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When the fresh powder falls over the mountains of Colorado, Estes Park becomes one of the state’s most beautiful and alluring vacation destinations for travelers to enjoy. While Estes Park is a haven of opportunities for fun year-round, it’s hard to overlook its appeal when the mountains are sparkling in snow and the outdoor recreation options. From its undeniable mountain town charm to the shopping and dining experiences that await, Estes Park promises to be a one-stop resource for amazing experiences this winter. The following are just a few of the many reasons you’re going to want to begin planning your Estes Park winter trip today!

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Enjoy Time on the Rink

For many people, ice skating is a fan-favorite wintertime activity and when you find yourself in scenic Estes Park this time of year, you’ll have plenty of options to add it to your itinerary! Head over to the YMCA of the Rockies to make the most of time on the ice between early December and February. This family-fun venue is great for skaters of all ages but if you happen to be arriving with kids who are six and under, they can skate at no cost. Pair it up with some hot chocolate afterward and you’re in for the picture-perfect winter day in the mountains.

Make it a Savory Winter Getaway

Estes Park is a beautiful place to explore in the winter, but it’s also a seasonal destination where you can warm up with some delicious flavorful options after a day of outdoor recreation. Estes Park is home to a variety of mouthwatering breweries to check out—many of which offer tasting sessions and production tours upon request. A few of the top contenders in the area that you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here include Rock Cut, Lumpy Ridge, and Estes Park Brewery too. Looking for even more to enjoy? Head over to Avant Garde Aleworks and savor a variety of unique and bold flavor options in good company!

Pamper Yourself in Style This Winter

While it’s easy to fill your winter Estes Park itinerary with outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the relaxing moments that prove the most memorable. When you could go for a pampered moment or two during your stay, be sure to book a well-deserved session at Qi Lounge while you’re in town. Conveniently located right on site of Mountain Village at Lake Estes the spa is open every day but Wednesday, making it a simple addition to your lineup when you’re overdue for some rejuvenation and restoration this winter. At Qi Lounge, guests can book services ranging from facials and massages to skin treatments and acupuncture as well. There are also couples’ treatment options on-site when you’re looking to make your winter getaway to Estes Park a bit more romantic!

Shop Your Way to Winter Fun

A winter getaway is often a great time to get ahead of holiday shopping lists or to put the finishing touch on those lingering few gifts. A great place to do that in Estes Park is downtown. Here, you’ll find a collection of shops and boutiques that are truly unique. Whether you’re looking for apparel, jewelry, handcrafted goods, or items for your home, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and more. Downtown is also home to candy shops where you could go for a sweet treat, and plenty of art galleries as well for those moments when a little artistic inspiration would go a long way.

Embrace the Best of Winter Outdoor Adventure

If you’re new to the sport or looking to learn something new beyond skiing, be sure to book a course while you’re in town through the Colorado Mountain School. Here, you can enjoy participating in lessons that focus on everything from ice climbing to avalanche training! In nearby Hidden Valley, Estes Park visitors can enjoy time snowshoeing, sledding, or backcountry skiing depending on preference. Hoping to bundle up and cast a line? Consider spending a day ice fishing on one of the many frozen lakes or ponds that are found throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Just be sure you have a fishing license in hand as well as hand augers to make the most of this experience. Afterward, book a 4×4 tour with the team over at Wildside through Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoying one-of-a-kind off-road views and winter wildlife viewing opportunities too.

Book Your Stay Today

No matter what your interests might be or how long you have to spare in the name of fun in Estes Park, the team at Mountain Village at Lake Estes is here to make sure you have amazing accommodations to match. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting winter rental options and how we can help you elevate your stay even further in luxury and mountain style.

The adventures you can have during your winter vacation to Estes Park are endless, giving visitors the thrill of a lifetime, from the simple pleasures of teaching your youngest the simple joys of making snow angels to the rugged escapades you can have in the backcountry landscape of our winter paradise, including a favorite of all thrill seekers, the sport of backcountry skiing! Also called off-piste, alpine touring, or simply out-of-area, this winter sport can change the way you look at skiing forever! And the only thing better than spending a day exploring the snowy landscape on a pair of skis is, of course, coming home to the quiet comforts and warmth found in our Mountain Village at Lake Estes seasonal sanctuaries. This guide to the thrills of backcountry skiing in Estes Park will give you a secret preview of your upcoming Colorado getaway!

 

The Equipment

 

Backcountry skiing is not a sport for the novice skier, it is best to get some acreage under your skis on the groomed slopes of ski resorts, perhaps take some lessons, and put in your hours before even thinking of attempting the backcountry. For experienced skiers, however, this sport can be become your new obsession and requires much of the same equipment you would use for resort style skiing, with a couple of exceptions. Backcountry skis offer different bindings and also need mohair or synthetic skins that can be attached to the bottom of the skis, making it easier to walk uphill to get to your favorite ski spot. (Remember, this is out-of-area, meaning the slopes aren’t groomed and there will not be any chair lifts!) Backcountry ski boots also need to be more flexible than standard ski boots, for the same reason you need the skins for your skis. Finally, and we aren’t trying to scare you, avalanches are a threat to any alpine touring skier and avalanche training should be considered before heading out for the first time—plus, an avalanche rescue pack should be added to your equipment list. Rocky Mountain National Park Service provides courses that can last two days, but Colorado Mountain School offers lessons that include the avalanche training and only lasts 8 hours, which may be more useful to visitors with a limited schedule. If you don’t already have your own backcountry equipment, or just don’t want to travel with your own gear, pretty much any ski rental place will offer equipment rentals, including, Estes Park Mountain Shop, located at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park.

 

The Wow Factor

 

We don’t like to brag, but the Estes Park area is known throughout the world as a popular place for backcountry skiing! Offering miles of virgin landscape just waiting for your skis to shred, Hidden Valley (and no, we are not talking about the ranch dressing, as delicious as it may be!) is the top spot in the region for backcountry skiing. In its previous life, this area was once a ski area with groomed trails and all the ski resort amenities, but that resort closed 30 years ago and it became open season for the thrill seekers in the world! If you are new to backcountry skiing, it is the perfect place to get your skiers legs, as the Ptarmigan in the Lower T-Bar area is easily accessible. Feel like a road trip before you begin your backcountry adventures? St. Vrain Mountain is located just about 20 miles south of your Mountain Village at Lake Estes winter escape and offers incredible views along the road, in addition to the views you will see as you spend your day playing in the snow. Mt. Vrain was also a ski area once, closed many years ago, and is popular with backcountry skiers of all skill levels!

 

Sunrise Is the Right Time

 

Although no one likes to get up early on vacation, we suggest that on at least one day during your stay with us, you make the effort, heading to the ski area of your choice and timing it to catch the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains. The cold of the pre-dawn air while watching the sky turn from an inky and velvety blackness that fades into grays, pinks, and finally a clear blue, creates a moment that you will lock into your memory banks, replaying whenever your real life feels bland and colorless. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa with your gear and just take those first few minutes of the day to sip and marvel over the beauty of Mother Nature, before you start your mountain adventures!

 

Come Home to Mountain Village at Lake Estes

 

Some vacations are just destined to be better than others and your Colorado getaway spent with us will definitely be one of the favored few. Reserve your favorite Mountain Village at Lake Estes escape and come home to comfort and style every night of your stay!

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and quickly lose sight of what’s important about this time of year. Between the to-do lists, gift wrapping and party planning, the holidays can become stressful before they’ve even begun. Instead of getting caught up in the chaos, consider turning your holiday plans into an amazing mountain escape. This year, instead of worrying about all that needs to be done, have some fun with a holiday trip to Lake Estes. This Colorado is one of the best winter vacation spots and is the most beautiful and inspiring as it is engaging. Whether you’re one for cross country skiing or love to shop boutique stores, Lake Estes has a little something for you. Here are just a few of the many reasons Lake Estes makes for a great holiday destination.

The Holiday Lights: Yuletide Driving Tour

While the skiing and exploring are sure to please, Lake Estes does a phenomenal job of creating a winter wonderland of lights designed for all to enjoy over the holiday season. Drive your way through Estes Park and admire the many lights that adorn homes, businesses and beyond. Official maps of preferred routes are available for guests online, but there’s nothing wrong with winding your way through the holiday fun on a whim.

The Food: Waterfront Grille

Flavor is often a favorite feature of the holiday season and when your holiday plans have you in the Lake Estes vicinity, be sure to set aside time for a meal at Waterfront Grille. Located at 1700 Big Thompson Avenue, this renowned culinary hot spot sits within The Estes Park Resort. Guests will enjoy a variety of savory fare in an upscale setting while making the most lake and mountain views that are hard to top-especially during the holidays.

The Music: New Year’s at the Rock Inn

If your travel plans keep you near Lake Estes through the new year, be sure to make your way to the Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on New Year’s Eve for an annual concert combined with food, beverages, and great company. This cozy and rustic Estes Park stop is located at 1675 Co-66 and is popular for its menu that features comfort food as well as a full-service bar that provides just the right drink for every plate.

Enjoy a Lake Estes Stay

Whether you’re here for Thanksgiving, Christmas or the new year, a stay at Lake Estes is bound to be unforgettable. Make your trip even more memorable by booking beautiful accommodations with the professionals at Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Contact us today for more information on our many property options.