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Loveland Ski Area fired-up their lifts on October 14 making them the first resort in North America to open for the sixth year in a row. Colorado’s 25 ski resorts are gearing up for another epic season of winter fun. It’s time to grab your goggles, buckle your boots and head for the slopes.
For more quality time in Colorado's great outdoors, take a spin on one of the state's outdoor ice skating rinks, cast your line with ice fishing, or go for a vertical ascent with ice climbing. For more thrills and chills, try dog sledding, snowmobiling, or tubing in Colorado's high country.
*Projected opening dates for Colorado ski resorts
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 In November, Colorado communities deck the halls and light the streets with holiday flare. Known for its small town charm, Steamboat Springs celebrates a holiday tradition with the 11th Annual Festival of Trees, November 12 – 21. Held at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the event features 26 festive Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and non-profit groups. Gunnison, a quaint Victorian town in Southwest Colorado, rings in the Yuletide season with the 31st Annual Sugar Plum Festival, November 19. The festival promises a sweet holiday shopping experience with handmade gifts, including festive decorations, stained glass and pottery. Located on the High Plains of Eastern Colorado, Sterling gets wrapped up during the 4th Annual Hometown Holidays Celebration and Christmas Tree Festival on November 25. The downtown area lights up with an old-fashioned holiday display from local crafters. For tasty treats and holiday gift-giving ideas, head to the 16th Annual Chocolate Tasting Festival in Creede from November 25 – 26. Tempt your taste buds with delicious homemade samples from local chocolate connoisseurs.
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 This winter in Colorado, glide over cross-country ski trails in Aspen/Snowmass, Eldora or Crested Butte and experience scenic beauty from a different view. Known for its outstanding fitness and exercise rewards, cross-country skiing is perfect for individuals, families, couples and friends. The Aspen/Snowmass area, home to one of the largest free groomed Nordic trail systems in North America, boasts over 80 kilometers of trails. This unique system links two classic Colorado mountain towns – Aspen and Snowmass Village – via Owl Creek Trail. For beginner to intermediate skiers, this popular scenic trail takes you nine miles through meadows and heavily wooded areas. A less-traveled cross-country ski gem is the Eldora Mountain Resort’s Nordic Center. Eldora, located minutes from Boulder, offers peaceful forest trails set in a winter wonderland. The Crested Butte Nordic Center offers a variety of guided tours and individual or group lessons over the many trails around Crested Butte. For an enchanting evening experience, the center offers cross-country skiing during monthly Moonlight Ski Tours.
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 At Keystone Resort, the start of the ski and snowboard season kicks off with the second annual WinterFall Celebration, from November 11 – December 17, featuring fresh powder, non-stop festivities and 36 hours to ski and snowboard. Hit the mountain at odd hours of the night during WinterFall’s “36 Hours of Keystone,” from November 18 – 19. Whether you’re dreaming of skiing at 2 a.m. or want to compete for cash prizes, Keystone stays open for a total of 36 hours. For those looking to win big bucks, Keystone invites teams of two, three and four skiers and snowboarders to join the “36 Hours of Keystone,” a ski- and ride-a-thon, where teams who finish 36-runs are entered to win $3,600. Off the mountain, in River Run Village, WinterFall features a festival atmosphere with a punk-rock pancake breakfast, DJs and live bands, street parties, all-day/all-night shopping, movie premieres, fireworks, as well as discounted lift tickets and lodging.
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The Colorado Winter Adventure
When winter calls, Colorado answers with blue skies and snowy mountains. Be here to discover it yourself and choose from a variety of activities — from skiing and snowboarding to tubing and snowshoeing.
For information on other Winter Adventures, visit The Winter Adventure page.
The Colorado Discovery Adventure
Explore the world-class museums. Learn about the Old West. Journey along old trails, but make your own path. Discover Colorado and its world-class heritage.
For other Colorado Discovery Adventures, visit The Discovery Adventure page.
The Family Adventure
Load the family into the car and experience the mountains, the valleys and the towns in between. For family amusement, Colorado offers various attractions for children and adults who are young at heart.
For more information on Colorado Family Adventures, visit The Family Adventure page.
The Colorado Romantic Adventure
Love is in the air in Colorado. Grab the hand of your special someone and head to the Rocky Mountains for a romantic getaway.
For other Colorado Romantic Adventure ideas, visit The Romantic Adventure page.
The Colorado Outdoor Adventure
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Colorado boasts year-round adventures in the great outdoors.
For more information on Outdoor Adventures, visit The Outdoor Adventure page.
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TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, December 2 – 3, 2005:
Bent’s Old Fort, a national historic site, lights up with candlelight tours, old-time wagon rides and storytellers at the trading post originally built in 1834.
3rd ANNUAL WINTER MARKET, December 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2005:
Holiday cheer fills the historic town of Minturn as strolling carolers, open fire pits, cookie decorating, ornaments and more from around the world deck the streets during the year-long Centennial Celebration.
24th ANNUAL POLAR BEAR ICE PLUNGE, January 1, 2006:
This New Year’s Day in Boulder, take an ice-cold plunge as more than 600 people gather at the Boulder Reservoir to jump and swim in frigid waters hosted by the Boulder Polar Bear Club.
17th ANNUAL TURQUOISE LAKE SNOWSHOE RUN, January 7, 2006:
Test your endurance and reach new heights as you swap your sneakers for snowshoes. The sport
of snowshoeing continues to grow in popularity for its physical benefits. Challenge yourself during this 20-mile snow-packed race where you’ll climb to 11,370 feet in Leadville, the highest city in the continental United States at 10,152 feet above sea level.
93rd ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL, February 8 – 12, 2006:
Western tradition meets winter sport in Steamboat Springs as cabin fever gives way to ski-jumping competitions, dual slalom bicycle racing, a snowboarding jam session, a tubing party and parade featuring the high school marching band on skis and the legendary lighted man.
WINTER TRAIL DAYS, February 18, 2006:
Free guided snowshoe hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park take you on a two-hour adventure along Dream Lake or Emerald Lake Trails near Estes Park.
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