Winter Activities

Yes, you still need sunscreen in the winter here. From Ski Cooper to dog sledding to ice castles, Leadville's winter is loaded with adventure.

Ski Cooper is nine miles north; Copper is thirty-five; Vail and Breckenridge are both about forty. Lodging in Leadville runs 40–60% below the resort base, so you can ski the same mountains and spend the difference on lift tickets.

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   Ski Joring

   Leadville has been hosting a ski joring race for over 70 years. The snow is packed down on the street, and then horse-and-rider teams pull skiers behind them while going off jumps.

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   Ski Cooper

   Yep, you read that right. Ski Cooper has 59 trails served by 5 lifts that span 470 lift-served acres. Ski Cooper is the closest ski mountain to Leadville (10-minute drive). Because of its base elevation and an average of 260" of snow every year, the snow stays dry and fluffy.

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   Snowcat Skiing

   "Soak in spectacular scenery as we climb along the Continental Divide with dozens of Colorado's highest peaks in view. Enjoy remarkable runs with small groups and a guide" — just on the other side of Ski Cooper.

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   Copper Mountain

   20 miles away from Leadville is Copper Mountain Ski Resort — another great place for skiing or snowboarding. World-class resort and part of the Ikon Pass.

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   Nordic Skiing + Snowshoeing

   Nordic skiing is a great way to explore miles and miles of the area. If skiing isn't really for you, don't worry — rent a pair of snowshoes to adventure on foot.

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   Fat Tire Biking

   Biking is a year-round event here in Colorado. After you rent your bike in town, take it to the Mineral Belt Trail, the Historic Mining District, or Turquoise Lake — some of Leadville's most popular trails for fat tire biking.

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   Snow Mobiling

   Go on a guided trail tour (roughly 2 hours, self-driven) or a High Adventure tour "for the more experienced rider seeking a personal experience on ungroomed terrain."

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   UTVs

   Covered and heated UTVs that seat 4 people. "It's a great option for families and groups with mixed skills." Drive alone or tag along with a guide to explore the Rockies.

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   Tubing + Sledding

   Bring your own tube or sled (or rent from the rental hut) to Dutch Henry Sledding Hill.

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    Ice Skating

    Huck Finn Ice Rink is the largest man-made ice skating rink in Colorado — and it's right here in Leadville. Bring your own skates or rent them from the rink.

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    Dog Sledding

    Go with a small group to experience this "dog-powered fun" — where you actually get to drive the dog sled.

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    Ice Fishing

    Go out to Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, or Clear Creek Reservoir for the best ice fishing in Leadville. For a more secluded experience, try Hayden Meadows or Crystal Lakes — just south of Leadville.

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    Ice Castles

    Visit this award-winning frozen attraction, only a 40-minute drive from Leadville. There are ice mazes, slides, and plenty of caverns to explore. Perfect for kids and adults — and they have private alcoves you can book for special occasions.

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    Hot Springs

    Experience Colorado's natural heated pools this winter in Buena Vista. Cottonwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs are both located there, just an hour south of Leadville.

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