Contact: Roland Alonzi / 646-442-6765 / [email protected]
Carly Grimes / 720-289-9366 / [email protected]
Take to the land, water and air for exhilarating wintertime activities
DENVER (January 4, 2012) – Renowned for its unmatched downhill ski slopes, Colorado also offers an array of winter activities visitors can enjoy off the slopes. From luxurious hot springs soaks and quiet snowshoe excursions, to hot air balloon rides and dog sledding adventures, Colorado is a wintertime playground for any age and thrill level. The Colorado Tourism Office has highlighted 13 unforgettable winter activities in store for Colorado travelers. For more information visit www.COLORADO.com.
Romantic Relaxation. Dunton Hot Springs is a 19th century mining camp turned luxe resort that combines old world charm with modern conveniences. It also provides opportunities to explore fresh powder beyond an individual cabin’s back door, including dog sledding, ice climbing, heli-skiing, avalanche education and more. www.DuntonHotSprings.com
Nordic Photography. Learn how to photograph winter using various techniques while accessing subject matter on Nordic skis or snowshoes. Six Nordic photography workshops are offered from January through March for $55 each, which includes the workshop and Nordic pass. www.CrestedButteArts.org
Dog Sledding Adventures For All Ages. Siberian and Alaskan Huskies guide sleds through Colorado mountain trails. Full day “Mushing Madness” and half-day “Mush on the Brain” options guarantee exhilarating adventure and breathtaking beauty. With a guide on every sled, all participants have the opportunity to drive. www.DurangoDogRanch.com
Glide Across Grand Mesa’s Skyway and County Line. Discover 32.4 miles of some of the state’s best trails for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Athletes can enjoy free tree skiing and open meadows skiing and can even bring dogs along to County Line. www.GMNC.org
Ice Fishing in Diverse Waters. Try ice fishing on Colorado’s largest lake, Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, with local outfitters who make this winter activity effortless and fun. www.HighMtnDrifters.com
Snowshoe Across the Rockies. Follow in wildlife’s footsteps through Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk, coyotes, deer and other wildlife remain active during the winter. Some of the Park’s most beautiful snow-covered backcountry trails can only be reached on snowshoes. www.VisitEstesPark.com
Ice Climbing in the “Switzerland of America.” Novices and gurus alike can experience the exhilaration of ascending massive walls of ice in Ouray, aptly nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” The Ouray Ice Park is the world’s first park dedicated exclusively to the sport of ice climbing, where local guides and instructors are available to beginners.www.OurayIcePark.com
Snowmobiling at Grand Lake. Travelers can snowmobile to remote locations in the snowmobiling capitol of Colorado, Grand Lake. Known for its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is base camp for winter pursuits that take visitors off the beaten path. www.GrandLakeChamber.com
Wintertime Golf. Weather permitting, three golf courses in Montrose remain open all winter long. The Links at Cobble Creek features jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains, the Bridges is a par-71, Nicklaus-designed course, andMontrose Black Canyon Golf Club offers both a park-style course on the front nine and a links-style course on the back. www.VisitMontrose.com/index.aspx?nid=130
Hot Air Ballooning. Get a bird’s eye view of three million acres of snow-covered national forest and wilderness areas surrounding Pagosa Springs with a winter hot air balloon ride. http://www.visitpagosasprings.com
History in the Backcountry. Many trails in Breckenridge’s snowy backcountry are preexisting paths and flumes used by miners in search of gold. On a snowshoe or Nordic ski outing, travelers will uncover restored dredge boats once used for gold mining, abandoned pioneer cabins and more. www.GoBreck.com
The Best of Fly-Fishing. Winter is the best time to fish Colorado's Gold Medal rivers. Carbondale is centrally located to access the big Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, Crystal and Colorado rivers. The local fly shops are open year-round to assist visitors. www.Carbondale.com/winter-base-camp
Scenic Jeep Tours. Step inside a mountain ATV vehicle to experience the spectacular views of the snow-capped Continental Divide. Travel along historic mining trails on an individualized and professionally guided wintertime tour.www.MileHiRafting.com
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, 26 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, 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet and 12 national parks, monuments and historic sites. For more information or a copy of the 2011 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at www.COLORADO.com/media-room for story ideas, press releases, press kits, and high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use. Follow Colorado on Twitter at www.twitter.com/colorado or become a Colorado Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/visitcolorado.