Boulder is the perfect combination of urban and outdoors that appeals to a wide range of residents and visitors. While Boulder, Colorado winters are typically mild, there are some days you will find Boulder buried in snow which is why we compiled a list of the best winter activities to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Here’s how Boulder does wintertime.
Go Skiing
Eldora Mountain, located 21 miles west of Boulder, is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The best part – you don’t have to fight I-70 traffic to get there. While all of Colorado resorts are great, Eldora is a relaxed, unpretentious resort. It is not uncommon to see your neighbors, local Boulderites, and a bit of the Denver crowd on the slopes. The terrain varies from beginner runs to mild expert runs. They also have a great kids’ ski program. Enjoy après ski at the Timber Bar when your legs get sore.
Local tip: Save breakfast for the mountain. The Timbers Lodge at the base area has a delicious breakfast with options such as breakfast burritos, an espresso bar, and delicious, local coffee.
Catch A Show
PC: Fox Theatre
Boulder, Colorado has an incredible and diverse music scene full of history. The most common indoor venues are the Fox Theatre and Boulder Theatre. The Fox Theatre is located on “The Hill” and was recently voted the 4th best music venue in the country by Rolling Stones Magazine. It is a more intimate venue that offers top-notch talent, and a world-class sound system. The Boulder Theatre opened in 1906 and has an extensive list of big acts including Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Blues Traveller, and more.
Local tip: The Boulder Theatre also plays movies. Extended your ski day by cozying up with a cocktail and catching a ski movie at night such as a Warren Miller film.
Hiking
Boulder has 151 hiking trails and most of them stay open during the winter. There are times when it does not snow for weeks and some of the sunshine filled trails are completely dry. Even when they’re not entirely dry, the hikes are still enjoyable with some traction hiking boots.
Here are a few of our favorite winter hikes:
Mount Sanitas
Situated on the west end of downtown, Mount Sanitas is a local favorite. There’s no better hike with the views so close to downtown Boulder. This moderately steep 1.6 mile climb to the top boasts terrific views of downtown Boulder, while still being immersed in nature. The trail gets plenty of sunshine which means snow melts fast on the main route.
Local tip: The early bird catches the views. Leave early and watch the sunrise. Mount Sanitas can fill up with hikers by mid morning and the sunrise over the city is spectacular.
Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve
This 3.3 mile loop is one of our Boulder favorites. The trailhead is located a few miles up Boulder canyon. It is an easy to moderate pitch which makes it the perfect winter hike, bike, or trail run loop. The mountain views are spectacular and animal sightings are more common than the trails closer to the city. Bring your pup as this trail is dog friendly.
Local tip: The loop is a popular place for mountain bikers. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, it is closed to bikers and open to foot traffic.
First and Second Flatiron Trail
The best way to see the iconic flatirons is on the first and second flatiron trail. The trail is rated as moderate – difficult but is short – 1.3 miles one-way. The trail is typically crowded in the summer, which makes the winter a great time to explore. The best winter views are when the flatirons have a little snow on them.
Local tip: The parking fills up fast. Get there early or catch the park-to-park shuttle.
Grab A Beer
PC: Upslope Brewing Company
After your hike, treat yourself to a beer at one of our many breweries. Colorado has over 300 breweries and has led the charge in producing craft beers. Boulder is no exception to this innovation. Boulder features a number of local breweries and brewpubs that are some of the best in the nation. Stop by some of our favorites for a true Colorado craft beer experience.
Avery brewing, located in east Boulder, is the perfect blend of old world tradition with flavors of new-world creativity. Their tasty concoctions include beers such as the Demon of Ale series, White Rascal, and Ellie’s Brown Ale. Check out their winter shandy, which will keep you cozy and warm on a winter’s night.
Upslope’s mission is to tap into the outdoor Boulder lifestyle by providing craft beers for every experience. This could be a beer in your fly fishing vest, a beer in your hiking pack, or pow day libations. After enjoying a can out and about, visit one of their two taprooms in Boulder and you cannot go wrong with their superior quality, hand-crafted loggers and ales.
Hike Mt. Sanitas and reward yourself with one of their award-winning loggers or warm up in their tasting room with a stout. Their tasting room features a rotation of hand crafted brews. On nice winter days, bring your pup to their dog friendly patio featuring spectacular mountain views. Enjoy tacos from McDevitt Taco Supply and wash it down with your craft beer.
Local tip: If the weather is warm enough, cycling to different breweries. Boulder is cyclist friendly with numerous bike paths and bike lanes and the breweries are within biking distance.
Hit Up An Escape Room
Photo credit: Enigma Escape
Boulder has two escape room destinations for those who want an adventurous, problem solving one-of-a-kind experience. Solve puzzles, find clues, escape psycho killers, and explore Pearl Street’s underworld at the Boulder Escape Room or Enigma Escape Room. Each offers uniquely themed experiences such as the missing scientist, pirates, the abduction, and captive. The room is perfect for friends and family before dinner on Pearl Street, team building, birthday parties, date nights, or just a fun, out of the box activity.
Local tip: Bring the kids! The names such as “psycho killer” may be intimidating but the rooms are set up to not scare you but challenge your mind in a problem solving atmosphere.
There are endless activities in Boulder. We are Boulder experts and have lived, worked, and played in the area for 20 years! If you are looking at buying or selling, there’s no better team with local knowledge and passion for Boulder. Reach out.