Looking for a winter that feels like winter? Something straight out of a Hallmark movie? At 10,152 feet, Leadville and Twin Lakes deliver just that, guaranteed snow, charming historic towns, and the kind of laid-back magic that makes winter feel special again.
Nestled among Colorado’s tallest peaks, these high-alpine towns promise more than just powder. Here, winter is a season to slow down, get cozy, and make memories. Sipping cocoa by the fire, watching snow fall on Victorian rooftops, or hopping on a holiday train through a mountain wonderland.
This season, experience the best of Colorado winter. Carve turns at Ski Cooper, cheer horses and skiers at Ski Joring, or shop for handmade gifts downtown. Leadville and Twin Lakes promise a true Colorado winter, guaranteed.
Season Kickoff & Signature Events
Get Stoked for Ski Season with Films
Two nights of film screenings:
- After the Snowfall at FREIGHT Leadville November 15th at 2pm – This is not just a story about the pros. It is about the everyday ski bum, the weekend warrior and the mountain town lifer whose passion burns just as bright. ($20 adults, $15 children)
- Warren Miller’s Sno-Ciety at Ski Cooper November 21st at 7pm – Bringing the global ski and snowboard community back together to celebrate the start of the season for the 76th year. ($29)
Set the stage for winter fun!
Parade of Lights & Taste of Leadville
Harrison Avenue comes alive with a parade of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and community warmth – plus a visit from Santa and delicious bites benefiting St. George’s food initiatives. Friday, December 5th Parade of Lights starts at 6pm, Taste of Leadville goes throughout the evening.
3rd Annual Twinter Celebration
Celebrate mountain life with local food, drinks, tree lighting and all-ages winter fun. A Twin Lakes holiday celebration! December 13th – Winmar Cabins
Holiday Spirit & Shopping Local
FREIGHT’s Motherlode Holiday Markets
With live music, local artisans, and visits from Santa – the Motherlode Holiday Market is a perfect place to find handmade gifts with a story. December 12th – 14th
Shop Leadville / Small Business Saturday
Start the day at the Leadville Visitor Center for giveaways and to learn about local deals. Then stroll historic Harrison Avenue for the kind of small-town shopping that makes the holidays shine. Leadville Main Street’s Shop Small Saturday event is November 29th.
Outdoor Adventures
Stay Cozy with a View Aboard the Leadville Railroad
The Leadville Railroad’s Holiday Express offers a decorated train for a family-friendly ride through snowy peaks – Santa included! Other winter rides include the Winter Express Train, the Sweetheart Ride, the St Patrick’s Day Ride and the Easter Express!
Zoom and Soar with Snowmobile & Zipline Combo Tours
White Mountain Snowmobile Tours and Top of the Rockies Zipline allow you to race across powder fields and soar over the Rockies. A fun-packed family friendly adventure for all ability levels.
Enjoy the Powder at Ski Cooper
With very affordable, family-friendly skiing and riding at its finest, Ski Cooper offers the comfortable feel of all natural snow and wide open runs. Terrain for all ability levels and the friendliest staff around, Cooper is a locals favorite. Offering adult day passes as low as $49 and kids’ passes just $35 add it to your list of must dos.
Run with the Pack on a Dog Sledding Adventure
Don’t ski? No problem. Zooming along the snow behind a pack of happy huskies, guests of Alpine Adventures Dog Sledding can relax under thick blankets and enjoy unsurpassed views of the state’s two tallest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, both over 14,000’ high, and of a wide snowy valley.
Slide on the Snow and Ice at the Tubing Hill and Skating Rink
Zoom down the tall, fast Dutch Henry sledding hill or at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Then take time to twirl under the stars on the Huck Finn open-air ice skating rink surrounded by mountain peaks. Warm up by the firepit after feeling the wind in your hair.
Go Out on the Groom with Nordic Skiing, Fat Biking and Snowshoe Trails
Explore the many free groomed trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking all season long. Rental equipment available at various Leadville shops and at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center.
Wellness & Warmth
Sauna Culture Blooms in Leadville
After a day in the snow, unwind in a warm sauna or cold plunge. Try Sunshine Mobile Saunas, Akka Sauna, or Swim Squared for the ultimate alpine wellness.
Aligned Sessions & The Leadville Box
Train, stretch, or recover at 10,000 feet. Fitness meets mountain spirit at Align Sessions Pilates, Blue Earth Yoga and The Leadville Box Gym.
Winter Competitions & Mountain Heritage
Fat Bike Worlds – January 23–25, 2026
Elite to amature racers, great vibes, and a mini sauna festival – only in Leadville.
10th Mountain Division Day at Ski Cooper – February 27, 2026
Honor the WWII heroes who trained here with ceremonies, a ski down and $42 lift tickets.
Leadville Loppet Nordic Ski Races – February 2026
Family-friendly costumes, a variety of races, potlucks, and mountain views make this a local favorite.
Twin Lakes Ice Fishing Derby – February 14–15, 2026
Catch the big one in a stunning alpine setting.
Leadville Ski Joring – March 7-8, 2026
Horses, skiers, and pure adrenaline down Harrison Avenue – a true Colorado spectacle.
Plan Your Stay
Make your getaway as cozy as it is unforgettable. Leadville and Twin Lakes have the perfect mountain lodging for you. Go off the grid at the Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts or have your own in-town cabin at FREIGHT’s S.L.umber Yard. Prefer to be surrounded by snow covered trees and peaks? Try Mount Elbert Lodge, Stay Twin Lakes or Winmar Cabins. From historic hotels to cozy cabins in the woods, you’ll find the perfect home base for your mountain retreat. See where to stay.
Cozy on another level.
This winter, wrap yourself in Colorado’s most authentic mountain season – where snow is guaranteed, memories are made, and the world feels a little warmer.
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