10 Things to Do in Denver in Winter

Denver in winter is one of the most visited places in Colorado. Despite the city's freezing temperatures, the snowy landscapes of the surrounding mountains and the winter sports on offer in the surrounding area attract visitors to the state capital for family-friendly options.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in winter include the city's signature indoor entertainment experiences, ice-skating rinks, shopping tours along the commercial arteries, seasonal sports fun and panoramic snowy views.

The Garden of the Gods is one of the most geologically and culturally significant attractions in Colorado. The site is characterised by its red sandstone rock formations, which rise more than 4,300 metres above sea level and during the winter provide one of the region's most distinctive images of snow-capped landscapes and mountain peaks.

Also within the Garden of the Gods is Pikes Peak, one of the most visited mountain platforms in the world, which offers sweeping views of the entire area from its summit. You can usually visit this destination on the best tours from Denver, but you can also do it on your own.

Wintertime offers one of the most attractive experiences for visitors, as you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while the snow enhances the beauty of the mountains, creating an unmissable atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Denver's winter weather often reaches freezing temperatures, so one of the best ways to escape the cold is to opt for indoor experiences, such as the Wind Tunnel. This attraction allows you to enjoy the sensation of flying in a controlled and safe environment, as it is a facility designed to simulate the experience of free-falling from a parachute, but in an enclosed environment.

The wind tunnel experience involves defying gravity as you float through the air, supported by powerful air currents generated by vertical fans. This activity is suitable for all ages and participants are provided with safety equipment and receive detailed instructions before entering the tunnel. This is why it is also one of the best ways to enjoy Denver with children.

Experiencing weightlessness and the sensation of floating in the wind tunnel not only offers a winter retreat, but also provides an adrenaline-filled and fun alternative for the whole family.

Skyline Park is located in the heart of Denver and becomes one of the winter epicentres with its outdoor ice skating rink. Surrounded by the city's tallest buildings, it attracts people of all ages looking for fun and some of the best panoramic views of the urban environment.

The ice skating experience at Skyline Park is ideal for families, especially if you plan to visit Denver with children. The rink provides safe terrain for the little ones to enjoy the sport and food stands and other winter activities can be found around the park.

In addition, Skyline Park also offers festive decorations, colourful lights and a variety of events and activities scheduled throughout the season. In particular, if you're planning to visit Denver in December, you're in for a holiday atmosphere.

Denver Union Station isn't just a train station, it's a culinary destination that's home to some of the city's best food stalls, and during the winter, it's one of the perfect places to sample seasonal fare at any time of day.

Try winter options such as green chili, a Colorado stew, fondue, soup and the popular pumpkin pie. You can also stop in between excursions for a hot chocolate and shelter from the cold outside.

Another recommended option is Mercantile Dining & Provision's famous Rocky Mountain Oysters, a dish that brings back the authentic flavours of the region with a recipe typical of Denver and surrounding Colorado.

In addition, the Terminal Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a wide selection of local craft beers. Because of all these options and its central location, easily accessible from almost anywhere in Denver, Union Station is often featured on the city's best food tours.

The 16th Street Mall is one of the city's most prominent shopping epicentres, and during the winter and Christmas Eve, it transforms into a haven for those looking for the perfect gifts. This vibrant, pedestrianised stretch offers a wide variety of shops and department stores that make it an ideal destination for a shopping tour.

From big name brands to small local shops, the 16th Street Mall has something for everyone's tastes and preferences. Also, if you're planning to visit Denver in December, you'll be able to watch as the Mall is transformed into a spectacle of lights and festive decorations. The buildings along the street are often decorated with Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.

In addition to the shopping options, the 16th Street Mall offers a complete experience with a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. Here you can take a break from shopping and enjoy a local meal or a hot chocolate to escape the winter chill during your tour.

Red Rock Park is one of the most visited sites around Denver year-round for its amphitheatre and music concert venue. But during the winter, the park also offers sweeping views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountain s and their red sandstone formations.

During the coldest time of the year, Red Rock Park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering scenic, snow-covered trails. The peaks of the Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop to this icy landscape, which also provides some of the best photo opportunities of your trip.

Red Rock Park's importance lies not only in its natural scenery, but also in its ability to host cultural and artistic events that celebrate the connection between music and nature. You can visit on your own or as part of the best tours from Denver.

Breckenridge, located in the Colorado Rockies about two hours from Denver, stands out as one of the best ski destinations around the state capital. With its mountain scenery and a variety of terrain for all skill levels, Breckenridge offers an unparalleled experience for winter sports enthusiasts.

In addition to skiing, Breckenridge offers other activities to enjoy during the winter season. There you can explore the snowshoe trails, enjoy sleigh rides or experience the serenity of the wilderness on a snowmobile ride. For those seeking more extreme adventures, the area also has snowmobiling and snowboarding terrain.

The town of Breckenridge, with its Victorian-style architecture, will give you a cultural tour of the region and allow you to discover that this destination is much more than just a ski slope.

Winter is a snowy time in and around Denver, but to discover some of the best scenery you don't always need to go far from the city centre. The Botanic Gardens, usually known for their floral splendour in spring and summer, offer a relaxing experience during the winter when you can take in the snowy trails and picturesque surroundings.

This activity allows you to discover a completely new perspective on this green space, quite different from what you might find in the gardens if you visit Denver in the summer. The snow-covered trees create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, while the meandering paths allow visitors to explore the beauty of every nook and cranny.

In addition, during the winter, the Botanic Gardens also offers special events and activities ranging from festive light displays to workshops and guided tours, making it the centrepiece of some of Denver's best tours.

Winter Park Resort, located about 100 kilometres from Denver, is one of the most popular winter destinations around the city. Known worldwide as a skier's and snowboarder's paradise, with a variety of terrain for all levels and ages, it offers some of the best things to do with kids in Denver

At Winter Park Resort you can challenge world-renowned downhill runs, such as the Mary Jane run, known for its steep, pine tree-lined terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides, which are an ideal alternative for the whole family.

However, keep in mind that a visit to Winter Park Resort is not just limited to snow activities. The resort has a bustling alpine village, full of shops, restaurants and entertainment options to enjoy after a day in the mountains.

If you plan to visit Denver with children or are an animal lover, during the coldest time of the year you can visit the city's zoo, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and special activities.

Because winter in Colorado coincides with Christmas, if you visit Denver in December, you'll also find Christmas-themed activities at the zoo. However, the lions, penguins, birds and elephants are still the stars of the show.

Throughout the year, the Denver Zoo also offers interactive activities that involve interacting with the animals, feeding them and learning about their natural habitats, which are recreated in detail at the zo o, considered one of the largest in Colorado.

During the winter months, temperatures in Denver can vary significantly, offering a diverse winter experience. However, from December through March it usually ranges from -5° to 10°, so snowfall is common. Nights can also be considerably colder than the daytime.

On the other hand, keep in mind that snowfall transforms Denver's routine and the city becomes an epicentre for skiers and snowboarders, and you can experience the beauty of the snowy landscapes from anywhere in the city.

Denver experiences a considerable influx of tourists during the winter season. Despite the cold temperatures, the city attracts visitors from all over the country in search of unique and diverse winter experiences. The city's geographic location also makes it an ideal base for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby ski resorts.

Also, keep in mind that if you visit Denver in December, you'll see the city dress up, offering special festivals, Christmas decorations and cultural activities that attract visitors in search of an authentic winter experience. From enjoying the downtown lights to taking part in cultural and sporting events, the influx of tourists in Denver during the winter is reflected in the city's diverse appeal.

In winter, prices in Denver can be very volatile. During the ski season, which attracts many visitors, the costs of hotel accommodation and vacation rentals tend to rise, especially in areas near the Rocky Mountain resorts. In addition, prices for winter activity tickets and ski equipment may be higher due to increased demand.

However, there are strategies that may offer opportunities for savings. Some restaurants and shops may have special offers during the off-season, and local events and cultural activities often offer more affordable rates. In general, price fluctuation in Denver in winter depends largely on seasonal demand and the specific location in and around the city.

Winter in Denver can be very cold and snowfall can be frequent, so to really enjoy the city I recommend packing the following items in your suitcase:

• Winter coats
• Rain jacket
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Thermal socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece