Skip to main content

5 Ways To Snowshoe Leadville, Colorado

December 4, 2019

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 Championshipsracers 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 skifat 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 & SportLeadville Outdoors or Leadville Ski Country.

 

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

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

 

Plan your winter getaway today!

More Posts

Your Leadville Race Weekend Itinerary: Eat, Gear Up, and Celebrate
A Local’s Guide for Racers, Pacers, Crews and Volunteers With the Leadville Race Series in full swing, race weekend in Leadville is more than just miles and medals—it’s a full […]
Cheer, Chill and Explore: Race Day Game Plan for Supporters
Race Day Game Plan for Supporters Behind every great racer is a great support team. Race day has arrived, and as a supporter, you have also worked hard and made […]
So You Want to Hike a 14er? How to Prepare at 10,000 feet
Leadville sits at a breathtaking 10,152 feet above sea level, making them the perfect basecamp for your first (or fifth!) 14er hike. Surrounded by towering peaks—including Mount Elbert and Mount […]
Beat the Heat at 10,000 feet: Summer Fun That Keeps You Cool
Photo Credit: @d.anabol When the rest of Colorado is sweating through triple-digit days, Leadville and Twin Lakes stay refreshingly cool, all summer long. With a record high of just 86 […]
Leadville & Twin Lakes New Free Weekend Shuttle, Sit Back & Relax!
Leadville and Twin Lakes are surrounded by the great outdoors and offer plenty of opportunities for individuals to step off the beaten bath and connect with nature on foot, bike, […]
6 History Tours To Take In Leadville, Colorado
Leadville, Colorado, was one of the West’s wildest silver boomtowns in the late 1800s, and many reminders of its history can still be seen today. Check out these fascinating history […]
Celebrate Pride With Us In June
Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, are celebrating Pride Month this June! You are cordially invited to a Pride Parade, queeraoke, a drag show, a mamma mia dance party, trivia, bingo, a […]
Now Open for Summer! Leadville and Twin Lakes Colorado
Memorial Day has arrived and it is officially summer in Colorado’s high country! Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes for zipline adventures, scenic train rides, fascinating museums, live music, delicious food, comfortable cabins, […]
High Country, High Standards: Enjoy Leadville Responsibly This Summer
Summer in Leadville and Twin Lakes is a spellbinding time of year. As the snow continues to melt, wildflower-filled meadows come to life, wildlife becomes more active, and frozen streams […]

Newsletter Signup

Name
A man fishing from a paddleboard on a beautiful day at Twin Lakes