Skiing

In Estes Park the best skiing or snow-boarding is going to be in Rocky Mountain National Park. With the RMNP sitting at our doorstep, that means the fun is only minutes away. Some of the local climbing guides offer guided trips and avalanche classes, and local mountain shops have rental equipment.

On the days of heavy snows, some ski enthusiasts like to pull out their cross-country gear and head for the highest continuously paved highway, Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet). Trail Ridge Road is conveniently closed to traffic in the winter. Check with Rocky Mountain National Park for conditions before setting out.

Eldora is a local ski resort that’s become increasingly popular because it’s easily accessible without having to brave the 1-70 corridor. It caters mostly to day skiers and snowboarders. So go ahead and rent some skis for the day.

Hidden Valley used to be a ski resort in RMNP until 1992. The chair lifts are gone but the bunny hill is now a great sledding and tubing area in the winter. You have to bring your own sleds or tubes.