If you are interested in planning a vacation to Colorado, there is plenty to do! No matter what time of year it is, there is plenty to do-especially in winter!
Whether you are there with your family, or there for a romantic getaway, here are some of the best things to do which would be a shame to miss. After all, it is not too late to plan a getaway to play in the famed Colorado snow.
A combination of significant natural snowfall and full-capacity snow making made possible by an arctic cold front allowed the mountains of Colorado to open early this year. For those pining to play in the snow, this state is the perfect place for visitors to find one-of-a-kind festivals that celebrate the winter months.
The adventurous traveler can take the Polar Bear Plunge in Boulder on January first. Visitors can brave the icy waters and plunge into the Boulder Reservoir in the annual celebration of the New Year.
This event is free to the public. It is extremely invigorating, as long as you have a way to warm up afterward-if you are sick at all, better to skip out on this one.
There is still time for travelers to plan a last-minute holiday getaway and bring in the New Year at the 12th Annual Great Fruitcake Toss on January sixth. Visitors can toss, hurl, sling, or lob unwanted holiday fruitcakes alongside residents in Manitou Springs, or can become a spectator during this unique post-holiday competition.
Judges will be onsite to name the winners of the greatest distance, most creative use of the holiday cake, the most beautiful, and the ugliest cakes during this fruitful event. The event is free to the public.
In lieu of an entry fee, participants are asked to provide a canned or non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food bank. This is one entertaining event you will not want to miss.
During Ullr Fest, Breckenridge’s annual winter celebration January fifth through the twelfth, the community gives thanks for snow to Ullr, the mythical God of snow. A parade, live entertainment, a night of comedy, and an ice skating party are planned during this week-long celebration.
Nordic events take place on the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort and the almighty Ullympics test the stamina of willing participants. The highlight of the event is the crowning of Ullr King and Queen followed by a bonfire.
There is a five dollar charge for the Sunday Ullr Ice Skating Party, and all public events are free. This is the perfect thing to do for culture, and history lovers.
Travelers to Colorado can join park rangers and patrons of the Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs at the Winter Trails Day Celebration, January sixth, for a day of discovery and mastering new winter skills. Visitors are invited to increase their snowshoe knowledge as they learn about proper equipment and how to get started with these winter sports.
This event is free. Don’t miss out on this great chance to reconnect with nature, and exercise at the same time.
The 11th Annual Ouray Ice Festival takes place at the Ouray Ice Park, the world’s first ice park. Beckoning climbers of all levels, the park elevates this extreme sport with challenging winter climbing routes and ever-expanding terrain.
This year, festival highlights include climbing clinics for beginners and advanced, test runs of the latest gear and equipment and a chance to mingle with the world’s premier climbing athletes. Clinics during the ice festival cost twenty dollars each, and nightly events vary in price from ten to fifteen dollars.
At Winterskol in Aspen, visitors can enjoy the celebration of the town’s alpine lifestyle that dates back to 1951. Activities include a forty eight hour snow sculpture and carving competition, a fireworks extravaganza, a parade through historic downtown, a Canine Fashion Show, entertainment, and Taste of Winterskol, a culinary melting pot featuring cuisine from more than twenty local restaurants.
The area’s four ski resorts – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snow mass – toast the occasion with on-slope activities including apres ski parties and downhill races. Many events are free.
This is the perfect place to kick back and engaged in some fantastic winter fun. No matter what age you are, you can have a blast in and around Denver.
Terry Daniels has worked as a travel agent for the last 35 years and written several of articles about things to do in Denver.
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Terry Daniels
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http://www.thingstodo.com/states/CO/denver.htm