The Frozen Bucket List

The Frozen Bucket List Top ten things to do this winter in Southwest Colorado

1SKATE ACROSS A NATURAL POND. The love for snow and ice doesn’t end with skiing and snowboarding. From December to March, small frozen waterways are another canvas for recreation. During the winter season, sheets of ice contribute to fun Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, is the perfect place to sled down the continental divide. It has incredible views of the Wolf Creek valley, including the nearby ski resort. The trail is open to snowmobilers and other snow travelers, so proceed with caution. See more 4 schedule a trip to the north pole this winter, visit www.durangotrain.com. TAKE A MOONLIT SNOWSHOE TOUR. When the sun sinks below the mountains

activities, such as broomball, curling and ice 3 sledding destinations on page 10. in the Animas Valley, light is reflected hockey. Ice skating is a winter activity that from clouds and mountains turning the is fun for people of all ages and abilities. VISIT THE NORTH POLE. sky a beautiful blend of pink, purple and Though there are several places to enjoy The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge orange. There’s no better way to experience ice skating indoors, nothing can match the Railroad not only gives guests an opportunity the alpenglow phenomenon than with a magic of skating on a frozen natural pond. to travel back in time by riding in vintage snowshoe tour. Trek across blankets of snow Don’t forget to bundle in warm layers. Bring coaches, but it also turns into a magical that cover mountain tops near Purgatory personal ice skates or rent a pair from a portal that transports passengers to the north Resort guided by the starlight overhead. nearby retailer. To see a list of places to enjoy pole every winter. The D&SNG presents a Guests will begin with a chairlift ride on 2 ice skating this season, see page 11. SLIDE DOWN THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE. Colorado is known for its access to the Rocky Mountains. Though there are taller mountains spectacular interactive musical show inspired by the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express. Two of Santa’s reindeer and many friendly elves will greet visitors when they reach the north pole. Guests are invited to enjoy hot chocolate and the last lift of the day. A guide will lead the group on pristine backcountry trails, sharing knowledge of the wildlife, geology, flora and fauna. Then, participants will stop to see a winter sunset before arriving at the Powderhouse and Pitchfork Pub to enjoy a located across the pond, the mountain range a cookie while they tour Santa’s workshop. picnic complete with hot cocoa, wine, beer, gives people an idea of what it feels like Bring a camera to take a photo with Santa. cheese and fruit. Clear, dark skies reveal to be on top of the world. Lobo Overlook, This year, the event has been altered to bright constellations above on the hike back located off highway 160 just above Wolf keep social distancing guidelines in mind. To to base. To reserve a spot, call (970) 385-2147.

5RIDE IN A HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH. each excursion by learning about mushing Horsepower is more than a measurement as a sport and mode of transportation. A for engine power around here. Experience professional guide will walk guests through the strength of these beautiful animals equipment preparation, harnessing and a with a sleigh ride through the San Juan brief orientation to mushing techniques for National Forest. After the snow covers the beginners. The length of the adventures vary landscape in the region, several outfitters based on the outfitter, but warm, layered begin scheduling sleigh rides through the clothing and winter boots are a must for this winter wonderland. The number of people cold excursion. At the end of the journey, that can participate depends on the outfitter reward the hardworking mushing team with and availability of both horses and sleds, so affection, then warm up with a hot drink and reservations are usually required. Professional homemade treats. See a list of outfitters that guides accept reservations for private rides and group rides. Some outfitters offer special sleigh ride events such as the beloved Telluride tradition, Santa Sleigh Rides at Telluride Wranglers, while Rapp Corral 7 offer dog sled adventures on page 24. EXPLORE MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK IN THE SNOW. Mesa Verde National Park isn’t as crowded guests can toast marshmallows for s’mores in in the winter season, which makes it the front of a fire while they enjoy a cup of hot perfect time to take a trip to the park for a chocolate. Telluride Sleighs and Wagons hosts special and serene experience. When snow a fancy dining experience on the historic accumulates, park rangers begin grooming Aldasoro ranch complete with sleigh rides to trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. and from the remote dinner site. Sleigh ride Guests who want to use these trails should experiences range in price based on group check in at the Trail Register. For updated size, ride length and extra accommodations. trail conditions and maps, stop by the To learn more about companies offering Visitor Center or Chapin Mesa Archeological 6 sleigh rides this winter, visit page 24. RACE AROUND THE BACKCOUNTRY ON A DOG SLED ADVENTURE. While sleigh rides can be serene, many snow Museum. Snowshoe rentals are also available at both locations. Prepare for a winter adventure at Mesa Verde with warm layers, snow boots, a hat, gloves and sunglasses, as well as snacks and plenty of water. The Spruce lovers in the Southwest seek a unique thrill. Canyon Trail is a great trail for beginners at Try an exhilarating dog sled ride in Colorado! just over two miles, while the Morefield Trail Drive a team of well-trained athletic canines system includes over 5 miles of trails. For across the snow-covered landscape. Start more information, see www.nps.gov/meve.

8SOAK IN THE HOT SPRINGS.

Dig the swimsuit out of storage to soak at one of Colorado’s geothermal hot springs. Soaking in a natural hot spring is not only a luxurious way to relax, it also provides a number of health benefits. Outdoor pools expose guests to fresh air and sunshine. The warm water is full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, silica, lithium, radium and sulphur. In general, bathing in warm water can decrease stress, but the healing waters can also reduce muscle tension, soften rough, dry skin, eliminate toxins, decrease inflammation and improve circulation. Some hot springs are only available to guests that stay at the resort, but others are open to the public for soaking. See more information on geothermal hot springs in the 9 area on page 26. SPECTATE THE INCREDIBLE SPORT OF SKIJORING. Folks in the Wild West are avid snow lovers and thrill seekers. Skijoring is a competitive sport that requires a horseback rider to navigate a course that includes jumps, gates and other obstacles while pulling a skier on a rope. The skier collects rings dispersed throughout the course. The team that collects the most rings in the fastest time wins. Every year, weather permitting, both Silverton and Ridgway host skijoring competitions.

Skijoring is a free, family-friendly event for spectators. This year, the event in Ridgway is scheduled for Jan. 9-10. Get more information on this event at www.sanjuanskijoring.com.

Though the date for the Silverton event is to be determined, individuals can find more information about the event online at 10 www.silvertonskijoring.com. ENJOY A SCENIC SNOWCAT DINNER. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy a backcountry adventure thanks to snowcat excursions. Stay comfortable and cozy while riding in an enclosed vehicle designed to move on snow. Purgatory Resort offers snowcat tours beginning in late December. Regular tours are about two hours and include complimentary hot chocolate. As an added bonus, the resort also offers special dinner excursions. These journeys include a ride to Powderhouse

Restaurant for a meal that includes hor d’oeuvres, fresh salad, soup, a main course and dessert, complete with recommended drink pairings. Making a reservation for a snowcat excursion is simple. To contact Purgatory

Resort, call (970) 385-2115.