WE LOVE WINTER!
We’re aware some people dread winter, but we don’t really get that. We are so into this season that our motto is “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…” The more snow the merrier!
We have soooo many ways to recreate and celebrate this wintry wonder — we eagerly anticipate every snowflake and the way they pile up into adventures. Our winter events give even those who think winter is hibernation-time a reason to get out there and play. From ice-fishing and hockey tournaments to an outdoor family-festival, we’ve got ways to fill your winter calendar. Grab your coat and gloves and experience our local culture of high-altitude winter outdoor fun. We love Winter and we’ll inspire you to love it too!
CELEBRATE SNOW
SNOWMOBILE
A town doesn’t earn the nickname of ‘The Snowmobile Capital of Colorado,’ for nothing. In winter this is our favorite mode of transportation — both on our incredibly scenic and vast trail system (300 miles!) and right into downtown. The Town maintains snow-packed roads, making it easy (and super fun!) to get anywhere on a snowmobile. Rentals available at On The Trail Rentals and Spirit Lake Rentals.
FATBIKE
FATBIKE
Tired of skiing? Try biking! Grand County Fat Bikes will meet you and deliver bike rentals for 2hr, 1/2 day or even full day rentals! Get out on the snow a new way … it’s as easy as riding a bike!
SNOWSHOE
Ditch the heels and loafers, snowshoes are the hottest thing in footwear when you’re in Grand Lake. Wear them while hiking our miles and miles (and did I say miles?) of trails or even just around town. Rentals are available at the Nordic Center or Never Summer Mountain Products. Need a guide? Check out Kaiyote Tours for guided snowshoeing in RMNP or the 3 lakes area.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI
This time of year our Grand Lake Golf Course makes the transformation into a world-class Nordic Center. The variety of terrain and the beautifully groomed trails makes it as ideal for beginners as it is for experts. Burn some calories and build up those leg muscles while enjoying awe-inspiring views. Enjoy some comfort food by the fireside at the Sly Fox Restaurant in the clubhouse on weekends. Equipment Rentals are available at the Nordic Center or Never Summer Mountain Products.
GO TUBING
The fun is all downhill at the tubing hill located adjacent to the Nordic Center. Some tubes are available or bring your own and have a blast. Best of all — it’s free!
*The Nordic Center’s tubing hill will not open in Winter 2020-21 due to CoVid 19 because of crowding and tube sanitation issues. Come back next year to enjoy this one!
ICE SKATE
Whether you’re twirling like an Olympian or hockey-type skating is more your speed, come enjoy our free rink at a new location — the Town Park behind the playground. Either bring your own skates or you can borrow them for free at Mush Love, located at 905 Grand Avenue from noon to 5 pm daily. (970-798-8064)
We also offer the coolest winter event on ice, the annual Pond Hockey tournament held right on Grand Lake. Teams come from all over to compete in this wild outdoor event. (see our Event Calendar!)
ICE FISH
With three lakes in such close proximity, ice fishing is a big deal here. These lakes freeze solid — like drive on them with a snowmobile solid — so feel free to drill a hole and drop a line. Come for one of the popular ice fishing tournaments, too.
DOWNHILL SKI
Make Grand Lake your home-base for that Colorado ski trip of your dreams. We are about 25 minutes away from Ski Granby and 40 minutes away from Winter Park Ski Resort, one of Colorado’s premier ski resorts. That’s close enough for an easy commute to the slopes but far enough away to avoid the apres ski crowds.
HOT SPRINGS HEAVEN
A short drive away (about 25 minutes) you can soak in the soothing, healing hot mineral waters at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort. Recreate here and rejuvenate there!
FEEL THE HEAT (EATS and TREATS)
We’re kind of like Comfort Food Headquarters here this time of year. Heat up from the inside out with hearty local favorites like the green chili at Sagebrush BBQ and Grill or the giant Nachos at Charlie’s Bar and Grill or the signature Philly Cheese Steak at Grandview Mountain Lodge. Sit by the fire at GL’s most romantic dining spot — the Historic Rapid’s Restaurant. Having a delicious hot chocolate here (Jump Start Coffee, or the Hub) is a must or adultify the hot drink scene with a hot buttered rum at World’s End Pub.
HOME OF ‘HALLMARK-TYPE’ HOLIDAYS
That vision of the “perfect” holiday season — it’s already in your mind, isn’t it? Outside it’s a winter wonderland with snow perpetually but gently falling, and twinkling lights highlighting the streets. Inside, it’s cozy and warm and you’re welcomed by smiling faces. Sounds like something right out of a holiday movie, doesn’t it? Such a place can’t really exist, though, anymore, can it? Oh, it does. Let others turn the holidays into a glitzy hustle-bustle atmosphere, Grand Lake is one of the last places to find a true small mountain town laid-back, lovely ambiance.
It starts with our Tree Lighting Ceremony the night after Thanksgiving that evokes Norman Rockwell images and continues with Shop Local Day on the 28th. Our unique boutiques will offer night shopping to showcase their delightful gift options. Events culminate with our annual Fireworks display over Grand Lake at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
In a town with so much holiday spirit, is it any wonder the company most often associated with Holiday cards and movies — Hallmark — has a long history here? The Hall family rented a remote cabin on the banks of Grand Lake (accessible only by boat!) for the first time 100 years ago. They bought the cabin in 1929 and to this day, it continues to be the Hall’s family retreat — and inspiration.
LIGHTS DISPLAY
A local resident transforms his house and yard into a must-see (free!) animated holiday light extravaganza. From the comfort of your car, take in the sights and sounds of this synchronized lights and animation display nightly from 5-9 pm.Thousands of lights are synchronized to holiday music, while so many visual surprises (Santa! Snowmen! Life-size Nativity!) are happening, too. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. Tune your radio to 90.7 FM to hear the music. Donations benefit the Mountain Family Center, non-profit organization. 2141 CR 4, off of US 34.
Like a Local: The right gear is key to enjoying the winter elements. Locally, find the kind of quality outerwear you need at Never Summer Mountain Products on Grand Ave.
My husband and I have been to Grand Lake twice and both times stayed at the Rapids Lodge on the water side and loved the sound. The restaurant was great. It’s probably been 5 years since we were there but would love to come again….and we would like our lodging to be on the water again. Is there any other place other than the Rapids Lodge right on the rapids? It seemed like there was a condo right beside the Rapids Lodge on the left side facing the rapids. Is that a good place to stay if its even there. Or, is there someplace you would recommend.