snowshoe Tours — Steamboat's Ambassadors host guided beginner snowshoe tours on the mountain, Monday-Saturday at 1:00pm. Every tour offers breathtaking views of the Yampa Valley and the Flat Top Mountains. Guided Gourmet Tours feature a delectable gourmet lunch and a refreshing glass of wine. Guided Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10:00am. Sign up in advance for all tours at the Information Center (970-871-5444).
  • Ranches — Whether you're looking for a scenic place to relax, a horseback ride or for an outfitter to guide you into the wilderness, these ranches have years of experience and knowledge. Check out Del's Triangle 3, Dutch Creek, Elk River, High Meadows, Home Ranch, Bar Lazy L, Windwalker Tours, Sunset or Vista Verde.
  • Fishing — Gold waters abound in the Yampa Valley with guided fishing on public and private waters. Several companies offer half-day and full-day winter excursions that usually include transportation, equipment, guides and incredible fishing. Bucking Rainbow, Steamboat Fishing Company, Straightline Sports and Windwalker Tours.
  • Hot Air Balloons — For a leisurely ride above the Yampa Valley, hot-air balloons take off near the base of the resort daily and provide a bird's-eye view of Steamboat. Enjoy spectacular scenery while floating quietly aloft in these beautiful aircraft. Check out Pegasus/Wild West Balloon Tours or Windwalker Tours. (Weather permitting).
  • Ice-Climbing — Anyone who craves adventure, is sure to enjoy the high-energy fun and thrills of climbing. Ice climbers ascend the famous 230-ft. Fish Creek Falls waterfall; rock climbers challenge several local faces and never face the same course twice. Whether you're just starting or have been a few times, guides provide years of experience and all the equipment and instruction you need.
  • Indoor Ice Facility — Howelsen Ice Arena, located next to Howelsen Hill, is northwest Colorado's premier indoor ice facility. It features an indoor, Olympic-size ice rink for hockey, figure skating and broomball. Lessons are also available. Call 970-879-0341 for more information.
  • Hot Springs — At the end of the day, a soak in one of the local natural hot springs is always in order. The Steamboat Health and Recreation Center offers hot springs swimming pools, a full-service fitness center, and a water slide for the kids. Or, take a trip with Sweet Pea Tours or Windwalker Tours up to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs six miles above town for a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
  • Sleigh Rides — Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride and delicious home-style cooking. This rustic western experience also includes live entertainment. Or enjoy a unique snowcat-drawn sleigh ride over to Ragnar's for a gourmet meal atop the ski area. Dutch Creek Guest Ranch, Ragnar's, Sunset Ranch, Bar Lazy L and Windwalker Tours.
  • Snowmobiling — Several snowmobile companies offer tours including breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Two-hour, half-day, full-day, dinner and overnight rides available. Steamboat Snowmobile Tours, High Mountain Snowmobile Tours or Steamboat Lake Outfitters.
    TELLURIDE
  • Mountain Activities — Telluride Mountain offers 1,700 skiable acres of pristine terrain for snow enthusiasts to experience. The dramatically varying slopes accommodate skiers of all levels. In the winter, Telluride Mountain can be used for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing and ice-biking. If the powder on Gold Hill and in Prospect Bowl isn't enough, Telluride Helitrax is the only outfitter in Colorado to offer helicopter skiing for true powderhounds. With daily, weekly and private trips, Helitrax whisks intermediate and expert skiers up to hidden caches of fresh snow in Telluride's San Juan Mountains, (970) 835-5050.
  • Nordic Skiing — For alpine serenity, Telluride provides a 30-km network of Nordic trails. At the top of Lift 10, guests can enjoy the serenity of Magic Meadows or glide all the way to Alta Lakes (a $20 Nordic lift ticket gives Nordic skiers two rides on Lift 10). The Mountain Village Golf Course and Far Away Ranch are regularly groomed as are the Nordic loops in Town Park, Priest Lake and Trout Lake. The Telluride Nordic Center, located in Town Park, maintains a groomed trail report and offers Nordic equipment rentals for kids and adults, 970-728-1144. The San Juan Hut System beckons backcountry buffs to brave the 73-km expanse of trails from Telluride to Ouray. With intermediate and expert trails up and over the Sneffles Range, guided trips are available for guests embarking on the full journey or those who just want a dose for a day. Spaced every 10-15 km, the huts are used for shelter and overnight stays, and are equipped with padded bunks, propane lights, a wood-burning stove, chopped wood and a kitchen, (970) 728-6935.
  • Snowshoeing — Snowshoers can pack a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine and hike to hidden hideaways of pristine snow, quiet solitude and gorgeous views. With an experienced guide from Telluride Mountain Adventures, participants will learn about local history, wild life, flora and fauna. 800-801-4832.
  • Dog Sledding — With dashing sled dogs in the lead, guests can experience a true Alaskan adventure right here in Telluride. Half-day, full-day and overnight sled dog trips are offered through Winter Moon Sled Dog Adventures, (970) 729-0058.
  • Snowmobiling — For those who seek the thrill of cruising through snow-covered meadows and forests with stunning views, snowmobiling is the perfect winter adventure. Dave's Snowmobile Tours and Telluride Outside offer guests a glimpse of Telluride's mining legacy while traveling over mountain passes and through deserted ghost towns. The historic ghost town of Alta Lakes is a favorite destination among guests. After exploring Alta's old mining sites, enjoy a catered lunch at the Alta Lakes Observatory, a quaint log and stone cabin nestled in the woods. Contact Telluride Snowmobile Adventures, 970-835-5050 or Dave's Snowmobile Tours, 970-728-7737.
  • Ice-Skating — Skaters waltz by day and night in Telluride Town Park or in Mountain Village Town provides a warming hut with a fireplace for toasty toes, while the Mountain Village pond plays seasonal music under the stars. For free skate time in town, call (970) 728-2173, and for rentals, the Telluride Nordic Center at (970) 728-1144. The pond in Mountain Village offers free skating all day. Rentals are available at the Boot Doctors, (970) 728-8954.
  • Hot Springs — An hour from Telluride, guests can soak their weary bones in natural hot spring pools or find rejuvenation in the vapor caves in Ouray. Guests can book après-ski trips to Ouray for a soak in the pool and dinner through Telluride Express, (970) 728-6000. Just past Ridgway on the drive to Ouray is the smaller, more natural Orvis Hot Springs, where bathing suits are optional. The property also features a hotel and on-site massage therapist, (970) 626-5324.
    VAIL VALLEY
    For more information about any of the Vail Valley activities listed below, contact the Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau at 1-800-525-3875 or www.visitvailvalley.com
  • Adventure Ridge — Snowmobiling, ice-skating, thrill sledding, snowshoeing and ski biking await the whole family at the top of the gondola in Vail every night. The most popular activity is tubing, where kids and adults alike zoom down the chutes and then take the convenient lift back up.
  • Hummer Tours — Rough, rugged and snowy terrain won't stop you from seeing the sites when you're riding in a Hummer all-terrain vehicle. Enjoy the mountain views off the beaten path.
  • Backcountry Tours and Hut Trips — Tour the Vail Valley's backcountry with the experts. Take a trip to the famous 10th Mountain Division Huts located in the surrounding wilderness. Novice and expert skiers alike can make fresh tracks outside the ski area boundaries.
  • Carriage Rides: — Sit back, relax and see the sites of Vail Village in the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.
  • Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing — No training or experience required, just slap on a pair and explore the winter wonderland in the Vail Valley. Rentals are available at most ski shops and guided tours are offered at the Vail Nordic Center or on Beaver Creek Mountain at McCoy Park. If you prefer to cross country ski, bundle up and head for the trails for up-close looks at the wintertime landscape of the Vail Valley on a guided or unguided tour.
  • Dog Sledding — A unique way to take in the fabulous winter scenery. Morning and afternoon tours are available including pick-up, snack and drink. It's a great activity for the whole family.
  • Fly-Fishing — Take a guided tour of the crystal mountain waters. Getting started is easy with a 1-day introduction for the novice angler. Learn casting, knot-tying, entomology and other basic skills.
  • Horseback Riding & Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides — Dashing through the snow, over the fields we go! Bundle up with your loved ones and sip hot chocolate while breathing in the crisp mountain air in a horse-drawn sleigh or on a carriage ride through a pedestrian village. Or, ride in style to one of Beaver Creek's premier, on-mountain restaurants. You can also saddle up and take a horseback ride on the snow-covered trails.
  • Hot Air Ballooning — Soar the skies, enjoy the pristine vistas of the Rocky Mountains and view the wildlife from above. Flights conclude with a festive celebration- a legendary ceremony including a honorary certificate, champagne and a light brunch.
  • Ice-Skating — Fun for the whole family and a great activity day or night, ice skating is available at various venues throughout the valley. Glide around Avon's Nottingham Lake, practice your turns at the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village, or ride up the gondola for skating and spectacular views at Eagle's Nest. For those who prefer an indoor venue, The John A. Dobson Ice Arena is a 35,000 square foot facility located in Vail.
  • Snowmobiling and Snowcat Tours — Snowmobiling is a great alternative to a day of skiing or riding. Local outfitters will guide you through miles of wide-open, powder-filled meadows and forested trails. On a clear day you're guaranteed fantastic views of the Continental Divide and the surrounding mountain ranges.
    WINTER PARK
    For more information about the activities below, on Winter Park or the Fraser Valley, call 970-726-4118 or chamber @winterpark-info.com.
  • Snowshoeing — One of the most popular options at Winter Park are the Redfeather Snowshoe Tours offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. After a short chairlift ride up to mid-mountain, the group tramps on a gently downhill route through densely wooded sections of the resort. An experienced guide leads the two-hour tour and provides insight and information about the plant and animal life that populates the Rocky Mountain winters. A more vigorous snowshoe workout is available on weekends with the Advanced Adventure Snowshoe Tours. These 3½- hour tours depart Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. from the Balcony House at the base of the resort and cover five miles of challenging, up and down terrain. Individual exploration is also possible with snowshoe rentals available at the Tour Center desk in Balcony House.
  • Snowcats — Non-skiers and non-snowboarders are particularly fond of Scenic Snowcat Tours that provide passengers with a two-hour tour up, down and around the mountain on a route that crosses a variety of trails- in the comfort of a heated snowcat. Tour guides provide a colorful and entertaining history of the Fraser Valley en route and make sure that there are several stops for admiring the views and taking pictures.
  • Snowmobiling — Non-stop fun-seekers opt for the Twilight Snowmobile Dinner Tours. Drivers and their passengers spend two hours exploring on a guided tour that reveals the shadowy, serene side of the resort when the alpenglow is at its best and everyone else has gone home. A hearty dinner is served halfway through the tour and the twinkling lights of the Fraser Valley create a memorable view on the ride back.
  • Sleigh Rides — For old-fashioned winter fun without strapping on skis, try a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. Riders snuggle under a blanket while listening to the clopping of hooves and the jingle of bona fide sleigh bells. Local outfitters also offer a selection of winter trail rides for all ages.
  • Ice-Skating — To test balance and gliding skills, ice-skating at either Cooper Creek Square or the skating pond near the Fraser Valley Shopping Center guarantees a good workout and rosy cheeks.
  • Snow Tubing — The Fraser Tubing Hill is a long-time favorite. With a smooth, slippery hillside for achieving top speeds, toe-curling thrills and dramatic spills are inevitable. A mini J-bar pulls tube riders back up the slope. With its nighttime lighting, the giggles and shrieks continue late into the evening!
  • Ranch Activities — Cross-country skiing. Snowshoe tours. Ice skating. Horseback riding. These are just a few of the winter recreation options that await guests at Devil's Thumb Ranch. Known as one of Colorado's premier cross-country ski centers, the ranch is also gaining accolades nationally, including being selected as one of the top ten cross-country ski resorts in North America in a recent consumer poll of more than 200 cross-country ski areas. The ranch offers an extensive trail system of over 100 kilometers of groomed trails for classical and skate skiing and snowshoeing. New cross-country developments include the addition of 10 kilometers of trails and three new backcountry loops, two warming huts and group hill lessons. This winter, 15 cabins will be available (the ranch is undergoing a significant capital improvement program), and 8 of those will offer convenient ski in/ski out access. www.devilsthumbranch.com . 800-933-4339.

    »» Return to Table of Contents

    • Copyright © 2003 AAA Colorado. All Rights Reserved. Privacy