Carve up the slopes!
All 26 of Colorado's resorts allow snowboarding, and many offer elaborate terrain parks and special trails tailored specifically to heighten your boarding experience. You'll fall in love with the Colorado mountains for the same reasons so many others have: long, challenging runs for accomplished riders and plenty of broad, easy slopes for those in a learning mode. Visit Breckenridge to enjoy a European village environment or check out the ski and snowboard areas of the world-class cities of Aspen and Vail.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
Snowshoeing makes a tranquil counterbalance to other more adventurous alpine activities, but that doesn't mean you won't find yourself huffing and puffing occasionally. The best part is that it's safe and easy to learn. There are plenty of areas in the Rockies where you can gather with friends, load up your pack, hit your favorite trail, and even try winter camping. If you're the more competitive type, you can get your adrenaline fix on snowshoes, too. There are races that cover everything from short one-mile courses to 20-mile endurance tests.
Lower your score at high altitude.
Okay, so playing a mile above sea level won't guarantee straighter or longer shots, but you'll have plenty of days to practice and play. In fact, most of the area's more than 90 golf courses remain open all year thanks to Denver's mild winters and abundant sunshine.
Go deep for an underground adventure.
Panoramic scenes of the Rocky Mountains have long drawn people to Colorado, but other exhilarating adventures wait for you far below. Caving—sometimes called spelunking—has been a popular Colorado recreational activity for years. Whether you're an experienced caver or just looking for a guided tour, you can explore a world of hidden wonder and enjoy the underground twists and turns created by nature. For example, the Glenwood Caverns in northwest Colorado offer you spectacular stalagmite formations and eerie caverns of winding labyrinths created more than 325 million years ago.
Set your sights high.
Several hundred million years ago, massive geological upheaval created some of the world's finest climbing areas. Many of those climbing sites are located inside national or state parks or on land administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Climbers all over the world flock to Eldorado Canyon just outside Boulder, but you'll find lesser known spots, spectacular crags, and massive boulders nearly everywhere you look.
On your mark. Get set. Ski.
Winter Park is regarded as Colorado's favorite ski resort. It's the ideal Rocky Mountain retreat for a snowy getaway and offers 134 trails covering nearly 3,000 acres on five mountains, with something for skiers of all abilities. Plus you can enjoy film festivals, hot air ballooning, an alpine slide, and a winter carnival. The Berthoud Pass ski area has long held a reputation for premiere backcountry skiing comparable to snowcat and helicopter skiing. Half of the ski area is designated as advanced or expert.
Cast away!
Whether you've been tying your own flies for years or you're just starting to think about picking up a pole, you'll find a fishing adventure that's sure to get you hooked. Colorado's freshwater mountain streams are the perfect place to find wild trout, salmon, and more.
Take the plunge.
Get ready to tame raging rapids during whitewater season, or just settle in and enjoy a relaxing day paddling down Cherry Creek in downtown Denver. You can even take lessons at Confluence Park right in the heart of the city.
Enjoy the workout—and the view.
Residents have long known the benefits of cross-country skiing. It is perhaps the best sport for promoting cardiovascular fitness and strength, and it's a low-impact activity. It also gives you the chance to explore a much larger part of Colorado's backcountry than you might otherwise be able to see. Although the sport requires more technique than downhill skiing, it's easy to pick up and you'll soon be powering across scenic terrain.
Escape the pavement.
Get a closer look at the magnificence of Colorado's backcountry as you explore high alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and beautiful vistas in all direction. Visit historic mines and the abandoned towns that grew up around them. Observe wildlife in their natural setting: deer, elk, hawks, eagles, and foxes.
Spend a night in the mountains.
Get up close and personal with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you're looking for a quick break or an extended escape, get away from the crowds and enjoy a true backcountry adventure by camping in one of the many state parks and recreation areas. Forget about trying to fit all of your outdoor gear into your apartment. You'll find affordable rentals on campus that are perfectly suited to whatever adventure you have in mind.
Climb to the highest heights with your own pedal-power.
The foothills of the Rocky Mountains offer you a great selection of rides on hard-packed terrain. Tackle the sunny Green Mountain trail even in the middle of winter, or ride to shady Buffalo Creek on the hottest summer days. You can also take a spin through Denver itself, which offers more than 450 miles of paved, designated bike paths, including two beautiful stretches through downtown along Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.
Get ready to roll.
Whether you're looking for fun on wheels or a rolling workout, you'll find it in Denver. The city's vast path system runs along Cherry Creek and the South Platte River so you can skate for miles. For the more adventurous skater, the downtown Skatepark offers a mogul-inspired "washboard," a 10-foot-deep "dog bowl," a half-pipe, and terrain that mimics an urban environment. Plus, the Skatepark is the largest free public skate facility in the country.
Make a splash.
For thrilling whitewater adventures, Colorado is a can't-miss. You'll find everything from adrenaline-pumping class 5 rapids for seasoned rafters to milder class 1-2 rapids for first-timers.
Lace up your boots and hit the trails.
You'll find miles of trails within Denver's city limits and in the surrounding area. With the beautiful alpine scenery and countless trails, Denver is considered to be one of the best places to hike in the country. The allure of Colorado trails is so great, there are a number of guidebooks written specifically for this area.
Round out your day on the slopes.
There's more to do on the slopes than skiing and snowboarding. Grab a tube and bounce your way down the mountains for a playful change of pace. It's sledding to the extreme, and it's a ride you'll never forget. There's even a lighted tubing hill in nearby Fraser so you can keep sliding after dark.