things to do in keystone co besides ski

2021/05/21

We stayed at the Willowswhich had an amazing view plus access to a heated pool. 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.

sledding besides breckenridge They have groomed trails, so it's really easy and I think it's pretty fun. Keystone is really built around skiing. I've been to the ones at Keystone and Breck and they're both nice. Most of the scenes are non-denominational, however, the scene wouldnt be complete without some carolers to bring the festive vibes. Take a twirl on the ice or join a pick-up hockey game. Winter is prime time here in the Centennial State and you dont need to ski to enjoy the fluffy white snow! Luckily for Will, the highest location came via gondola rather than by foot this time. besides gigantic fort Glenwood Springs attractions offer a great way to get out of town and enjoy some wintery fun. Worried about the cold? Take the gondola to the top and play on the slides, climbing nets, tunnels and castle towers. For a wintery wonderland without much effort, take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Not to mention, well cover: Not a skier? While researching mountain towns in Colorado, I came across Keystone. Many will also have spa amenities (music to a pregnant girls ears). 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. If you do go, let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Based on reviews, it can either be an amazing experience or not so much since it can be about $100 or more per person. Afterwards have dinner or drinks at the summit mountain restaurant right next to the fort. How important is getting an AWD rental coming from Denver airport? Should I have any preference on arrival/departure days? 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. At the park, youll find the Royal Gorge Bridge (free), a via Ferrata, Skycoaster, gondola, and much more. Where: State Forest State Park or one of the many 10th Mountain Division huts. The lessons kids learn from traveling (adaptability, patience, & adventure, to name a few) are worth every effort to travel as a family. Always be prepared and pack extra layers so you dont get too cold!

My description of you would be anything but lazy. Beginners can enjoy an array of groomed trails, while experts will have literally limitless terrain to explore.

As one of the best things to do in Colorado in winter, fat biking should be at the top of your list. Why? Fun for all ages! I'm planning a family trip to Keystone for snow fun but not skiing. Its one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter. Did I miss anything? With lots of amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park during winter, youll have an action-packed wintery weekend. Let me know . 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. A personal favorite of mine? Does the snow fort really only open on 12/15? Press J to jump to the feed. Cost: $60 for a half-day, or $80 for the day. Other than tubing and the nordic center there's really not a whole lot for non-skiiers. Local Tip: As a beginner snowshoer, make sure you understand avalanche risks. You can head to an escape room, catch a show on Colfax, or visit the Denver Art Museum for the day. From Honeymoon Island to Cala, The Lazy River at Weekee Wachee Springs 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). When it comes to things to do in Colorado in winter there are plenty of awesome activities to keep busy. I still manage to have an amazing winter season in my home state. I have been using an app called hopper. It tries to predict future airfares and alerts you to purchase a ticket or to wait. But you can take another Gondola and get to Northpeak. For bigger kids you can head to Adventure Point in River Run Village that has snow tubing as well as other fun activities with steeper hills. You could do that ride for fun and spend sometime in the town of Frisco. Wink, wink.

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. They have little bitty snowshoes for kids. You can go to one of the many nordic centers around summit county. As others have said December is risky for snow.

Im not even a huge fan of winter the cold just gets to me. 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. Also if you are just going to the top of the mountain for views then the best views are from Outback which you cannot get to without skiing/boarding. Colorado is home to some incredible winter hiking trails. However, if youre into holiday light displays, theres nothing more impressive than the Denver Botanical Gardens Blossoms of Light festival.

Needed to get a critique on my plans, as the wife and I have never been to a Colorado winter resort. I don't know when it opens but kids sure seem to enjoy it.

Good luck with you trip planning and I hope you have a great time in Colorado! It's not a real town but a ski resort. These towns come to life in winter with plenty of shopping, eating, and outdoor fun! One of my favorite things about River Run Village in Keystone Colorado are the red wagons. For hiking it'll more likely be snowshoeing. If not, what time of year could we expect to have consistent snow? Rent some snowshoes from a local gear shop and hit up one of the easier Colorado hiking trails this winter for a fun-filled day. 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. Just because you dont ski, doesnt mean you cant have fun in the wintery mountain scenes of Colorado. Thanks for following! Not to mention, its my day job to write about the outdoors so Ive been around the block and back. It's nestled up next to Rocky Mountain National Park. Snowmass in Aspen and Steamboat Springs both do a torchlight parade down the mountain complete with a fireworks display. I feel like that's about the time of year if goes from barren dirt covered hillsides to winter wonderland. Thanks, that is great advice. Keep in mind some of the attractions may be limited if the weather is poor. The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association is a great place to get your feet wet with the sport.

If youre renting a car, be sure youre following the law! On Saturday night we visited the top of Dercum Mountain to explore the worlds largest Snow fort! Youll also still be able to visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (just wear warm clothing) and even enjoy ice fishing. Next, enjoy a spa treatment at the St Julien Hotel (hello RnR). Where: Mountaintop Snow Tubing at Keystone Resort. 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. Historical snowfall charts show some snow having fallen typically by this time. Plan plenty of extra time to get to the airport, especially if youre driving on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. Cost: Varies. But it's a way more interesting town.

Soak in the incredible Iron Mountain Hot Springs after you spend the morning snowshoeing to Hanging Lake. Trail tours range from beginner to advanced. James could stare for hours at the skaters. Where: Denver Botanical Gardens Downtown Denver, Cost: $21 for non-members $19 for members, Related: 32 Things to Do in Denver You Cant Miss. Thanks, sounds risky at that time of year. Obviously skiing was not an option for me nor baby James. Being a spectator is even more fun. These Colorado winter activities offer plenty of thrills for any type of traveler. If it's snowing, AWD or snow tires may be required.

Consider taking a whirl on the Wintertime Wonders Bus Tour and check out the sights both in and out of the park. And they also had loads of activities for adults and little ones that didnt require skis. With small kids, is this worth it?

And the memories made by us parents, are invaluable. You are required to carry chains UNLESS you have snow tires or a 4WD/AWD vehicle. Lessons are $55 for adults and $45 for kids. Would any of those towns have snow on the ground? Would any of those towns have snow on the ground around then? Typically, the non-ski resort towns of Colorado have great prices for lodging in the winter. Follow along for tips on cutting travel costs with points and miles plus detailed destination guides and itineraries.

This high-end, all-inclusive resort property is a long-coveted establishment that goes all out for Christmas. Frisco has tubing, or you can easily drive to Keystone or Copper.

Ouray Ice Park and the Vail Valley offer world-class ice climbing opportunities for beginners and experts alike.

Ice fishing is arguably one of the biggest Colorado past times. Keep in mind clothing is optional after dark. Right now one of the ways James lets us know he is excited is by yelling Bah!! One in River Run Village and a much larger one in Lakeside Village. A family of 4 exploring the world using points and miles. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Mostly due to the higher altitude. With its unique landscape and quaint towns, the western slope is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter. Head out on a scenic drive near Denver for some wintery magic, then post up at one of the many amazing Denver eateries (the Source, Cherry Creek, and Larimer Square have excellent dining options). In this guide, youll find expert, local advice. One of my favorite day trips from Denver is to head down to Canon City.

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. However, if youre looking to visit Colorado in winter, its important to be prepared. The winter lodges open Dec 15. Play games, go for hikes, and enjoy the cozy feel of yurt life in a wintery wonderland. My wife, daughter, and I spend a lot of time there, but we ski a lot. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. #la, Highly recommend visiting this island if youre, Vacation mode . My husband, however gets antsy without things to do on vacation.

Thats where you find the best views! If not, what time of year gets more consistent? Photos, snow reports, rideshares, and secret stashes. Click here for my post on 5 Tips for a Successful Colorado Winter Vacation with a Baby! The weather can be wild in Colorado. You can rent bikes from various establishments. Heres a look at guiding services that offer classes in the park. Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat. Although he did go skiing one day, this list helped fill the hours on the rest of the days of our non-ski-cation. The snow fort is open daily from 9am to 4pm all throughout the ski season. And mom to the cutest little boy (5) and girl (4). If you haven't driven much in the snow, AWD definitely won't hurt, but realize that it does't make you stop any faster! Perfect for families or date night, this fun-filled ride will have you smiling and laughing your way down the mountain.

How is the snow typically this time of year?

Featuring steep cliff walls that plummet down 950 feet to the river below. If not it's no big deal.

Plenty of chill hiking options everywhere in Summit County. Will would sit in the middle of the tube with James on his lap. Now you can ride along with a dog sled team in Winter Park, Colorado.

Denver is an excellent place to snuggle up and enjoy winter. You can easily snowshoe to this hut, making it an ideal choice of things to do in Colorado if you dont ski. Anything else I should be considering? Colorado is a great place to visit any time of year. Theres plenty of things to do in Colorado if you dont ski.

), 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!) Instead of staying stuck at home, head out on a weekend getaway to one of Colorados best mountain towns.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); **Mom Tip: I got James this baby snowsuit (click here)that was PERFECT for adventuring out in the snow everyday. Where: Evergreen Lake House ParkCost: $7 to skate and $7 to rent skates.

We usually go skiing about once a year to various ski towns. There are separate areas for skating depending on your activity. But honestly, Ive hardly hit the slopes in the past 5 years. Ultimate Insiders Guide to Ice Skating in Breckenridge (and Nearby). Access to the fort is free with a valid season pass, lift ticket, or scenic ticket. The keystone nordic center also has some tubing, but you have to walk yourself up the hill there. Dog sledding is one of the most fun-filled things to do in Colorado in winter. They shoot them from the top of Dercum Mountain. At night, the grounds come alive with beautiful light decorations, outdoor fireplaces complete with s mores and hot cocoa. Youll get plenty of solitude, and have access to some of the best things to do in Colorado in winter without paying ski resort prices. We loved it so much we actually hiked this trail on 2 different days. If you can walk you can snowshoe they say. They changed the traction law this year. Go to loveland pass and walk around there. Snowmobile tours take you through wintery trails and lead to stunning vistas of the famous Rabbit Ears Pass. There are plenty of jaw-dropping hot springs in Colorado from Glenwood Springs to Steamboat Springs. Go for a scenic sunset drive, or head out for hike among the sandstone giants. Learn what it means to go brap brap with a snowmobiling tour in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. If you arent sure, avoid any trails that go through avalanche terrain or stick to flat areas that dont cross under any steep hills. Der Fondue Chessel is a Bavarian Beer Hall/Restaurant at the top of the mountain in Keystone Colorado. 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 crazy, yet super fun sport is an excellent way to see frozen waterfalls up close and personal. Its a great way to spend some time on a ski slope without dropping tons of coin to ski.

Afterwards enjoy the fireworks from anywhere in the Village. Shout out to all, And thats a wrap! Dont forget youll need to rent: Crampons, ice tools, and crampon-compatible mountaineering boots. 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? Will and I have done a snow mobile excursion before.just in another Colorado ski town. Be prepared for the local and current conditions as you head to your hut and dont bite off more travel time than you can chew! 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. Family has 3 kids who will be 6, 4, and 20mos. Pro Tip: Ice climbing is COLD (and wet)! There is something indescribable about seeing red desert sandstone dusted in snow. Skip the crowds (and oppressive heat) with a visit to the Colorado National Monument along the Western Slope. Dont worry! 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. Although the snow may shut some areas down in the winter, theres still plenty of amazing winter trails in Colorado. 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.

Looks like we might miss it by a weekend. Check out Sapphire Point Overlook for an awesome view and a short hike with mountain views and lake views. Spend a afternoon in Vail ski area. Vacation planning enthusiast, wife of an amazing husband who is willing to succumb to my every wanderlust need. However, its always free to hike the trails. I would double check the schedule for night hours if you go at a different time of year. We travel often using credit card points and miles. Im a sucker for views. None of us have been to Colorado in the snow, and Keystone seemed to be the most family friendly for that. You can also take a train to and from the town from Denver. The site doesnt say. From wonderful light festivals in the cities to remote yurts in the wilderness, you can have a whole season of snowy fun. Awesome! No, Im not talking about Denvers favorite 21-plus recreation pastime.

For a snow vacation you are definitely taking a risk that early in the season. Glide your way through wintery trails with cross-country ski lessons. Pro Tip: Be prepared to hike out your trash. In keystone, there is usually kidtopia fort on top of Dercum. Interact and walk through the icy marvels! For a real icy treat, head to the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Rent from The Alpineer.

Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Hey Y'all! Its free entry for all ages. This high-flying ride is an awesome winter activity in Colorado. Where: Boulder, CO just 40 minutes from Denver. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. 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. Would love to know for our return trip in the future Ive spent the better part of 12 winters here in Colorado. It was perfect for a daytime activity with a little one. It has all the same activities, and the gondola.

It didnt seem like there was much of a cost savings with the included stuff from booking through Keystone.

Escape the mundane days of winter and head to the mountains for a weekend yurt getaway!

Afterward, head to the Dushanbe Teahouse. things to do in Breckenridge during winter, things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park during winter, guiding services that offer classes in the park, The best things to do in Colorado in winter, Family-friendly winter activities in Colorado, Free things to do in Colorado this winter, See the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanical Gardens. Timing Looking to go the weekend after Thanksgiving (around Dec 7-8). Again, there is always a chance of a snowstorm anytime October - June, so IMO yes to the car question. Fill free to leave a comment below. If you arent skiing, you can buy a foot pass at the base of Keystone Mountain next to the River Run Gondola. Nobody gets into the holiday spirit quite like The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Be sure to bring hand warmers, extra jackets, and toe warmers. Cost: free to hike, $28 to enter the park and extra money for the Skycoaster and zipline. Remember, the Denver International Airport is far from the city center and even further from the mountains. Your source for Colorado snow sports information. 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!

The hope is to be able to play in the snow. We were lucky enough to stay at the Willows in Lakeside Village where ice skating was just outside our front door. Enjoy a ride with Santa at the helm as you make your way through a fun-filled light festival complete with synchronized music. Another two activities we didnt attempt but worth mentioning.

Understand the avalanche risks before heading out into the backcountry. Cost: Free to walk the grounds and see the gingerbread displays. Feel the wind in your hair as you travel by horse-drawn carriage on this magical wintery ride. Learn about the sport and see these amazing animals in action. Cost: $31 for adults, $22 for children under 15. You take 2 gondolas to get to the top where they serve fondue and a 4 course meal and have live entertainment.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); There are 2 ice skating rinks in Keystone Colorado. Pro Tip: Layer up to stay warm over winter. Where: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. Dont miss out on winters in Colorado. How much is what varies year to year. Open year-round, you can enjoy this thrill ride any time of year, but winter is extra special as the snowy scenes fly past. 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.

Where: 15 minutes outside of Canon City, Colorado. Catch a sunrise at Sprague Lake or go ice climbing. There is plenty of things to do in Colorado in winter, even if you dont ski. After a fun-filled day of activity, head to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak. You will need AWD or snow / mud tires legally if the traction law is in effect on I-70. Seriously, its an amazing sight to behold. Booking Tips for a (Mostly) Stress-Free Family Ski Vacation. This famous location is a reconstructed Turkish teahouse that features an array of global teas to keep you toasty. You dont need to bring the kitchen sink, definitely ask what the yurt provides prior to heading out.

Have fun!! It has more consistent snow as well. Seeing one of the best lakes in Colorado amongst a dreamy winter landscape is a must-do. Is that the case, or could I save a good bit? Cost: Snowshoe rentals run at about $20 per day, $25 if you need poles (recommended). Local Tip: There are lots of things to do in Breckenridge during winter if you dont ski! Thrill-seekers need to check out the Mountain Coaster in Glenwood Springs, Colorado! Log in, Things to do in Keystone Colorado in the Winter Besides Skiing. How busy should I expect it to be on the weekdays and weekend? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nordic Center has snow tubing for all ages including babies and toddlers. But this year, being 8 months pregnant and bringing along our toddler, I knew our annual ski trip was going to be much different. Where: Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat SpringsCost: $10, children are $5. Have you taken your little one to the mountains? There is a free gondola in Breckenridge from parking to base. There are lots of hiking trails in the Keystone area. Since you don't ski I would suggest looking at Frisco, Silverthorne, or even Georgetown. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Spend the day snowshoeing to Emerald Lake, soaking up the views of Notchtop and Hallett Peak. Im an absolute expert in Colorado travel. Think you cant ride a bike in winter? At 8 months pregnant, the doc said hot tubs were out of the question for me. 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. You can scope out the lights downtown during the holiday season or try your luck at the Glenwood Escape Room. Air Travel with Kids during a Pandemic: What to expect plus tips to limit exposure. 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. If you aren't dead set on Keystone; Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne or anywhere around there should be much much cheaper. When: November 7th 29th, December 1 Jan 3. So while planning the itinerary for this winter vacation, I was in need of activities to do other than ski.

How much are Gondola tickets? Going to book through AirBnB or a rental company rather than through Keystone. Wear waterproof pants, a jacket and gloves. 5 Tips for a Successful Colorado Winter Vacation with a Baby! Snow in early December can be anything from abundant to almost none, and maybe a few trails open at Keystone on manmade snow. If youd like to get into nature, but dont want to venture far from Denver, consider a day trip to Boulder. Where: Snowmass Mall and Base Village at Snowmass Aspen, ColoradoCost: Free to watch! Grab a cup of hot chocolate for the gondola ride and enjoy the views! Another random idea is Estes Park. We tested out the Nordic Center on our first day in Keystone Colorado. Heres 12 things to do in Keystone Colorado other than ski. The hill was perfect for babies as it was a gentle slope and easy to walk back up carrying the the tube. There are plenty of evening events such as indoor crafting at a paint and sip or head to one of Denvers climbing gyms and learn the ropes. Anyone can use them at no charge. Winter mountain traffic, especially near ski areas, is a real thing. Taking a ride on a motor-powered sled is one of the most thrilling things to do in Colorado in the winter. I want to say that sight seeing tickets up the gondola at Keystone are like $50. The second we walked into this place, we heard this sound non-stop for about 15 minutes. Whatever you end up doing, Colorado is awesome, and we love living here.

If you have tiny travelers in tow (particularly under age 3), you can still have an amazing time. Cost: $42 for adults and $37 for kids but it includes a gondola ride, haunted mine drop, laser tag, and two walking cave tours.