Grand Lake Colorado, in the winter, is a beautiful place to be. The snow-covered mountains and cozy cabins are picturesque in this gorgeous mountain town. It sits on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and is a playground for outdoor activities. We made a list of some of the most adventurous things to do in the Grand Lake area in the winter to help you plan your winter vacation in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. And if you are looking for a vacation rental, check out some of the best places to stay in Grand Lake, CO!
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing
The Grand Lake Nordic Center has almost 22 miles of beginner to advanced trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy majestic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapahoe National Forest. They offer ski and snowshoe rentals, have a dedicated dog loop, and programs for kids. Visit their website for more detailed information.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing
Granby Ranch is a fun place for downhill skiing near Grand Lake, CO. They have two mountains and several lifts for a combination of terrain and trails for all skill levels for both skiers and riders. If you need lessons or rentals, you can get those at the Base Lodge. For meals, they offer several restaurants and cafes like 8350 Lounge, First Chair Café, or the Bluebird Bistro.
Another great place for downhill skiing and snowboarding is Winter Park Resort. One of the best resorts in Colorado and “Voted the #1 Ski Resort in North America.” They offer everything you need for a fantastic experience on or off the slopes. Along with downhill skiing and snowboarding, enjoy evening snowshoe tours, winter sunset Snowcat tours, and ice skating. You can even take your kids tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Hill for something different. They have miles of Fat-Tire winter biking trails you can try out too.
Snowmobiling
Word has it that Grand Lake is the “snowmobiling capital in Colorado,” and we tend to agree. We highly recommend taking a ride through beautiful snowy mountain terrain and seeing how much fun it is! Grand Adventures offers two-hour guided snowmobile tours in various locations. Or you can also choose to do a rental package for two- or four-hour unguided tours. You will have access to over 100 miles of snowmobile trails in the Grand Lake area!
Ice Fishing
If you love fishing and don’t mind the cold, you can go on an ice fishing trip with Rocky Mountain Outfitters. You can purchase a guided trip with local experts at Grand Lake or make the trip to Williams Fork Reservoir, where they will set you up with everything you need to ice fish on your own!
Ice Skating
Fraser Valley Sports Complex & Icebox Ice Rink is a facility that hosts ice hockey leagues but offers sessions for public open skating most days. You can check their website for admission rates and the open skate schedule. You might even catch a hockey game if you’re a hockey lover!
Or you can go to Winter Park and ice skate at the Village Pond. They operate 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Sunday. Or you can check to see if they have their Cosmic Ice Skating, which extends their winter hours from Thursday – Saturday until 7 pm! You can skate in this beautiful mountain town lit up at night!
Dog Sledding
Snow Mountain Ranch and YMCA of the Rockies offer dog sled rides for you and your family. They have a short 15-minute ride available Friday and Saturday if you want to try it and see what it’s all about.
Or, on Mondays, you can enjoy a 30-minute ride through the Snow Mountain Ranch property if you want the whole experience! Each sled holds one adult and one child. For more information and to book a reservation, visit their website.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Take an epic mountain hot air balloon ride with Grand Adventure and see the Rocky Mountains from a bird’s eye view! You can reserve the entire balloon or share it with another group. Flights are available year-round but remember to dress warm and bring your hat and gloves in the winter!
Sleigh Rides
Riding through the mountains in the snowy landscapes is a truly magical experience. Take your family on an exciting sleigh ride near Grand Lake! Several locations offer sleigh rides.
Winding River Resort has small and large sleigh rides depending on the size of your party. The package includes fire-side hot chocolate and marshmallows after the ride.
Or you can try Devil’s Thumb Ranch, where they take you out to feed the herd of horses and then take a sleigh ride through the picturesque terrain.
Rocky Mountain Stables offers winter horseback riding and sleigh rides! You can pick your favorite ride, enjoy seeing wildlife, and grab some hot cocoa after an exciting ride through the Rocky Mountains.
Wildlife Viewing
A lot of people would love to see some of the breathtaking wildlife that Colorado has to offer. If you want to find the best ways to spot some majestic elk, moose, or other species, check out the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for information and resources on wildlife in the area and the information you need to know to have the best experience.
If you’d like to know more, you can read some tips from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to get to know the area better and learn how to stay safe. You can view wildlife all year long, including during the winter season.
Hot Springs
After all these outdoor activities, your muscles could probably use a little TLC! At the Hot Sulphur Springs, you can treat yourself to the healing pools of the mineral hot springs. Just 30 minutes from Grand Lake, you can enjoy the warm, luxurious waters flowing from the underground springs into 15 different pools. The water is natural and untreated with any chemicals. You can enjoy the full healing benefits of the hot mineral water! They also offer massage and spa services if you want to deepen your peace and relaxation after a week of winter activities in Grand Lake, CO!
Book a Winter Vacation with Grand Mountain Rentals
If you’re looking for the perfect vacation rental in Grand Lake, Colorado, in the winter, check out our cozy properties! We have a variety of locations with gorgeous views of Grand Lake, the surrounding mountain ranges, and more properties closer to town. Find the one that is perfect for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions, contact us. We’d love to help you plan the perfect winter getaway!