Winter alternatives to skiing, snowboarding abound around Colorado

Thirst Team

There’s nothing shameful about ascending into the Rocky Mountains during the winter and not strapping boards to your feet.

Exciting choices abound at most of the high-country destinations. Yes, even for those who aren’t into skiing or boarding.

Coloradans have long used the freezing weather for recreation, and it’s always wise to keep in mind that recreating at 10,000 feet above sea level can present challenges. It might be cheek-numbing cold, head-burning sunny, or skin-soaking sloppy, depending on temps and precipitation.

So, grab some winter layers and let’s get on with the excitement because one can only relax in a hot tub for so long before wrinkling up and getting bored.

The following options should help get folks started.

Fat-Tire Biking

Fat-biking enthusiasts who first experienced the ride in the summer will love the snow-track adventure. Annette Kubek, marketing & administration coordinator for the Town of Breckenridge Recreation, said the intensity of riding in the snow can vary. “It can be harder than it looks, particularly if the snow is soft (fresh snow),” she said.

Riders can connect with the the Gold Run Nordic Center in Breck or just set out on their own and share the local trails with others. The Blue River Recreation path that connects Frisco and Breck is a great way to test skills and adjust to the 4-plus-inch-wide tires.

Kubek said that the bikes are built mainly for adults and a rental through the Nordic Center includes a helmet and tips on where to ride. She also added that Nordic Center guests are generally happy to be riding groomed trails, without skiers.

“Gold Run is really known for a variety of trails and wide-open views,” she said. “Usually customers will cross-country ski or snowshoe, then take a bike out for a little while to try it out.”

Rentals are available at several Summit Country ski shops, and of course, people tote their own bikes up the hill to bomb around town.

Ice Karting

Ice karting can be found at a few locations around the state for those who are into exhilaration by acceleration. Wearing ski pants and warm boots is encouraged at Aspen Ice Karting, where gunning your engine on ice is encouraged. Spiked tires and lots of luck will help keep riders on the tricky course. But, participants are encouraged to bring tip money for the attendants who sometimes have to bail out confident drivers who end up in the weeds. Helmets, gloves and goggles are provided.

The course is built on Kodiak Ski Lake, between El Jebel and Basalt (roughly 10 miles north of Aspen). Reservations are required to get on the track, so plan ahead. There are nearby restaurants, shops and a spa in case the track is too much for you.

Ice Bumper Cars

What about revisiting your youth by jumping into bumper cars and knocking your friends and family around while sliding around on ice? Remember the thrill of delivering a neck-snapping jolt to a complete stranger? That always elicited fantastic looks of surprise.

The Howelsen Ice Complex in Steamboat Springs is a great place to bump around. The 20-minute sessions should be enough to cause a family kerfuffle that will carry over into dinnertime arguments.

The folks at the Ice Complex suggest you make reservations well in advance because the family-friendly glide around the ice arena is super popular as the holidays heat up. Like any ice arena, it’s cold inside so layer up, grab your gloves and beanie and wear some warm boots, preferably with some traction so you can get on and off the ice without landing on your backside. Bonus thought: Schedule some ice skating before or after the bumper cars.