Snowshoes or ski boots? | Activities for Coloradans in January
We may take a certain liking to activities that involve a pair of skis and a freshly powdered mountain here at TreadShare. However, that isn’t the only winter pastime you may find us enjoying. While the winter season is still in full swing, we’ve put together a collection of mid-season activities to get you out of the house and into the snow. From Steamboat Springs to Breck, here are 7 ways to get your fill on winter entertainment in Colorado this January.
Winterfest in Pagosa Springs: Jan. 21-23
Speaking of getting out of the house, why not start this weekend? Pagosa Springs is hosting an action-packed weekend of winter fun for the whole family! Get active with the polar plunge or the Cross Country ski clinic, or build memories while building a homemade sled for a race down Reservoir Hill. Plan a carpool with family and friends so you can arrive early to catch the mass hot air balloon ascension before the fun begins.
Ouray Ice Festival: Jan. 19-22
Located in Ouray, Colorado, this ice climbing festival is hosted yearly as a fundraising event for the Ouray Ice Park. Every January, climbers and spectators alike gather in Ouray for educational climbing sessions, competitions and plenty of other events throughout the weekend. All of the proceeds made during the festivals are dedicated to keeping the park free and open to the public every winter.
Snow Much Fun Virtual Experience: Until Jan. 31
Looking for family-friendly winter fun in the city? Look no further than Pearl Street in Boulder. This virtual self-guided tour showcases QR codes located throughout the Pearl Street Mall (and the East and West ends) that reveal snowmen, polar bears and many other winter-wonderland characters. A perfect afternoon activity with little ones that could be perfectly sealed with a hot cocoa from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
International Snow Sculpting Championship: Jan. 27 - Feb. 1
Where the winter weather and art collide, this is not your average snowman building competition. Hosted in Breckenridge, the International Snow Sculpting Championship draws teams from around the world to create magnificent sculptures out of 25-ton blocks of snow using nothing but their own two hands! For nearly 94 hours over five days (January 23rd until the 27th), teams work tirelessly to create these works of winter art, resulting in a free outdoor art gallery in downtown Breck for the following weekend. Due to the popularity of these sculptures, Saturday, January 28th visitors will require a reserved viewing time slot at no additional cost. If you are planning to travel to Breck this weekend, check out available TreadShare rides as the festival predicts high congestion on I-70 and recommends going carless in their historic town.
Rio Frio Ice Fest: Jan. 27-29
You may have heard of the Rio Trio races which are annually hosted in Alamosa in early June, but this 5k is being put on the ice of Colorado winter (yes you read that right, on the ice). This festival is all about getting active in the snow. Showcasing a 5k race, famously run on the frozen Rio Grande river, Rio Frio Fest has something for everyone. With disc golf tournaments, ice skating, ice carving and many other activities to keep your blood pumping in the snow, you’re sure to find a good time while also supporting the local community.
Ullrgrass Music and Beer Festival: Jan 27-29
This family-friendly mid-winter festival in Golden, CO is sure to put a smile on kids and adults alike. The festival is completely powered by its generous volunteers and prides itself on being non-profit, with proceeds being donated to Kids Music Project by Coral Creek. Attendees of the festival dress up in viking-style attire to celebrate live music, craft beer, and live theater too. The festival showcases many varieties of music such as bluegrass, funk and jamband, as well as a sampling of craft beers and ciders from all over Colorado. Sunday, January 29th is the festival’s “Free Family Day” featuring arts and crafts, an egg hunt, and other activities for families to enjoy together. Ullrgrass also hosts multiple food truck vendors all weekend long.
2023 X Games Aspen: Jan. 27-29
If you enjoy competitive winter sports, we saved the best for last. X Games Aspen is being hosted for the 22nd consecutive year at Buttermilk Ski Resort in Aspen, CO. This competition includes 14 of the biggest winter sports all broadcasted live on the biggest sports news broadcasting stations such as ESPN and ABC. Aside from the competitive fun, X Games Aspen are showcasing artists such as Yung Gravy, Mod Sun, Kaskade and more to their stages. The most enticing attraction of X Games? Both the competition AND musical performances are FREE to attend and open to the public!
No matter how you choose to enjoy the last few months of winter, I think there is one thing we can all agree on. The best way to spend winter is by surrounding yourself with friends and family and getting out of the house to enjoy everything Colorado winters have to offer. Most importantly, utilizing a carpool to attend any of these events frees up congestion on I-70 and opens up the opportunity to make road trip memories. Wherever you decide to travel in these last few weeks of January, make sure you’re considering the carbon footprint you are leaving behind, and make the best of the powdery days.