Denver, Colorado is a year-round outdoor playground that offers numerous winter sports activities. From skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing to ice skating and cross country skiing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Denver’s high peaks provide some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences on pristine powder.
For those who prefer a more relaxed winter sports experience, Denver offers ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink in Skyline Park. This rink is free to use, and visitors can rent skate gear if needed. Additionally, Washington Park is a top destination for walking, jogging, and biking, even in the winter.
Denver also boasts more than 4,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, including 2,500 urban natural acres. These parks offer various winter sports activities, including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Denver’s parks and parkways are easily accessible and provide a great opportunity to experience winter sports in a natural setting.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Best Ski Resorts in Denver
Denver is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are plenty of ski resorts in Denver that cater to all skill levels. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Denver that you must check out:
| Ski Resort | Location | Distance from Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Park Resort | Winter Park | 67 miles |
| Arapahoe Basin | Keystone | 68 miles |
| Breckenridge Ski Resort | Breckenridge | 80 miles |
| Copper Mountain Resort | Copper Mountain | 75 miles |
Ski and Snowboard Rental Shops
If you don’t have your own ski or snowboard equipment, don’t worry. There are plenty of rental shops in Denver where you can rent high-quality equipment for a reasonable price. Here are some of the best ski and snowboard rental shops in Denver:
- Christy Sports
- Colorado Ski & Golf
- Breeze Ski Rentals
- Ski Butlers
Ski and Snowboard Lessons
If you are a beginner or want to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills, taking lessons from a professional instructor is the best way to go. Most ski resorts in Denver offer ski and snowboard lessons for all skill levels. Here are some of the best ski and snowboard lesson providers in Denver:
- Winter Park Ski & Ride School
- Breckenridge Ski & Snowboard School
- Copper Mountain Ski & Ride School
- Arapahoe Basin Snowsports School
Ice Skating
Denver is a great place to experience winter sports, and ice skating is one of the most popular activities. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, there are plenty of rinks and skate rental shops to choose from.
Outdoor Rinks in Denver
One of the best things about ice skating in Denver is the opportunity to skate outdoors. The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park is a popular spot, with beautiful views of the city and free admission. Other outdoor rinks include the Evergreen Lake House, which offers ice skating on a frozen lake, and the Rink at Belmar, which features a festive holiday atmosphere.
Indoor Rinks in Denver
If you prefer to skate indoors, there are several rinks to choose from. The Big Bear Ice Arena is a popular choice, with two NHL-sized rinks and a variety of skating programs. The Family Sports Ice Arena is another great option, with public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and hockey leagues for all ages.
Ice Skate Rental Shops
If you don’t have your own skates, there are several rental shops in Denver where you can get fitted for a pair. The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers skate rentals for a small fee, as does the Rink at Belmar. Other rental shops include the Big Bear Ice Arena and the Family Sports Ice Arena.
Sledding and Tubing
Best Sledding and Tubing Hills in Denver
Denver is a great place to experience winter sports such as sledding and tubing. There are many hills in and around Denver that offer great sledding and tubing experiences. Here are some of the best hills to check out:
- Robinson Park: 200 Fairfax St.
- Ken Caryl Sledding Hill: S. Kipling Pkwy & W. Ken Caryl Ave.
- Wallace Park: 4798 S. Wabash St.
- Ruby Hill Park: 1200 W Florida Ave, Denver, CO 80223
- Colorado Adventure Park: 566 Co Rd 721, Fraser, CO 80442
Robinson Park is a great spot for families with young children. The hill is gentle and not too steep, making it ideal for beginners. Ken Caryl Sledding Hill is a more challenging hill, with steeper slopes that are perfect for thrill-seekers. Wallace Park is another great option, with a mix of gentle and steep slopes. Ruby Hill Park is a unique sledding area that offers a great view of the city skyline. It also has a designated tubing hill and a terrain park for snowboarders and skiers. Colorado Adventure Park is a bit further from Denver, but it offers a more extensive tubing experience with multiple lanes and a conveyor lift to take you back up the hill.
Sled and Tube Rental Shops
If you don’t have your own sled or tube, there are several rental shops in Denver where you can rent them. Here are a few options:
| Name | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Christy Sports | Multiple locations | $15 – $25 per day |
| Colorado Sports Rent | Multiple locations | $15 – $20 per day |
| Outabounds Ski & Board | 6770 S. Dawson Cir., Ste. 100, Centennial, CO 80112 | $20 – $25 per day |
Christy Sports and Colorado Sports Rent are both great options for renting sleds and tubes. They have multiple locations throughout the Denver area, making it easy to find a rental shop close to you. Outabounds Ski & Board is another option, but it’s a bit further from Denver. Overall, sledding and tubing are great winter sports that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many hills and rental shops in and around Denver, it’s easy to find a spot to enjoy these activities.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Denver, Colorado is a winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Two popular winter sports in the area are snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which offer a unique way to explore the city’s natural beauty.
Best Trails for Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing in Denver
Denver boasts plenty of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Some popular trails include:
| Trail Name | Difficulty Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Trail | Beginner | 2.5 miles |
| Genesee Park | Intermediate | 5 miles |
| Brainard Lake Recreation Area | Advanced | 12 miles |
It’s important to check trail conditions before heading out and to follow all posted rules and regulations.
Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski Rental Shops
For those who don’t own their own equipment, there are several rental shops in Denver that offer snowshoes and cross-country skis for a reasonable price. Some popular rental shops include:
- REI Co-op
- Christy Sports
- Colorado Sports Rent
Make sure to reserve your equipment ahead of time, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.