A Detailed Colorado Winter Bucket List for Non-skiers
Colorado may be famous for world-class skiing and snowboarding, but you don’t need to hit the slopes to have an unforgettable winter experience. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Colorado in winter for non-skiers, this detailed bucket list is packed with unique, realistic, and easy-to-plan adventures — most of them conveniently located near Denver, Colorado.
Instead of generic ideas, this guide shares specific winter activities and must-try experiences that are actually attainable, whether you’re a local or visiting for a snowy getaway. For each bucket list item, you’ll find practical tips, what to expect, and exactly how to plan the experience so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying Colorado in winter.
Bundle up and start checking off your Colorado winter bucket list!
1. Soak in Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
Strawberry Hot Springs Park
Where: Steamboat Springs, CO
Driving time from Denver: 3 hr
Admission fee: $20 per person
What you need to know:
You must make reservations in advance online and pay in cash on site (there is no ATM so make sure you have cash on you before you arrive).
It is required that you have an AWD or 4WD vehicle with snow tires to enter the park, otherwise you must take the shuttle.
Bring your own water and snacks since there are no concessions on site.
This is one of my favorite hot spring destinations because it’s more affordable that other hot springs in the state and I really appreciate the larger sized pools.
Learn more about how you can plan your trip to the hot springs here: Travel Guide: Strawberry Hot Springs Winter Weekend Getaway
2. Hike to Dream Lake in the Snow at Rocky Mountain National Park
Dream Lake at RMNP
Where: Estes Park, CO
Driving time from Denver: 2 hr
Admission fee: $30 per vehicle (unless you have the National Parks pass)
What you need to know:
Check trail conditions before you head out—micro-spikes or snowshoes will likely be required if you’re hiking in the winter.
Be prepared for cold weather by wearing warm layers, wicking clothing, hats, gloves, and warm socks.
Bring enough water and snacks for your hike. If you’re visiting from out of Colorado and are not used to the high altitude, you may want to consider bringing a can of oxygen as well.
Get there early to claim a parking spot at the Bear Lake lot. You can also take a shuttle from Estes Park to avoid parking chaos.
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter feels like walking through a snow globe—truly magical.
For more information read this: Everything You Need To Know About Hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter
3. Ride the Georgetown Train Through a Winter Wonderland
Where: Georgetown, CO
Driving time from Denver: 1 hr
Cost: Tickets start at $38 for adults
What you need to know:
Did you know you can still ride the Georgetown train in the winter? Sure can!
You can choose between several holiday and winter themed train rides such as Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, Holiday Lighted Forest, and the Victorian Holiday Celebration.
This ride will take you through towering evergreens, over historic trestles, and along mountain vistas—there’s no better way to experience the Rockies.
Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to reserve yours as soon as possible. Book here.
4. Take a Free Gondola Ride in Breckenridge
View from the Breckenridge gondola
Where: Breckenridge, CO
Driving time from Denver: 1.5 hr
Admission fee: Free (but you have to pay to park)
What you need to know:
Park at either the North Gondola Lot or the South Gondola Lot, directly next to the BreckConnect Gondola, so you don’t have to walk far.
This gondola will take you to the ski lodge and trails where you can hang out and enjoy the après-ski (without the skiing).
Visit the Ullr Cafe for a hot beverage, or Tbar for a boozy one, and take in the beautiful snow covered mountains that surround you.
You could spend the day up here and then head back to downtown Breckenridge for dinner.
5. Visit Chautauqua Park in Boulder
Chautauqua Park in Boulder
Where: Boulder, CO
Driving time from Denver: 40 min
Admission fee: Free
What you need to know:
There are so many trails you can choose from at Chautauqua Park—the most popular are Green Mountain, Bluebell-Baird and Meadow Trail Loop, and Royal Arch.
When I went in the winter, parts of the trail were very icy and I used my spikes for portions of the trail, so make sure you’re prepared for those conditions.
Parking at Chautauqua is free during the winter, but the lot fills up quickly. There is additional parking on the side streets surrounding the park as well.
You don’t even have to go for a hike. The views the steps away from the parking lot are spectacular.
It’s a great spot for some cute winter photos.
6. Go Ice Skating on Evergreen Lake
Where: Evergreen, CO
Driving time from Denver: 40 min
Admission fee: $15 per person ($20 if you need to rent skates)
What you need to know:
Park at the Evergreen Lakehouse lot. If it’s full, park at Stagecoach Park lot and take the shuttle.
Get their early to claim a parking spot if you want to avoid taking the shuttle.
No reservation is needed. All rentals are first come, first serve.
There are designated rinks for ice hockey and for people who just want to skate.
Find out all the details here.
7. Go Snow Tubing at Frisco Adventure Park
Where: Frisco, CO
Driving time from Denver: 1 hr
Admission fee: $40 an hour ($30 if you are a Frisco resident)
What you need to know:
Tubing hill reservations are required and you can book online here.
The tubing hill is open five days a week and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
This is the perfect winter bucket list item for non-skiers because you still get the thrill of hitting the slopes, but in a less intense way.
8. Drink Fancy Hot Cocoa in Vail
Where: Vail, CO (Vail Village)
Driving time from Denver: 2 hr
Cost: $30
What you need to know:
The famous Haute Chocolate at the Remedy (in the Four Seasons) is a winter bucket list must do.
What is it exactly? It’s melted Valrhona chocolate with steamed milk, topped with a house-made marshmallow and chocolate shavings.
It is the fanciest, most instagram-worthy drink you will ever order. It does, however, come at a price with the hot chocolate starting at $30.
Patio seating is available on a first come, first served basis and is not available for reservations, but you can reserve a table inside.
Make a reservation online to guarantee a table here.
9. Cheer on the Colorado Avalanche in Denver
Where: Denver, CO (Ball Arena)
Driving time from Denver: 5 min
Admission fee: Ticket prices vary, but can start as low as $60
What you need to know:
You can park at Ball Arena for easy access to the stadium.
The RTD light rail is a convenient option if you live near a station—it drops you off right next to the arena.
Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy pre-game vibes.
Wear warm layers, as it can feel chilly inside the arena during hockey games.
10. Stay a Night at a Cute Airbnb with a Hot Tub
There are tons of cozy cabins and Airbnb stays within a short drive of Denver, making this one of the most relaxing winter experiences in Colorado.
Booking a snow-covered cabin with a private hot tub is the perfect way to unwind after a busy week and soak in mountain views.
When searching on Airbnb, use the filters to select amenities like “hot tub,” “fireplace,” and “mountain view” to find the best options.
My partner and I found the cutest Airbnb in Nederland, CO which you can read all about here: The Cutest—Budget Friendly—Airbnb for Couples in Nederland, CO
Thanks for reading and enjoy all the snowy adventures this winter!
