Winter Bucket List

The Frozen Bucket List

Top ten things to do this winter in Southwest Colorado

1 SKATE 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 the canvas for winter recreation. During the winter season, sheets of ice contribute to fun activities, such as broomball, curling and ice hockey. Ice skating is a winter activity that is fun for people of all ages and abilities. Though there are several places to enjoy ice skating indoors, nothing can match the magic of skating on a frozen natural pond. Don’t forget to bundle in warm layers. Bring personal ice skates or rent a pair from a nearby retailer. To see a list of places to enjoy ice skating this season, see page 22.

2 SLIDE DOWN THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE. Colorado is known for its access to the Rocky Mountains. Though there are taller mountains located across the pond, the mountain range gives people an idea of what it feels like to be on top of the world. Lobo Overlook, located off Highway 160 just above Wolf 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 sledding destinations on page 20.

3 VISIT THE NORTH POLE. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad not only gives guests an opportunity to travel back in time by riding in vintage coaches, but it also turns into a magical portal that transports passengers to the north pole every winter. The D&SNG presents a 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 a cookie while they tour Santa’s workshop. Bring a camera to take a photo with Santa. This year, the event has been altered to keep social distancing guidelines in mind. To schedule a trip to the north pole this winter, visit www.durango train.com. 4 TAKE A MOONLIT SNOWSHOE TOUR. When the sun sinks below the mountains in the Animas Valley, light is reflected from clouds and mountains turning the sky a beautiful blend of pink and orange. There’s no better way to experience the alpenglow phenomenon than with a snowshoe tour. Trek across the blankets of snow that cover mountain tops near Purgatory Resort guided by the starlight overhead. Guests will begin with a chairlift ride on 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 to enjoy a picnic complete with hot cocoa, wine, beer, cheese and fruit. Clear and dark skies reveal bright constellations overhead on the hike back to base. To reserve your spot, call (970) 385-2147.

5 RIDE IN A HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH. In Southwest Colorado, horsepower is more than a measurement for engine power. Experience the strength of these beautiful animals with a sleigh ride through the San Juan National Forest. After snow blankets the landscape in the region, several outfitters begin scheduling sleigh rides through the winter wonderland. The number of people that can participate depends on the outfitter and availability of both horses and sleds, so reservations are required. Professional 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 Buckaroos guests in Pagosa Springs can enjoy a meet-and-greet with the horses while they enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Telluride Sleighs and Wagons hosts a fancy dining experience on the historic Aldasoro ranch complete with sleigh rides to and from the remote dinner site. Sleigh ride experiences range in price based on group size, ride length and extra accommodations. To learn more about companies offering sleigh rides this winter, visit page 24.

7 EXPLORE MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK IN THE SNOW. Mesa Verde National Park isn’t as crowded in the winter season, which makes it the perfect time to take a trip to the park for a special and serene experience. When snow accumulates, park rangers begin grooming trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Guests who want to use these trails should check in at the Trail Register. For updated trail conditions and maps, stop by the Visitor Center or Chapin Mesa Archaeological 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 Canyon Trail is a great trail for beginners at just over two miles, while the Morefield Trail system includes over 5 miles of trails. For more information, see www.nps.gov/ meve.

6 RACE AROUND THE

BACKCOUNTRY ON A DOG

SLED ADVENTURE. While sleigh rides can be serene, many snow lovers in the Southwest seek a unique thrill. Try an exhilarating dog sled ride in Colorado! Drive a team of welltrained athletic canines across the snow-covered landscape. Start each excursion by learning about mushing as a sport and mode of transportation. A professional guide will walk guests through equipment preparation, harnessing and a brief orientation to mushing techniques for beginners. The length of the adventures vary based on the outfitter, but warm, layered clothing and winter boots are a must for this cold excursion. At the end of the journey, reward the hardworking mushing team with affection, then warm up with a hot drink and homemade treats. See a list of outfitters that offer dog sled adventures on page 24. 8 SOAK 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 sulfur. 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. For a list of geothermal hot springs in the area, go to page 41.

9 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. 8-9. Get more information on this event at www.sanjuanskijoring.com. Silverton hosts this event on President’s Day weekend, Feb. 19-20. Find more information about the event online at www.silvertonskijoring.com.

10 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 2 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. To make reservations for snowcat excursions at Purgatory Resort, call (970) 385-2115.