More Snow, Fewer People: Your Guide to a Peaceful (and Safe) Visit to Leadville & Twin Lakes in March

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. 

STAYING SAFE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

The Colorado Tourism Office has put together an extensive Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Toolkit  to help you stay safe in the winter backcountry. Here’s a snapshot of the valuable information you’ll find in the toolkit:


1) HOW TO RECOGNIZE RISKS

Here you’ll find information on how to navigate avalanche terrain, where to check avalanche forecasts, backcountry education and training resources, safe transportation tips, and more.


2) WHERE TO FIND GUIDES, OUTFITTERS, AND TRAININGS

Find winter outfitters in Leadville/Twin Lakes for tours and equipment rentals. You can also learn to ski and snowboard, Nordic ski, and snowshoe at Leadville-Twin Lakes.


3) WHERE TO TAKE A SAFETY CLASS

Virtual, in-person, experienced or a newbie, this resource has it all.



4) FIND RESOURCES BY SPORT

From snowshoeing and skinning to winter wildlife viewing, this is where you can find safety information according to your activity of choice.


5) LEARN HOW TO DO COLORADO RIGHT

Read up on how you can not only stay safe but also take care of Colorado while enjoying backcountry snow sports.

6) LOCATE DANGER AREAS

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is the statewide hub for assessing current avalanche conditions and all things avalanche safety. Never enter the backcountry without checking the CAIC forecast first!


DONATE TO COLORADO SEARCH & RESCUE

No matter how experienced or prepared you are, accidents can still happen in the backcountry. Please consider donating to the Lake County Search & Rescue to ensure help is available when it's needed most.


Featured photo: @bvmountainadventures

Photo Below: @vntrbirds

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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