Glenwood Springs is nestled directly between Aspen and Vail and it’s a Rocky Mountain haven. Heading to the mountains is a popular weekend getaway year round for the folks residing in the Denver area, the 303’s as we call them. But during the winter, it’s a must. Not only does the Western Slope have the best ski resorts in the country, Sunlight, Aspen, Vail, to name a few, but we also have some pretty other amazing Things To Do In Glenwood Springs in Winter!
Unlike the majority of full-time traveling families, we don’t point our compass toward Florida or Texas in the winter. Instead, we head straight into blizzard country and live our the cold in this winter wonderland we call home.
So, let’s get to it, the list of Amazing, Fun Awesome Things To Do In Glenwood Springs in the Winter!
Table of Contents
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Sunlight is where families can have a blast skiing or snowboarding the over 67 trails and actually have enough money to eat afterward! Sunlight Mtn Resort gives you a full day of skiing for about half the cost of the big and famous resorts. You’ll park for free, walk straight to the lifts from your car, and never stand in line. And without the big crowds, when powder falls, it lasts for days. Plus, it’s a great family resort as all 67 trails lead right back to the lodge where you can stow your gear, meet your family and friends, and get something hot and delicious at the grill.
No hassles. No hype. It’s exactly why you go skiing or riding.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
The luxurious spa-like Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a great option for Things To Do in Glenwood Springs in the Winter. They are located on the site of the historic Iron Springs Spa circa 1896. I find that very fitting as Iron Mountain Hot Springs is as much a spa as I’ve ever been to. And I make a habit of frequenting spas … I must, for my sanity. After all, I am a mother of 12!
Sitting and relaxing in any one of the 16 pools, complete with a “quiet zone” for peace and tranquility, is the ultimate pampering. You may sit and take in the beautiful surroundings, you may splash and play in the family pool, and you may even order anything from water to mixed drinks to be enjoyed whilst soaking. All this while overlooking the Colorado River, amidst towering snow covered mountains. It really doesn’t get any better than this. I highly recommend you check Iron Mountain Hot Springs as one of the top Things to do in Glenwood Springs This Weekend!
Snowmobiling in Glenwood Springs
If you’ve never been snowmobiling, you are really missing out. It is super exhilarating and Glenwood Springs in Winter is a snowmobiling haven! Glenwood Springs is home to the infamous Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail, a 120-mile groomed track that runs between Glenwood Springs all the way to Powderhorn Ski Area near Grand Junction, CO!!
Snowmobilers can choose from Guided tours which include a few hours to mind blowing overnight trips. A few words of wisdom, if you have a full face helmet, wear it, the wind is cold. Wear layers, ski goggles, and a neck gator. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and chapstick and of course, your camera!!! If you are prepared, you will have the time of your life!
Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
Just conjuring up the thought of Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves brings the knowing to a place of peace and serenity. Both the spa and vapor caves are Must’s in the realm of Things To Do In Glenwood Springs Today! The Vapor caves are underground caverns filled by the mineral rich stream deep underground known as the the Yampah Spring – the same source that dumps millions of water into the Hot Springs Pool. The Yampah Vapor Caves are one of only a few known natural vapor caves in all of North America.
In addition to the Vapor Caves, Yampah is a full-service spa, offering everything from hair and beauty to massages and waxing! An absolute must for winter weary parents!
Hotel Colorado Christmas Lighting
If you find yourself looking for Things To Do In Glenwood Springs During Christmas, The Hotel Colorado is an exceptional option. It is stylish, luxurious, beautiful and one of the many Free Things To Do In Glenwood Springs. Every year on the weekend following Thanksgiving more than one million Christmas lights bring this historic hotel to a whole new level! There is live entertainment, including fireworks and a visit from Santa himself. And yes, the lighting ceremony, the fireworks, even Santa are all Free.
And while we are on the topic of the Hotel Colorado, I would be remiss if I did not mention its famous visitors ranging from Theodore Roosevelt to Doc Holiday to Molly Brown among others! It is also said to be haunted and quite a few people that we know have stories that seem to support this claim!
Cycle Glenwood Springs All Winter
Biking season never ends around these parts. Fat bikes, once thought to be a fad, are rapidly picking up traction as a legit winter sport. In fact, many of our friends use their fat bikes year round to commute as well as to bike Glenwood’s plethora of snow-packed trails. Gotta stay fit and healthy and Glenwood Springs is an easy place to make that happen!
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Imagine a day out in Glenwood Springs, enjoying the beautiful nordic air, the brisk winter temps, snow glistening in the trees, only the sound of your own breath breaking the silence. This is exactly how many come to love Glenwood Springs in the Winter.
Both snowshoeing and cross country skiing are great ways to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise. Literally anyone, regardless of age and skill level can conquer these sports! And, Glenwood Springs has awesome trails that are perfect. Check out any established hiking trails, or head up to Babbish Gulch by Sunlight Mtn, for the ultimate walking experience!
Place To Avoid In Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs Hot Pool
Absolutely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Glenwood, but it is also the most disgusting. Think about it. Thousands of people side by side in a pool that is not cleaned from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Thousands and thousands of tourists and kids. But don’t just take my word for it … CBS has reported on the less than stellar cleanliness of the pool. In fact, it’s had a history of parasitic illnesses. Read this for more information on one such instance.
Instead choose the beautiful and intimate, (with a big pool for kids) Iron Mountain Hot Springs Pool.
Amazing that all of that is in one place. I see why you guys head to Colorado instead of the typical Snowbird destinations.
Looks like heaven on earth. I could really use a weekend away. Forget the crazy stuff, I just want that pool and the spa!
We travel from Denver to Glenwood Springs every Christmas. Rent a cabin and enjoy all the things you wrote about. Every year we leave saying, we have to figure out a way to move there. Great blog.