Spring break in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado pairs lingering winter adventure with room to breathe, and room in the budget. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or somewhere in between, the Top of the Rockies offers space to play, slow down, and reconnect. Here are eight standout ways to spend spring break at elevation.
1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER
Love to ski or ride? Ski Cooper offers an authentic mountain experience with exceptional value and fewer crowds. Enjoy affordable weekday, non-holiday lift tickets, plus great pricing for kids and seniors all season. With a mix of gentle beginner runs and more challenging terrain, a top-notch ski school with small instructor-to-student ratios, and soft, all-natural snow, it’s the perfect place to learn, improve, or just enjoy the slopes.
Don’t let the classic lifts and low-key base area fool you, wide-open, rolling terrain gives you plenty of room to explore without the pressure of busy resorts. Build confidence fast with a lesson from Ski Cooper’s ski school, ideal for first-timers and families alike. Learn more and book your lesson today.
2) RIDE THE TRAIN
Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad’s Winter Express for a two-hour adventure the whole family will love. Sip hot cocoa as you glide through snow-covered forests and soak in stunning mountain views, perfect for unforgettable family photos. With endless scenery, cozy railcars for relaxing, and the option to step out onto an open-air car for adventurous riders who love the feel of mountain air on their face, this winter wonderland train ride is an easy and memorable addition to spring break in Leadville.
3) GO SNOWZIPPING
For a spring break thrill with unbeatable views, mountain zip-lining is hard to beat. Top of the Rockies Zipline has you soar across six exhilarating zip lines spanning more than 8,000 feet, gliding above alpine forests and rocky cliffs. The finale features side-by-side zip lines, so you can race friends and family to the finish and make it a shared adventure. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, spot historic mining sites, and snap unforgettable photos from high above the valley. It’s an adrenaline-filled outdoor activity that’s fun for everyone and full of incredible scenery.
4) GO OFFROADING WITH A SNOWMOBILE OR ATV TOUR
Snowmobile Tours
Zip through Leadville’s high country with expert guides who point out historic sites and stunning mountain vistas. Perfect for thrill-seekers and anyone wanting to explore Colorado’s winter backcountry.
ATV Tours
For a calmer option without losing the views, hop in an enclosed, heated cab and let expert guides show you snow-covered forests and scenic mountains. Ideal for those who want the adventure and sights comfortably.
5) ENJOY OUR GROOMED WINTER TRAILS ON SNOWSHOES, CROSS COUNTRY SKIS OR A FAT BIKE
Leadville is a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, with groomed trails perfect for fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Glide through snow-covered forests, open meadows, and along scenic mountain vistas while enjoying crisp, fresh alpine air. Whether you’re looking for a vigorous workout, a leisurely family outing, or a way to take in the beauty of Colorado’s high country, these trails offer something for every skill level. Explore the quiet backcountry and experience the winter landscape at your own pace, it’s an active, scenic, and memorable way to enjoy Leadville’s outdoors.
Nearby Rentals:
- Tennessee Pass Nordic Center (Nordic Classic & Skate Skis, Snowshoes & Fat Bikes)
- Alpine Ski & Sport (Nordic Classic Skis & Snowshoes)
- Bill’s Rentals (Snowshoes and Winter Clothing)
- Cycles of Life (Fat Bikes, Nordic Classic & Skate Skis)
- Leadville Outdoors (Nordic Classic Skis & Snowshoes)
- Leadvelo Bicicasa (Fat Bikes)
6) TAKE A NORDIC SKI LESSON
Try something new this spring break with cross-country skiing lessons at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Glide along scenic groomed trails with stunning views of Mount Massive, and enjoy mellow terrain that’s perfect for beginners, while feeling the rush of pushing yourself on a fun, new activity.
After your lesson, relax on the Nordic Center patio by the fire with a warm-your-belly drink, a hearty sandwich, and one of Roxanne’s famous cookies.
7) WARM UP AT THE MUSEUMS
Take a break from the outdoors and explore Leadville’s rich history at its museums. The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum features mock mines, an extensive minerals collection, and exhibits on local mines past and present, offering a hands-on look at the area’s mining heritage. Temple Israel, a historic synagogue turned museum, is free to visit and staffed by knowledgeable historians who share the stories of Leadville’s Jewish community and beyond.
Although they don’t hold regular visitor hours in the winter, you can reserve tours ahead of time at the Tabor Opera House or Healy House and Dexter Cabin, discovering more of Leadville’s historic landmarks and fascinating past. Perfect for a family-friendly, educational spring break outing off the slopes.
Even walking down our main street, Harrison Avenue, can be a step into history with the self guided walking tour.
8) GO TUBING
When the snow piles up, tubing in Leadville and the surrounding high country is a must-do spring break activity. At the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, grab a tube from the bottom, hike the snow pile, and slide down right outside the Nordic Center, a simple, free, family-friendly way to enjoy the snow. For a more structured experience, Copper Mountain, just 30 minutes away, offers a professionally groomed tubing hill with banked turns and a magic carpet lift to take you to the top. For a more adventurous day, bring a tube from Bill’s Rentals (or your own sled) and find your own winter playground in the San Isabel National Forest.
When planning your Leadville spring break, don’t forget to book your stay early, eat and shop local, and leave some time to sip a cocktail or mocktail at one of our many historic saloons. Between adventure, history, and stunning mountain views, there’s no shortage of ways to make your visit unforgettable, so take it all in and enjoy everything Leadville has to offer!
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