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Writer's pictureAnnie Markuson
5 min read

Feeling Adventurous? Winter Activities in Summit County



Summit County is an incredible place to visit all year round, but it has an especially big draw for visitors during the winter months. I sometimes say that Summit County is a winter "playground".

Planning a long weekend or vacation to Summit County and not sure how to make the most of your time during your stay? Or do you live here or visit often and wish to change things up a bit? Are you wondering what to do while you are in Summit County? I can help!I've compiled a list of winter activities that is sure to have something for everyone looking to make the most of their winter stay here in Summit County.


There's so much to choose from so....I’ve split wintertime activities up into 3 categories to help you more easily navigate all of the amazingly fun activities and things to do throughout Summit County in the winter, so be sure to check out my other blogs as well!


  • Feeling Adventurous!

  • A Bit Less Adventurous!

  • Just for Kids! - Kids can certainly participate in many of the activities listed in the other two categories as well


I hope you enjoy! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or wish to enquire about starting the process of looking for your mountain dream home!


Things to do in Summit County - Winter

Feeling Adventurous!!!


Alpine Coaster

Cross Country / Nordic Ski

Dog Sled

Downhill Snow Bike Rental

Fat Tire Bikes

Free Sledding Hills - BYO Sled or Tube

Hike

  • Many of the local Summit County trails are utilized on a regular basis, even during the winter months, so they are packed down, and perfect for hiking. Talk to a Summit County local or visit the Forest Service office in Silverthorne for details on what winter hikes would suit you best!

Hut Trips

Looking to get off the grid and enjoy some time away from all of the action? A hut trip might be just the right thing for you and your family or friends.

  • Each hut has different rules surrounding how you can access them in wintertime. Most require you to snowshoe, skin, or cross country ski in, while some allow motorized vehicles, such as snowmobiles to get you and your gear all of the way to the hut or at least very close.

  • Be sure you check the weather and avalanche danger forecast, plan your route, are physically fit enough to make the trek, and are prepared with all of the necessary backcountry winter safety gear, including an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.

  • More information on the Colorado hut systems, each individual hut, reservations, and what to expect can be found here.

Ice Fishing

  • Lake Dillon - Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures

  • Lake Dillon - Alpine Fishing Adventures

  • Have your own gear to go ice fishing on Lake Dillon? Make sure you have a valid fishing permit. Locations to purchase fishing permits and details can be located here. I recommend fishing near the Dillon Marina or on the Keystone side of Lake Dillon, close to where the Snake River drains into the lake.

Ice Skating - Skate Rentals Available & Skate Rentals Not Available


With Skate Rentals Available

  • Breckenridge - Steven C. West Ice Arena

  • Copper Mountain @ West Lake. Skate Rental available at City Pop

  • Keystone - Lakeside Village @ Keystone Lake. Come skate on this Zambonied 5 acre lake that includes a hockey rink with boards. Visit the Adventure Center to pay admission and for skate rentals!

  • Keystone - Dercum Square @ River Run Village

Free Skating, but you must bring your own skates

Guided Resort Ski/Snowboard Tours

Recreation Centers

  • Breckenridge - Breckenridge Recreation Center, weights and cardio equipment, circuit training area, indoor track, gyms, racquetball courts, fitness classes, indoor playground for kids, youth wing, indoor lap pool and kid’s pool with slide, sauna, hot tubs, indoor rock climbing

  • Silverthorne - Silverthorne Recreation Center, indoor track, cardio and weight rooms, fitness classes, gyms, sauna, hot tub, 4 indoor pools including 2 slides and an aquatic climbing wall

Ride a Scenic Train

Scenic Gondola Ride

Ski and Snowboard at a Lift Accessed Ski Area

Skijoring

Sleigh Rides

Snowcat Tours - Guided Backcountry, Guided Resort, & Scenic

Guided BackcountrySki/Snowboard Snowcat Tours

Guided Resort Ski/Snowboard Snowcat Tours

Scenic Snowcat Tours

Snowkite on Lake Dillon

Snowmobile

Snowshoe

Tennis

Tour a Real Gold Mine

Tube, with magic carpet for easy return to the top of the hill for you and your tube

Tumble Bubbles

Visit a Giant Wooden Troll

Zip Line, in Winter!



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