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Spring Has Not Sprung: Cozy Up by the Fire in Leadville, Colorado

While much of Colorado welcomes the budding warmth of spring, here in North America’s highest city, winter likes to linger a little (or a lot) longer. At 10,152 feet, Leadville isn’t quite ready to trade snowflakes for sunshine just yet. But that’s part of the magic—our long winters mean more time to enjoy roaring fireplaces, warm drinks, and cozy mountain vibes.


So, whether you’re fresh off the ski trails, wrapping up a day of exploring, or just looking for a snug spot to soak in Leadville’s charm, here are the best places in town to warm up by the fire.


🔥 Restaurants & Bars with Fireplaces

Famous Leadville

This classic Leadville spot offers the best of both worlds—warm up inside by the indoor fireplace or head to the back patio, where a fire pit and a big-screen TV make for a perfect après-ski hangout.

Cloud City Modern Meadery

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a glass of locally crafted mead by the fire. Stop by Cloud City Modern Mead for a cozy, honey-infused experience that pairs perfectly with chilly Leadville nights.


FREIGHT / S. Lumber Yard

A rustic, welcoming space with plenty of history, FREIGHT is a go-to spot for warming up by the fire. Whether you're here for a live show, an event, or just a drink, the ambiance (and heat) will keep you coming back.

Treeline Kitchen

If you prefer your fires with a side of panoramic views, Treeline Kitchen has an outdoor fire pit on its rooftop patio. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail while taking in Leadville’s mountain skyline.

Pastime Saloon

This historic Leadville saloon is as classic as they come, and the wood-burning stove right by the entrance ensures you’ll feel the warmth as soon as you walk in.


🏕️ Fireside Adventures

Tennessee Pass Cookhouse & Nordic Center

For a truly unique experience, head to Tennessee Pass Cook House & Nordic Center. Both the Nordic Center Café and the Cookhouse have outdoor fire pits where you can sip hot cocoa and watch the snow fall. Inside, wood-burning stoves add an extra touch of warmth to your meal. If you’re lucky enough to stay overnight in one of the sleep yurts, you’ll have your own cozy stove to keep you warm through the night.

Huck Finn Ice Rink

Skating in the cold? No problem! The outdoor fire at Huck Finn Ice Rink is the perfect place to take a break, thaw your fingers, and swap stories about your best (or worst) skating moves.


Zaitz Park – The Ore Cart Fire

Right in downtown Leadville, Zaitz Park has one of the most unique fire features around—a gas fire built into an old ore cart. It’s a little nod to Leadville’s rich mining history and a great place to warm up while exploring downtown. Fun fact: the ore cart for the fire pit was donated by the legendary George Webster.


Timberline Motel

For visitors staying in Leadville, Timberline Motel offers a patio space with gas fire pits, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Leadville Railroad (for the Adventurous!)

It’s not exactly a fireplace, but if you want to get adventurous while taking in Leadville’s winter scenery, venture outside from the cozy lounge cars on the Leadville Railroad. Their outdoor winter car is equipped with a propane heater, so you can enjoy the winter air without freezing.

🎨 Bonus: Fire on the Mountain Pottery

Okay, it’s not a fireplace, but if you’re looking for another way to soak up the warmth, Fire on the Mountain has a kiln where you can decorate and fire your own pottery. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend a chilly afternoon in Leadville.


Bundle Up & Embrace the Leadville Winter

Spring might be showing up in the rest of Colorado, but in Leadville, winter isn’t quite ready to say goodbye. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. So grab your coziest sweater, find a fireside spot, and enjoy a little more time in the winter wonderland that makes Leadville so special.

March 1, 2025
You can now visit the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial , which speaks to the hopes and dreams of immigrants across the world. This new memorial honors Leadville residents whose names had been lost to time. 
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! Local outfitters include: Leadville ATV , Leadville Offroad Adventures and White Mountain Snowmobiles 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 !
February 20, 2025
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, then 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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Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts. Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary. 
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