For the Love of Winter

Photo: @lavidaadventures

PLAY IN THE SNOW TOGETHER

Who says winter has to be spent indoors? Here you can dive into the snow, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and rediscover the magic of the season.

• Fat Biking: Explore the fat bike trails and join the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series!
• Ice Skating: Ice skate under the stars, or below the peaks, at Leadville’s outdoor rink.
• Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing: Tour Leadville’s scenic Mineral Belt Trail. Ski the Leadville Loppet Nordic ski race, happening Saturday, Feb. 24! For more romantic views, check out the exquisitely groomed trails at the Mount Massive Ski and Snowshoe Trails. These skate and classic trails look out to the Mosquito and Sawatch ranges, one of the best views in town.
• Skiing: At Ski Cooper, you and your honey can ski or snowboard on wide-open slopes that meet every skill level. It is also a great place to bring the whole family. To make your heart beat faster, try Cooper’s double black diamond terrain, Tennessee Creek Basin!
• Sledding: Be kids again and go sledding down Leadville’s high, fast run.
• Snowmobiling: Zoom along with breathtaking views! Take a guided snowmobile tour or explore our groomed winter trails on your own.
• Snow Zipping: Talk about breathless. Hold hands as you fly together on a zip line, surrounded by a winter wonderland.

Photo: @tennpassco

SLOW DOWN AND RECONNECT

In the mood for a more relaxing adventure? Gaze at the stars, stay in a yurt, or treat yourself to a spa day.

STARGAZING

There’s nothing quite like the night sky in Leadville and Twin Lakes. At 10,000 feet, the air is crisp and clear, and the stars seem close enough to touch. Bundle up and venture outside for a front-row seat to the Milky Way, constellations, and maybe even a shooting star or two. Winter stargazing is a uniquely serene experience—the snow muffles the world, and the stars shine all the brighter against the cold, inky sky. Experience it for yourself. Discover popular viewing locations here.

YURT TRIPS

Take in the winter calm as you ski or snowshoe to a backcountry yurt. 

Is it date night? Fill up on a four-course dinner at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse! Trek one mile through a snowy forest, lit by the moon and stars or sparkled by falling snow. You’ll arrive at an off-grid candlelit yurt and a gourmet dinner. Don’t forget to book ahead – advance reservations are required.

If your sitter can only stay for the day, ski or snowshoe to lunch at the Cookhouse—a delicious break from exploring the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center trails. Advance reservations are required here as well!

If the Cookhouse yurt is full, don’t fear, you can have a tasty lunch at the Nordic Center—soups and sandwiches, hot mulled cider, and more. Sit by the toasty wood stove or on the sunny deck. No reservations are needed. You can rent skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes for these adventures at the Nordic Center.

STAY OVERNIGHT

Extend the magic of your snowy trek by staying in a Tennessee Pass luxury sleep yurt. Equipped with wood stoves, down comforters, and even room service, these yurts redefine cozy mountain living.

For those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience, the Leadville Backcountry Yurts offer unmatched privacy and jaw-dropping views at 12,000 feet. These rustic yurts are a dream for experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers looking to fully immerse themselves in the alpine beauty.

SPA TREATMENTS

Pamper yourself with a massage, salt scrub or body wrap, foot soak or other treatment at Nourish Day Spa, or give their sweet-smelling salts and scrubs. Book a calming massage at Blue Earth Yoga & Salon or Active Kneads, or try therapeutic yoga at Prajna. Learn more about Leadville’s spa day options.

Photo: @beforeandafterleadville

DRINKS & SWEET TREATS

Take a break from the cold and warm up with scrumptious desserts, inventive drinks, and more. Here are some of the many highlights, and you can find the full list of offerings here. 

• Spend a cozy afternoon or evening at Before & After Leadville. Savor scrumptious desserts, inventive cocktails and mocktails, and light fare.
• In keeping with the theme, be sure to order honey wine, from the new Cloud City Mead!
• Relax with a cup of coffee and baked goods at City on a Hill, Zero Day Coffee, the Golden Burro Cafe.
• Delight in a Cuban coffee with raw sugar at Buchi Cafe.
• In love with ice cream? Pay a visit to D’Love Gourmet Coffee and Ice Cream.
• Find creamy boutique candies and healthy treats at Blueflower Candies & Provisions.
• Surprise your sweetie with cookies, cakes, and fudge, as well as delicious meals, from the Silver Llama Market & Eatery.
• Head to the new Tenderfoot Twin Lakes for scrumptious jams and jellies, teas and coffee, and more delicious treats.

Photo: @twinlakesinn

ROMANTIC DINNERS

Do you find romance in a candlelit dinner, takeout pizza by the fire, a spicy Mexican plate perhaps? Leadville-Twin Lakes has all of that!

• For ambiance, have drinks by the patio firepit before dinner at Treeline Kitchen.
• Enjoy elegant historic charm at Mineral 1886 or a steak dinner at Quincy’s.
• Head to the historic Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon, open in winter!
• Explore all area restaurants for special meals.

Photo: Diana Lange

STAY AND SNUGGLE

Escape to comfortable lodging just made for snuggling. A base camp at one of our B&Bs, motels and hotels or hostels with private rooms lets you start each day by watching sunrises and sunsets over the high peaks. If you’re looking for more space, rent a mountain cabin or vacation home.

Photo: @jon_kohlwey

WINTER WEDDINGS IN THE MOUNTAINS

All this talk of love have you thinking of the future? Leadville and Twin Lakes offer the perfect blend of beauty and simplicity for a unique and wonderful day. The area’s historical roots and stunning views make it a magical place to bring together family and friends for an unforgettable event. Learn how you can have the perfect wedding in Leadville-Twin Lakes.

As you can see, winter in Leadville and Twin Lakes is less about surviving and more about thriving. Join us this winter!