Snow covering the sky-scraping mountain peaks. Lakes frozen over and sparkling beneath a bluebird sky. Cozy fireplaces glow, inviting you to curl up by. Grand Lake is a Colorado winter paradise. Whether you’re chasing powder-filled adventures, planning some wintry fun for the whole family, or seeking a quieter mid-season getaway, Grand Lake has the winter activities you’re craving.
Seasonal Must-Attend Events
Winter is the season of full calendars – and it’s worth making room for some of Grand Lake’s signature happenings: the Pond Hockey Classic, a jam-packed day of festivities at the Winter Carnival, and Grand Lake Skijoring (where horses and skiing come together). Each event brings its own brand of mountain-town excitement, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season.
Family-Friendly Fun
Grand Lake offers plenty to keep visitors of all ages busy. If you can get everyone out the door of your charming cabin, options include a spin around the Town Park skating rink (free); tubing at the Nordic Center (also free) or the larger, steeper hill in Fraser; dog sledding at Snow Mountain Ranch; or trying something new with a fat bike ride along the East Shore trailhead.
Surprise the family with an excuse to stay up late: Stargazing is a surprisingly ideal winter activity because cooler, clearer nights bring the Milky Way and constellations into better focus. The Kawuneeche Valley in RMNP is a great spot. Just bundle up!
Colorado Ice Fishing Experiences
Imagine standing on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy peaks, fishing rod in hand. Grand Lake draws ice fishermen from all over to its easy-access lakes: Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby. Here, trout and kokanee salmon are plentiful for those patient enough to reel them in. A handful of fishing tournaments take place each year, including the 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest in late January and the family-friendly Ice Addiction series in February.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing (With a Side of Wildlife)
If you prefer motion to stillness, strap on snowshoes or clip into cross-country skis (rentals are available in town) to explore the expansive, protected landscapes that surround Grand Lake. The Grand Lake Nordic Center maintains more than 35 kilometers of groomed routes for skiers of all levels. Rocky Mountain National Park features over 350 miles of serene, snow-covered trails for Nordic skiers and snowshoers, with entry available via a fee or a park pass. The North Inlet and Coyote Valley trails are great for beginners, and winter also brings free, ranger-led tours through the backcountry.
If you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife, too. Snow makes animals easier to spot, and visitors often see moose, elk, deer, or fox. Bald eagles also return this time of year, and the viewing platform at Green Ridge Campground is one of the best places to catch a glimpse.
Snowmobiling Adventures
Welcome to the Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado! Explore more than 130 miles of trails, including 80 miles of groomed routes that cross open meadows, weave through the dense trails of Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, and climb to expansive mountain views. Snowmobiles are allowed on town streets, making it easy to reach the trails directly from your accommodations. Local rental shops provide gear, warm layers, and guided trips, making snowmobiling an easy winter adventure (even for first-timers).
Grand Lake is an ideal winter getaway. Our snowy scenery is fit for a Hallmark holiday movie. The town’s charm is elevated with twinkle lights and a dusting of snowflakes. And the quiet trails allow you to embrace the tranquility of the season. So pack your layers, check the road conditions, and get yourself to Grand Lake.