No Skis, No Board — No Problem

If you can’t ski like Bode or shred like Shaun, don’t worry — there are plenty of alternatives

by Chris Weiss

It’s March, which means the winter is winding down and will soon be yielding to the warm rays and blossoming vegetation of spring. While many are excited to see the winter go, some are still itching to get out and enjoy every last moment. The crisp, clean air, the beauty of mountains and evergreens seeped in Colorado powder, the call of a favorite snow sport—it will be another six or seven months before these winter thrills are available again. Although Colorado is best known for its world-class ski slopes and resort towns, there are many other great ways to escape into the outdoors and enjoy a bluebird winter day. Whether you’re looking for a surge of adrenaline or a simple, scenic walk in the park, here are some great day and trip options to help you get in every last moment of winter fun.

Ouray Ice Park, courtesy Lora Slawitschka

Ice Climbing in Ouray
Ouray is the definitive capital of ice climbing in Colorado, if not the entire world. The Uncompahgre Gorge is home to the Ouray Ice Park, which houses numerous frozen waterfall climbs, both man-made and natural. Though the annual Ouray Ice Festival, held in January, is long over, plenty of challenging routes with titles like “House of Flying Daggers,” “Water Torture,” and “Supremacy Crack” await those who dare take them on. There are also a variety of areas and routes for beginners and less experienced climbers. If you’ve never put pick and crampon to ice before, San Juan Mountain Guides provides two-day courses, equipment rentals and guided climbs. After a demanding day of climbing, head to Ouray’s other renowned namesake: Ouray Hot Springs Pool. More climbing information can be found at www.ourayicepark.com.

Sleigh Ride to a Feast in Frisco
Grab that special someone and get ready for a romantic sleigh ride and dinner in the heart of the Rockies. Two Below Zero provides scenic, mule-drawn sleigh rides through the forests of Frisco. View the stars of the crystal-clear night sky and learn more about the area as well as the animals raised there while you cuddle with your partner under provided blankets. After a relaxing 20-minute ride, you’ll pull up to “camp” where you’ll dine under the cover of a large tent.

Cut the chill of the ride with some schnapps, Irish Crème, wine or beer from local Backcountry Brewery and get ready to feast on spicy shrimp, top sirloin and baked chicken as you’re entertained with live music. Save a bit of room for hot caramel apple pie and grab a cup of hot cocoa, tea or coffee to provide an extra boost of warmth before jumping aboard the sleigh and heading back. Expect to spend about two hours enjoying friendly company, the rustic atmosphere, and indulgent food and drink. For more information contact Two Below Zero at 800–571–MULE or visit www.dinnersleighrides.com.

Courtesy Eldora Nordic Center

Snowshoeing Eldora
The Eldora Nordic Center (www.eldora.com) offers a network of nearly 25 miles of cross-country skiing/snowshoe trails. A reasonable $14 will purchase snowshoe access to the network, which includes a selection of trails for all skill levels. For those looking to extend the trek, wind your way two miles (with 500 feet of elevation gain) to the Tennessee Mountain Cabin, available for nightly rentals. This is the perfect layover for a challenging multi-day excursion. The cabin holds up to eight people and houses a wood-burning stove and firewood procurement tools for a cozy night in the forest. Contact the Eldora Nordic Center at 303-440-8700 ext. 267 for reservations and further details.

Rio Grande Scenic Train Rides in Alamosa
So often commuting through the snow in Colorado is a maddening inconvenience—why not take the chance to sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the famed snowfalls here? Take a step out of the driver’s seat and into an Alps-esque train ride through towering mountains and frosty meadows.

Convening weekend mornings at 9 a.m. in Alamosa, the Rio Grande Scenic Railway Winter Wonderland Express is a beautiful, relaxing train ride through the San Luis Valley. The train winds between rugged peaks and through forests inaccessible by car on to the quaint town of La Veta, where you’ll stop in for an hour. Shop for homemade crafts and home décor, or dine in a selection of the town’s restaurants before reboarding and raveling home. So long as weather permits, the train ride includes a stop at Fir Pass, providing an opportunity for passengers to capture brilliant photographs of the snowy scenery. The train doesn’t return to Alamosa until 4:45 p.m., so it’s a full day in the incredible backcountry wilderness of southern Colorado. More information and reservations can be obtained by visiting www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or calling 877-726-RAIL.