7 IDEAS FOR HOLIDAY FUN AT THE TOP OF THE ROCKIES

Looking for a last-minute holiday escape? Head to Leadville and Twin Lakes, the top of the Rockies! Here are seven ideas for spectacular holidays. : Fat biking by @skc1025



1) HOP ABOARD THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS

This year for the first time, the Leadville Railroad is extending its season into winter and offering a holiday lights train ride. Travel through the snowy Colorado mountains on a decorated train. Climb aboard for a magical, fun-filled holiday adventure!


Enjoy seating in one of three brand-new heated lounge cars with comfortable booths and large windows. Reservations will be for purchase by table, seating couples or up to four people per table. You can buy hot and cold drinks, beer, wine, and a variety of concessions such as popcorn, candy, and chips on board.


Capacity is limited; please book online for this special holiday experience. The Holiday Express runs through Jan. 15, 2021!


2) VISIT A HOLIDAY MARKET

Spend a quiet Sunday afternoon at the Motherlode Holiday Market at FREIGHT. Shop for gifts handmade by local artisans!


3) SHOP DOWNTOWN LEADVILLE

Stroll historic Harrison Avenue, for uncrowded holiday shopping and one-of-a-kind gifts. Art, antiques, apparel, made-in-Colorado gifts, minerals, books, and much more await. Pick up a wreath or holiday floral arrangement. Find the best outdoor gear, carefully chosen by people who use the same kind themselves in Leadville’s mountains. Stop in a coffee shop or market for a warm drink and a pastry or grab a hot toddy at a saloon. Savor lunch and dinner at one of Leadville’s tasty restaurants. : @gasperwasthere


4) MEET SANTA

Come to the holiday party at the Delaware Hotel to meet Santa. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Dec. 17, 4 – 7 p.m.


5) DINE IN A YURT

Plan a festive lunch (weekends) or dinner (daily) at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and dine in a yurt. You’ll ski or snowshoe a mile through the forest to get there—a winter holiday experience you’ll treasure.


6) SEE TWIN LAKES IN WINTER

Twin Lakes is stunning in winter when snowcapped peaks surround it. Experience its majestic natural beauty. Snowshoe or fatbike around the lake or take the trail to Interlaken. Then war m up with a delicious dinner or Sunday brunch at the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon.


7) PLAY IN THE SNOW

Enjoy a real winter this holiday season! Come experience downhill skiing and cross-country skiingfat bikingsnowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowcat rides. Twirl on the ice rink, thrill on the sledding hill. Zoom on a dogsled or a zipline through a winter wonderland.


Headed to the backcountry? Be sure to read and heed our winter backcountry safety tips for a fun and safe trip.


February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
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If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, the first two weeks of March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos.  But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
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