Estes Park in the winter can be just as beautiful as it is in the summer while offering plenty of activities to fill your days. With snow-capped peaks, fewer crowds, and new outdoor activities to explore, here are our reasons to visit Estes Park in the winter!
Sledding at Hidden Valley
Whether you brought the kids or not, sledding at Hidden Valley is a great winter activity in Estes Park enjoyed by all. What once was a ski resort inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley is now a popular place for sledding and tubing in the winter. You must bring your own sleds, but don’t worry there are plenty of places in town to rent one. Note, there is no supervision, so play at your own risk.
Snowshoeing
One of our favorite reasons to visit Estes Park in the winter is snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover your favorite trails with blankets of snow covering the ground, snow-capped peaks surrounding you, and evergreens dotted with a hint of snow, it is truly a winter wonderland.
One of the best ways to enjoy snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park is with our snowshoe package at Valhalla Resort. Get a pair of snowshoes for only $3/a day with your reservation or upgrade your package to reserve a pair of snowshoes for your entire stay, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, and a basket of assorted goodies for only $45.
Cross country skiing
Another great activity that is enjoyed in Estes Park in the winter is cross country skiing. Unlike downhill skiing, it is a bit easier to learn and something you can take at your own pace. Beginners will enjoy Sprague Lake and the Grand Lake Nordic Center. For those willing to explore the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park, test your skills at Tonahutu Creek Trail to Grand Lake or Bierstadt Lake Trail just off Bear Lake Road.
Visit Elkins Distillery
Estes Park is home to Elkins Distillery, the town’s first and only distillery. If you find yourself wanting to stay inside on a cold winter’s day, a visit to their tasting room is just the thing to warm you up. Sample some of their winter whisky, made with cinnamon sticks, orange peels, crushed almonds, local Colorado honey, rye, corn, and malted barley. Or try one of their cocktails from the carefully curated drink menu, all made with high proof Colorado whisky. Their tasting room is located on the east side of Estes Park, across the street from Lake Estes.
Cozy up by the fire at Valhalla Resort
What better way than to spend a winter’s evening, than curled up with a good book by the fire? Discover our cozy cabins at Valhalla Resort, with most featuring a warming fireplace. Our rustic-style cabins are made to embrace the spirit of the frontier and hold true to Estes Park’s beginnings, while still providing modern amenities for your comfort. Choose from 29 cabins with a variety of bedroom configurations, to suit all travelers.
Find you winter getaway in Estes Park and book your stay at Valhalla Resort!