5 Ways To Snowshoe Leadville, Colorado

It’s snowing in Leadville, Colorado, and it’s time to play outside. There’s nothing better than strapping on snowshoes and tromping through the fluffy stuff! Here in North America’s highest city, at 10,152′, the snow’s so great that we were chosen to host the 2020 Dion Snowshoes US National Snowshoe Championships!

Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoe racer or it’s your first time on snowshoes, here are five ways you can enjoy our champion snow this winter.

1) RACE THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 20th anniversary of the USSSA nationals takes place Feb. 28-March 1, 2020, on the forested trails at Colorado Mountain College Leadville. At the 2020 Dion Snowshoes US National Snowshoe Championships, racers can test their mettle in the rare air at 10,152’. The championships offer something for everyone—5k and 10k races and a 10k relay. Don’t miss the big party on Saturday night!

2) ENTER THE RECREATIONAL RACES

Looking for a more relaxed event? Try the 5k Recreational Race (Feb. 29, 9:15 a.m.) or the 10k Recreational Relay (2.5k per leg) (March 1, 9 a.m.), part of the championships and open to everyone! You, too, are encouraged to join the celebration on Saturday night!

3) BRING THE KIDS

Little ones can zoom along at the Kids Kilo (Dion Snowshoes Championships, Feb. 29 at 9 a.m.).

4) EXPLORE LEADVILLE’S 100 MILES OF GROOMED WINTER TRAILS

Open all winter long, Leadville’s groomed winter trails give you excellent above-treeline views with easy access just outside of town, a chance to see Turquoise Lake in its icy glory, and paths through forests and past historic mining structures. On many of our trails, you can also Nordic ski, fat bike, and snowmobile. Part of this network is the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, which offers the option of a hot, delicious lunch at the Nordic Center or the Cookhouse.

5) HIT THE BACKCOUNTRY

If snowshoeing in powder is your jam, try the Colorado Trail/Continental Divide Trail at Tennessee Pass for a leisurely jaunt. Follow the trail around Twin Lakes to Interlaken for a mostly flat, extremely scenic hike. Or catch it just north of Twin Lakes for a climb through sagebrush and aspen into pine. Whenever you head into the backcountry in winter, be sure to check the CAIC avalanche forecast first. Make sure you have avy training, equipment, and a skilled partner each time you venture into avalanche terrain.

RENT SNOWSHOES

No snowshoes? Rent them in town, at Alpine Ski & Sport, Leadville Outdoors or Leadville Ski Country.

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

Before or after your race, take the time to enjoy the area!

Go dogsledding, sliding behind a pack of frisky huskies, with jaw-dropping mountain views.
For your inner daredevil, try snowzipping. Launch off a platform at 11,200’ and fly above the frozen landscape, with views of Colorado’s highest peaks.
Ski or board the slopes at Ski Cooper, an uncrowded, family friendly resort. This year, check out 19 new double black diamond trails!
Explore the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and the Healy House, for fascinating local history.
Enjoy dining at Leadville and Twin Lakes, and rest easy with our many comfortable places to stay.

Plan your winter getaway today!

Highways to Heaven: Experience the Roads Before the Crowds

Looking for that magical moment when you feel like the mountains are all yours? There’s a sweet time of year on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, before the […]

Experience Colorado’s Two-Season Spring in Leadville Twin Lakes

In most places, spring means saying goodbye to winter. But in Leadville and Twin Lakes, it means you can get both seasons in one incredible day! Here, snowshoes and sun […]

Spring into Stewardship: Your Guide to Slush, Mud, and Mountain Magic

Springtime in Leadville and Twin Lakes is a season of contrasts. As the snow begins to melt under the warming sun, the landscape transforms into a unique blend of lingering […]

Goggle Tans & Goodbye Runs

Saying Farewell to Ski Season in Leadville As the snow starts to melt and the goggle tans become badges of honor, it’s time to celebrate the end of another epic […]

The Art of Mud Season

IT’S MUD SEASON Spring in Leadville and Twin Lakes means longer days, melting snow, and the start of a new adventure season. But before wildflowers bloom and alpine trails open, […]

One Perfect Spring Day on Harrison Avenue

Shops, Snacks & Small-Town Charm in the Heart of Leadville Springtime in Leadville means snowmelt in the gutters, sunshine on your shoulders, and the irresistible pull of Harrison Avenue. Whether […]

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 […]

2 MILES HIGH, 2 METERS DEEP

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 […]

February is the Worst… Not Here

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, […]