WINTER EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

From biking on snow to Nordic skiing to ice fishing and cheering ski joring, you’ll find fantastic winter events in Leadville, Colorado. Mark your 2023 calendar for these winter favorites! : Mark LaRowe Photography


LEADVILLE SKI JORING & WINTER SPORTS

Leadville Ski Joring and Crystal Carnival Weekend
March 3-5, 2023
Downtown Leadville


Cost: Free to watch Leadville Ski Joring; registration for some additional events


Cheer horses and skiers at the 75th Annual Leadville Ski Joring event! Experts pack Leadville’s main street with snow and build ski jumps. Then teams of horses and riders pull skiers over the jumps at speeds of up to 35 mph. This exciting event will be free to watch and fun for the whole family. See what the New York Times had to say about this thrilling event in “The Wild West, On Skis.”


This action-packed weekend is also full of winter events—a nighttime winter mountain bike ride, Nordic ski sprints on Harrison Avenue, a paintball biathlon, and much more. Spirits in the Shaft, a wine, beer, and whiskey tasting at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, kicks off the weekend on Friday night!


Also on tap are live music, a market street of local vendors, delicious food, and a beer garden. See the weekend’s schedule, and giddy up to Leadville!
Mark LaRowe Photography


FATBIKING

LEADVILLE WINTER MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES

Join one or all of these fatbike rides in and near Leadville! Check out night rides through the forest, daytime events with stunning above-treeline views, and challenging climbs in the hills. All cyclists can join, regardless of skill level or experience. You’ll have memories to treasure!


Plus, your participation supports local cycling! All proceeds go to the non-profit Cloud City Wheelers, which builds and maintains local year ’round trails.


Cost: $25 per ride, or $100 for the full series. Register today!
@justintalbot


Mineral Belt Mayhem
Saturday, March 4, 2023, 6:15 p.m.


Start and finish on Harrison Ave. in front of Cycles of Life. Participants will travel clockwise around the 11.6 mile Mineral Belt Trail with a little singletrack thrown in for giggles.


Fatty Patty 50K
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 8 a.m. Teams, 9 a.m. Singles


Starting at the Colorado Mountain College, participants will wind up to the Mineral Belt Trail, then up to the Historic East Side. Once topping out, you’ll enjoy a long downhill back to the start so you can go do it again! Race as a team with another registered racer.


East Side Epic
Saturday, April 8, 2023, 9 a.m.


It could be raining, snowing, or dirt, but this race is guaranteed to be epic. This course is a locals’ favorite with all its climbing and descending.


NORDIC SKIING

EQUINOX 24-HOUR ULTRA XC-SKI


March 18 – 19, 2023
10 a.m. Saturday – 11 a.m. Sunday

Mt. Massive Golf Course Ski and Snowshoe Trails

Cost: RSVP to 970-640-4811, and please donate at the race


Celebrate spring at the fourth annual 24-hour cross-country ski. Ski as much as you like from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Take a break in our clubhouse next to the fire and freshen up your equipment with our wax bench and tools. You can enter to win from $1,000 of cash prizes!


Colorado’s highest peaks surround this mostly flat course in the Arkansas River valley. Glide along these trails smoothed by professional snowcat grooming and regrooming. Revel in the best views under the sun and the almost-full moon!


FULL MOON SKI AT TENNESSEE PASS NORDIC CENTER


Ski under magical moonlight at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center!


Jam with our musical guests playing everything from country swing to DJ dance party delights. Savor our specialty cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages. Get your buffalo chili and grilled cheese fix. Equipment rentals are available. No need to RSVP. Just show up in plenty of layers, ready to party. Bring your fat bike for maximum fun!


Full Moon Ski
Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 5-10 p.m.



Full Moon Ski and Adult Prom with DJ Diego
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 5-10 p.m.

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.
February 5, 2025
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.
February 5, 2025
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
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
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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