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THE DENVER POST
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DENVERPOST.COM
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021
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Top getaways that don’t involve skis By Sarah Lamagna Special to The Denver Post Not being a skier in Colorado is the equivalent of blurting “Voldemort” at Hogwarts. People look at you in shock. How dare you not ski?!
The thing is, skiing and snowboarding can be pricey — season pass or lift ticket, skis or snowboard, boots, helmet, and layers of cold-weather gear. Plus, trying to get anywhere in the mountains along I-70 is so … trying. So what else is there to do, then? Turns out, there’s a lot more to Colorado in winter than shredding pow. You can snowshoe to a glorious, four-course dinner, spectate at an elite ice-climbing competition, soak your muscles in a hot springs, or ride through a snowy wonderland by train. Read on for tips to find fun off the slopes.
Leadville
Billed as the highest city in the country, Leadville is surrounded by fourteeners and is home to snow almost year-round. You could try summiting a peak, but this is recommended only if you have experience climbing in winter. Fortunately, you don’t have to climb one to enjoy great mountain views here. There are world-renowned trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Or take the 1-mile trail to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse for a four-course dinner with a backdrop like no other. Plan your visit around Crystal Carnival Weekend (March 5 and 6) and enjoy the skijoring — kind of like waterskiing, but instead of water there’s snow and instead of a boat there’s a horse. That’s right! A horse and rider gallop down the street towing a rope — and on the other end of that rope there’s a person on skis. They race through downtown in a series of jumps. It’s a hootin’-hollerin’ good time! And if someone in your group does want to ski, Ski Cooper is a short drive away.
Ouray
This southwestern mountain
Marc Ruble takes a group out for a ride with Alpine Adventures. There are several places to take dogsled rides in Colorado. Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post file climbing isn’t your thing. You can soak in the hot springs, walk around Box Canyon Falls Park, drive along the Million Dollar Highway, or hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail. If someone in your group does want to ski, it’s not far to Telluride.
Cortez
Sydney Fox of Breck Bike Guides cruises down a trail near Breckenridge on a fat bike on Jan. 17, 2015. Andy Cross, Denver Post file town isn’t always easy to get to (keep your eye on storms), but once you’re there, you’ll quickly understand why it’s called the “Little Switzerland of Colorado.” Ouray is a winter dreamscape nestled in a valley between high mountain cliffs. Every year, staff
at Ouray Ice Park turn Uncompahgre Gorge into frigid walls of ice fit for the most talented climbers. You can try the sport yourself or simply watch others. Visit in January to watch the best ice climbers in the world compete. There are plenty of other activities, if ice
If you’re looking for a perfect après ski atmosphere without ever skiing, head to Cortez, between Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park. It’s a great area in winter since crowds are minimal and the views are endless. You can hike or bike for miles. And finding sustenance is easy on Cortez’s main drag and in surrounding towns. Grab a pint at WildEdge Brewing Collective, Main Street Brewery, or J Fargo’s Micro Brewery and pair it with pub favorites (the beer nachos are incredible at WildEdge). Dolores River Brewery and Mancos Brewing Co. are good options if you venture furNO SKI » 6
