GO FAT BIKING YEAR ‘ROUND IN LEADVILLE & TWIN LAKES

Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, are renowned for having some of the world’s best fat biking trails!


They are so good that the Fat Biking World Championship will be held in Leadville in January 2024.


The challenging terrain and incredible scenery at nearly two miles high attracts biking activists from all over. Fat biking lets you see hard-to-reach places and the natural beauty of Colorado’s high mountain terrain.

@scottandersonphoto


WHAT IS FAT BIKING?

For the newbies, the term “fat biking” refers to the large bicycle tires that help increase traction. Fat bikes are similar to mountain bikes, but they have even larger tires to provide stability. They allow the rider to navigate where even mountain bikes might struggle. The fat tires also provide a smoother ride in all conditions, including snow, sand, and mud. Fat biking began in the early 1900s and has grown in popularity in recent times.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FAT BIKE?

Fat biking season is year ’round. Because of the wide tires, many people are able to ride right over the rocks and roots with confidence. And the best part is that fat bikes ride the same singletrack trails as mountain bikes!


Those wide tires come in handy to cruise across the snowpack, with peak winter months from January to March.

@scottandersonphoto


FAT BIKING TRAILS AT LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES

Leadville and Twin Lakes offer elite trails that are sure to get your heart pumping! Although there are many trails, we highly recommend these:



These trails range from beginner to expert-level difficulty, and their level of challenge can fluctuate with the weather. See trail ratings and conditions around Leadville and Twin Lakes.


RENT A FAT BIKE

Rent a fat bike from one of the local shops. Since you probably don’t live at 10,000 feet, you might want to get one with the electrical assistance feature. Seriously, it’s different up here!


UPCOMING EVENTS

If you’re searching for a competitive challenge, Leadville offers multiple fat bike races, for novice riders and up. You can even enter the Fat Biking World Championship, being held in Leadville in January 2024!


Be sure to join these events! Check our calendar or the links below for details as the dates get closer.


January:
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series: Colorado Cup

February:
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series: Tennessee Pass Night Jam

March:
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series: Mineral Belt Mayhem
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series: Fatty Patty 50k

April:
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series: East Side Epic


VISIT LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES

Leadville and Twin Lakes are the proud home to some of the best fat biking in Colorado! After exploring the trails, be sure to visit our town to experience more amazing natural beautyrestaurantslodging, and more.


Whether you are a thrill seeker, history buff, high-country explorer, or foodie, Leadville-Twin Lakes has something for you to enjoy. Plan your vacation and fat biking tour to Leadville-Twin Lakes today!



: E-Bike Leadville (photo in upper left)

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 !
February 20, 2025
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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GIDDY UP! March 1-2, 2025 Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend . This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be! This weekend always draws a crowd! Book a place to stay today .
February 5, 2025
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
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Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right?  At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
January 2, 2025
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January 2, 2025
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. 
January 2, 2025
Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
December 23, 2024
While Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for abundant winter activities, it also offers plenty of great things to do inside. When you need a winter warmup, explore these off-the-beaten-path indoors options!
December 22, 2024
This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado ! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2025!
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