We’re more
than just a snowmobile town.
Winter in Grand Lake, Colorado is nothing short of majestic. Established in 1879, Grand Lake is an iconic, Rocky Mountain town with stunning views and a history and authenticity you won’t find in a ski resort. It’s a winter wonderland with no lift lines.
Located at the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is home to three magnificent lakes - including the deepest natural lake in Colorado. Annual snowfall accumulates over 140” in town, and over 300” in the backcountry. Peak season for winter activities spans from January through March, but can start as early as Thanksgiving and last into May.
Snowmobiling here is a once in a lifetime experience that you can’t get anywhere else, but that’s not the only winter adventure there is to explore here. From ice skating on a frozen lake just outside a national park to cross country skiing by a family of moose, or taking a wintery sleigh ride with a cup of hot chocolate - it’s all here waiting.
Winter activities in Grand Lake
ice skating
Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado was formed by glaciers, and in the summer, it’s a popular destination for boating and sailing. In the winter, it’s home to the most picturesque natural ice rink in the country. Open 24 hours and open to the public, you can also find free ice skate rentals at the beach shack for all ages and enjoy views of the majestic Mt Baldy and Rocky Mountain National Park. Too crowded? There’s another public ice rink in the heart of downtown.
cross country skiing
Enjoy the scenic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the headwaters of the Colorado River at the Grand Lake Nordic Center. Beginner to advanced skiers at the Nordic Center enjoy a variety of terrain over 35 km of classic and skate groomed skiing trails. Rentals are available at either the Nordic Center or Never Summer Mountain Products in downtown Grand Lake. If backcountry is more your speed, you can explore any of the public lakes, forests, and trails nearby.
snowshoe
Snowshoeing has been a part of Grand Lake’s history for a long time, as it was a vital survival skill for early residents. In 1932, Grand Lake's first Winter Carnival included a snowshoe race as part of its street events. Today, Grand Lake and the surrounding area have hundreds of thousands of acres of terrain for snowshoeing across lakes, forests and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rentals are available at either the Nordic Center or Never Summer Mountain Products in downtown Grand Lake.
ice fishing
If skiing, skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling aren’t your speed, grab a chair and pole because Grand Lake is home to three frozen lakes and some of the best ice fishing in the state. Ready to try your hand and catch a monster lake trout? Give Kirk’s Fly Shop or Fishing With Bernie for your own guided experience and go home with more than just pictures.
sleigh rides
Grand Lake is a western town at its roots. First settled in 1879, horses pulled wagons and sleighs as the primary mode of transportation over slopes and all around the lakes and rivers that call this area home. In the winter - you can tour that same frontier just as they did - horsepower! Visit Winding River Resort for your wintery, mountain sleigh ride. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
sledding
No mountain retreat in the winter is complete without a sledding hill. Find a slope in the over 700k acres of public lands just outside town, or visit the tubing hill right downtown! Open 24 hours and open to the public, you can always find some free, family fun in Grand Lake, but don’t forget your sled!
wildlife viewing
Sometimes your favorite activities are the ones you don’t expect to be doing until you are. Conveniently located right outside Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is home to a very healthy population of deer, elk, bear and MOOSE - our favorite! It’s not uncommon to see moose crossing a frozen lake, a yard, or even the boardwalk - but always be sure to give our local residents (four-legged and otherwise) their space.
Shopping & Dining
It’s been a long day - you’ve hit the slopes, the trails, and the lakes, now it’s time for some retail therapy! Whether it’s a burger on the trail at Wolfies, a beer with a view at the Wild Bear Tavern, a special gift from Humphrey’s, all you can eat crab legs at Sagebrush BBQ, fresh seafood tacos at One Love Rum, a sweet treat from Grand Lake Chocolates, a unique souvenir from the Quacker Gift Shop, a Bavarian Pretzel from World’s End Brew Pub, or a fancy cocktail from the Historic Rapids Lodge.
Snowmobiling
Happily named the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado”, Grand Lake is home to over 300 miles of public trails through town, Rocky Mountain National Park and national forest lands with access to all three frozen lakes. Tour one of the most scenic landscapes in true alpine fashion in one of the most accessible snowmobile country in the world.
