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!
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