DENVER, Colo. (Jan. 26, 2022) — From snowy mountain adventures and wildlife viewing on the plains to high desert sun and exciting events in every region of the state, Colorado is the place to “Shine a Little Brighter” for spring break fun in the snow or sun. March and April are some of the snowiest months in Colorado’s high country and some of the most beautiful and mild months for warm weather experiences at lower elevations.
Visitors to the state are encouraged to “Do Colorado Right” and embrace the state’s interpretation of responsible tourism — showing care not only for destinations but for others, including the people who call Colorado home. For more information and travel ideas, visit www.COLORADO.com.
For more spring break 2022 travel inspiration, visit www.COLORADO.com.
Choose Your Own Spring Adventure:
- Fishing in Fort Collins: Early spring in Fort Collins is the perfect time to cast a line in area rivers before they wash out later in the season. Warm March days kick off the seasonal snowmelt cycle, meaning fresh water feeds rivers and streams and the fish are eager to feed on spring hatches. Check Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters for boat trips, river trips, ice fishing, fly fishing (all weather dependent).
- Wine Tours in Palisade: Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures is offering two new winery tours available through April 14, 2022. The Governor's Cup Tour is perfect for the local wine lover who wants to expand their knowledge or the visitor who wants to try Colorado’s finest wines. The New Vintage Tour explores new wineries in the Palisade area.
- Jeep Tours in Cañon City: Colorado Jeep Tours is located in Colorado’s climate capital, which means its weather is milder when compared to the rest of the state. Take advantage of this and take an open-air Jeep tour through some of Cañon City’s most beautiful scenery while also gaining knowledge of local history and geology. Tours take guests to the Royal Gorge, Red Canyon Park and Garden Parks Fossil area.
- Zoo Camp at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs: Parents need not stress about finding childcare this spring break — they can sign their kiddos up for camp at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. How does an elephant know when to migrate? Or how does an animal know to “play possum” for safety? Children are invited to discover the amazing innate behaviors animals use throughout the wild world.
- Snow Beach in Aspen: Snow Beach ASPENX Gray Malin - Chaise Lounge is a one-of-a-kind “club” on top of Aspen Mountain. This is the first time this area will be brought to life in winter/spring with a pop-up experience available for a limited six-weekend run starting on Friday, Feb. 18, and ending on Sunday, March 27. The experience offers a new take on après-ski during Aspen Snowmass’ 75th Anniversary ski season. The outdoor setting features beach-themed décor in an alpine environment with bottle service and multi-course food pairings.
- Avalanche Safety Training in Buena Vista: AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Rescue and Education) is the leader in avalanche training, and the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) teaches AIARE-certified courses all spring to help backcountry enthusiasts protect themselves from avalanche dangers. Courses include Avalanche Prep, AIARE 1, AIARE 2 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue. Group courses are available through early April and private instruction can also be arranged.
- Spring Skiing at Resorts Across Colorado:
- The longest ski season in Colorado usually belongs to Arapahoe Basin (often open into mid-June!), and their epic terrain and family-friendly spring concert series make it a sure bet for smiles.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary this winter season with special events and the debut of the new Freedom Superchair. The resort also stays open until Memorial Day for plenty of sunny spring skiing.
- A short drive-time from Denver and a famously friendly staff make Loveland Ski Area another good choice for families, typically open into early May.
- Monarch Mountain, near Salida, is a super-approachable locals’ favorite mountain. Lessons are available for everyone and a laid-back vibe will welcome guests along with the occasional spring cookout in the parking lot.
- Logging the most snowfall in Colorado nearly every year, Wolf Creek Ski Area outside Pagosa Springs is a reliable springtime spot for some great powder, paired with a super-friendly, down-to-earth personality and terrain for every level.
- Sand Fun at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Climb up and tumble, sled or sandboard down North America’s largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the San Luis Valley. A big spring bonus: The mystical Medano Creek returns this time of year, flowing by the base of the dunes and creating a beachy environment with pulsing, small waves.
- A Two Helmet Day in the Grand Junction Area: Outside of Grand Junction, Powderhorn Mountain Resort sits on the edge of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. The area enjoys a reputation for outstanding tree skiing and diverse terrain. Visitors can spend the morning on the slopes, then head into town where they can mountain bike on the area’s famed singletrack pretty much any day of the year. One of the most famous riding areas is the Tabeguache trailhead, better known as the Lunch Loops.
- Bird Watching in Eastern Colorado: The Colorado Birding Trail is a network of 54 trails renowned for their magnificent landscapes and unique bird species. On Colorado’s eastern plains, find the exotic-looking Greater Prairie-Chicken in April and May (viewing tours recommended) or the springtime migrating beauties on the Playa Trail.
Spring Break Lodging and Packages:
- Family Fun at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge: The sprawling Beaver Run Resort is kid heaven, with a huge game room, an indoor-outdoor pool, several hot tubs and large suites and family rooms available — all in the heart of one of Colorado’s mountain playgrounds, Breckenridge.
- Family Spring Break Vacation Special at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby: The ultimate Spring Break retreat, C Lazy U invites guests with a Family Spring Break Vacation special (on select dates between March 1 and April 3) to settle into rustic, upscale cabins with cozy wood-burning fireplaces. Committed to family-focused programming that allows for a healthy mix of time together and time apart, C Lazy U provides robust kids and teens programs (ages three to 17) and offers various winter activities, such as horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating and hockey, snow tubing and wagon sleigh rides.
- Glamping at Kinship Landing in Colorado Springs: Whether Colorado Springs is the end goal of a spring break road trip or if the goal is a relaxing staycation, Kinship Landing is the perfect home base. Visitors can book a bunk room for the whole crew or a camping deck and pitch a tent (with indoor plumbing a few steps away).
- New Uphilling Experience with Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s General Manager: Beginning in February, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek General Manager Herb Rackliff will guide private groups on an uphill ski adventure that gives advance access to one of Colorado’s premier mountains. The luxurious ski-in/ski-out property in the heart of Beaver Creek village is partnering with Paragon Guides to provide guests with appropriate equipment for their uphill journey.
- Spring Adventures at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park: Popular for family reunions, YMCA of the Rockies enjoys a breathtaking location in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, plus a full menu of activities. Choose to hide away in the fully stocked craft room or try archery, ziplining, yoga, astronomy, hiking or horseback riding — and end every day with s’mores around the campfire.
Choose Your Spring Event:
- Women in Their Infinite Forms, Denver, March: Dairy Block, Denver Milk Market & the Athena Project are partnering to present Women In Their Infinite Forms, an art installation celebrating Women’s History Month. Local artists are invited to use mannequin heads to create their vision of Women In Their Infinite Forms. The pieces will be auctioned off to support the Athena Project, a Colorado nonprofit focusing on empowering women through the arts. Dairy Block will also be hosting Spring First Friday Art Walks in the Alley on May 6 and June 3 in partnership with Inside Her Studio.
- Telluride Gay Ski Week, March 3–6, 2022: Telluride Gay Ski Week was founded in 2002. Since then, it has been a week to look forward to for participants and locals alike. The schedule of entertainment includes an opening-day party, daily après ski, pool parties, late-night lounge happenings, with events extending well into the morning hours, including the signature White Party and much more.
- Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville, March 4–6, 2022: A fearless skier navigates an obstacle course connected by tow rope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed, and it all takes place in the middle of town, in addition to a winter carnival with other snowy activities.
- Snowmass Live Comedy Series, March 9, 16 and 23, 2022: The Collective is bringing the laughs to Snowmass this winter with the Snowmass Live Comedy Series. Featured comedians include the creator of Los Angeles live show, “The Goddamn Comedy Jam”, writer, producer, actor and musician, Josh Adam Meyers as well as The Collective’s own Sarah Sanders and Sarah Tiana, an LA based stand-up comedian and writer on “Lights Out” with David Spade.
- Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 11–13, 2022: Every March, sandhill cranes migrate through southern Colorado, stopping in the potato fields, prairies and wetlands near Monte Vista. The tall, elegant birds are best spotted in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge — and during the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, visitors can join in a viewing tour and an arts-and-crafts fair.
- BrewSki, Frisco, March 12, 2022: The 5th Annual Frisco BrewSki is a non-competitive, happy hour Nordic/cross country ski tour with stops for snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and beer tastings from eight local breweries. Skiing will take place on groomed, scenic, and non-challenging terrain at the Frisco Nordic Center. All ages and skiing abilities are welcome.
- Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland, March 18–20, 2022: Frozen Dead Guy Days is a world-renowned spectacle. This homegrown festival pays homage to Bredo Morstol (aka Grandpa), who is frozen in a state of suspended animation and housed in a Tuff Shed on dry ice high above Nederland. Highlights include coffin racing, costumed polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contests, icy turkey bowling, human foosball and more.
- Fly Fishing Film Tour, Ridgway, March 19, 2022: Enjoy fun and inspiring films about outdoor adventure and conservation through the love of fly fishing, and support projects that protect and restore the Uncompahgre River. The Fly Fishing Film Tour is an outdoor-lovers institution, curating a diverse selection of quality entertainment, matched with a party with prizes and great refreshments.
- Cañon City’s 150th Jubilee and Fireworks, April 2, 2022: Celebrate Canon City’s sesquicentennial at its great Jubilee event. Enjoy old-time games, crafts, educational booths, a petting zoo, pony rides, garden tours, food trucks, live music and more. Cañon City’s sesquicentennial will consist of a yearlong celebration of Cañon City’s 150th anniversary of incorporation in 1872.
- 5Point Film Festival, Carbondale, April 21–24, 2022: Intimate yet inclusive, the laid back vibe of this festival is a direct reflection of its birthplace, the Carbondale community. Founded in 2007, the 5Point Adventure Film Festival showcases curated, soulful outdoor films, art, and performances—all shown in one common space.
- Sunsation, Copper Mountain, Copper Mountain, April 22–23, 2022: The annual spring bash will feature two days of free live music in the resort’s Center Village, artists to be announced. As part of closing weekend festivities, skiers and riders are invited to participate in an annual pond skim tradition like none other on April 23. Participants will race one another down the hill, navigating a specialized course before sending it into the icy water at the base of the mountain.
- Great American Horsedrive, Northwestern Colorado, May 3–9, 2022: Guests can join riders from around the world in this unique experience pushing one of the largest saddle horse herds in the nation. Covering approximately sixty miles of open range, highways and back-roads, this six-day adventure is an authentic Western experience that includes cowboy entertainment, a guest-favorite cookout, many hours in the saddle and memories to last a lifetime.
- 25th Annual Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Fruita, May 6–8, 2022: Celebrate hundreds of miles of world-class trails, test out the latest mountain bikes at the demo at the 18 Road trailhead and Bookcliffs trail system, try out new equipment at the product expo in downtown Fruita and more.
- 2nd Annual Dark-Sky Celebration, Crestone, May 19–20, 2022: This two-day event celebrating Crestone’s International Dark-Sky Community Designation will include outstanding astronomy presentations, Taiko drumming, and more. May 20th will be an all-day community-filled street festival with vendors, food, stargazing promotion, dancing in the street and other sorts of fun.
###
ABOUT COLORADO: Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. Follow Colorado on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room for story ideas, news releases, image gallery, and other resources.