Take advantage of all That Makes Grand County "Grand" in Spring
For most, leaf buds on trees, early-blooming flowers, chirping birds and rain showers mark the beginning of the spring season. Here in Grand County, as the sun stays up longer and the temperatures go up, the ground is still covered in snow. We get to enjoy all that winter has to offer, just wearing a few less layers!
A 45 degree spring day means it’s time to crack the windows in the car and, for some, break out the shorts that have been hibernating since October. As soon as it hits 55 degrees, many people welcome the risk of stepping in a puddle of snowmelt in exchange for the freedom that comes from slipping on a pair of sandals. The next day might bring an epic snowstorm that causes the whole town to buzz with excitement, put the boots back on, brush the snow off the car, and embrace the beauty of springtime in the mountains. It’s really the best of both worlds. Warmer weather makes it easy to enjoy all of the outdoor winter activities here in the county. And, if you need a break from the high-altitude sun, indoor fun abounds.
If you’re spending your spring break in Grand County and are looking for adventure, play, family-friendly activities, relaxation, good food, a slower pace, or any combination of those, you will find it if you know where to look!
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
THE RESORTS
Many people plan their spring breaks in Winter Park for the world-class skiing. Winter Park Resort truly has runs for all ability levels. But with anything, getting connected with someone who knows the place and can connect you in ways that might not be possible on your own can help you to experience it even more fully. Check out the experiences offered by Winter Park guides if you’re looking for some local knowledge and expertise. Or enjoy a little apres ski at the top of the gondola at Sunspot on Fridays and Saturdays after a day at the mountain, likely sitting outside and enjoying views of the Continental Divide.
If you’re looking for a smaller resort with a more intimate vibe, Granby Ranch (about 20 minutes down the road from Winter Park Resort) offers some great runs and fun spring events as well. If you’re in town on March 19th, you might enjoy their last night skiing event of the season.
UPHILL
If you’re wanting to ski but hoping to avoid the crowds, you might love skinning up and skiing or snowboarding down before or after the resorts open (but you’re welcome to earn those turns all day long!). Just be sure to check out the uphill access policies at Winter Park and Granby Ranch before you head out. We love parking in the C-lot on the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Resort and skinning up Sleeper or parking at the bottom of the Super Gauge or near the Club Car restaurant and heading up Lower Arrowhead Loop. If you start at the base of the Winter Park side, Parkway to Village Way makes a great beginner climb, with Larry Sale to Cranmer getting a little more challenging. If you’re looking for the “black diamond” climb, try Lower Hughes to Little Pierre back to Upper Hughes to end at Sunspot as the sun rises over the divide. Check out Epic Mountain Sports or Icebox Mountain Sports if you need rentals for backcountry gear.
FUN IN THE SNOW KEEPS COMING
The fun certainly doesn’t stop with skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking for more adventures in the snow/outdoors, check out some of the many options in the county:
- Snowmobiling: Grand Adventures (Winter Park/Fraser & Grand Lake) & On the Trail Rentals (Grand Lake) can set you up to experience a warm bluebird day or deep spring powder, depending on the weather! Both offer guided and unguided option
- Tubing: The Historic Fraser Tubing Hill, Colorado Adventure Park, and Coca-Cola Tubing Hill at Winter Park Resort give you a ride back up, so you can just enjoy the downhill ride! Colorado Adventure Park has a fire pit at the bottom to warm up and also has concessions available (including beer & wine for adults and s’mores kits for all). The Coca-Cola tubing Hill is the only hill with banked turns and a covered magic carpet for the ride up. If you’re good with hiking back up the hill, try the tubing hill at Snow Mountain Ranch (included with day pass–need to pick up tubes at the Winter Pavilion) or the Grand Lake Nordic Center (free with about 10 tubes to borrow or bring your own!).
- Nordic skiing & Snowshoeing: The bike trail systems in the county are great options for xc skiing and snowshoeing as well! For a longer loop, try out the Flume/Creekside trails in Fraser’s Experimental Forest (up County Road 50 past the rodeo) for a six mile excursion. Or try an out and back on the Northwest Passage for a shorter, beginner single-track trail in the same area.Or check out the flat, easy loop in the Fraser meadow behind the Rec center; walk your dog, snowshoe, or cross country ski, with set tracks. Excellent for quick exercise without having to drive out of town. Pole Creek Golf Course in Tabernash also has some great trails for skiing and snowshoeing (free–just bring your gear). Check out COTREX, a mobile and desktop application for a statewide comprehensive and interactive trail map, to see all the established trails. If you’re looking for groomed trails, the YMCA, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, and Grand Lake Nordic Center offer extensive trail systems and breathtaking views.
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Fat Biking: Springtime can still bring fun fat biking, but slushy snow days don’t make for the best biking days. Try to head out when the snow is firm and compact, typically before the day heats up. If you just want to get outside on two wheels and aren’t looking for a singletrack climb, try out the Fraser River Trail. Or you’re feeling more ambitious, use COTREX to find the trails for you! Or check out groomed trails at Snow Mountain Ranch or Devil’s Thumb Ranch. You can rent bikes at Icebox Mountain Sports. Keith at Beavers Sports Shop shares some insider knowledge on fat biking in the county here.
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Ice Skating: The IceBox (at the Fraser ballfields) is an NHL-sized rink with rentals available. Check out their schedule here. They even offer 20 minutes ice bumper car sessions (by reservation only)! Snow Mountain Ranch has an ice rink with rentals (that can be picked up at the Winter Pavillion and are free for guests or those with a day pass). Grand Lake has free skating and rentals at the Grand Lake Center.
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Sleigh Rides: Rides are about 45 minutes and end with hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting around the fire while the kids play on the sledding hill. Check out Dashing Through the Snow for more info.
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Snow Cat Tours: Explore the mountain and soak in the views at Winter Park Resort without the skis! They offer several different snowcat tour options–great for friends or a family! top. Or you might need a down jacket! Hopefully, you get a little taste of both during your time in this place we call home. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions as you plan your time in Grand County!
NEED A BREAK FROM THE SNOW?
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Hot Air Balloon Rides: See it all from a different perspective! Grand Adventure Hot Air Balloon Rides offers rides for ages 4 and up.
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Aerial Adventure Park: Winter Park Adventure Quest (can be seen off Highway 40 at the Fraser ballfields). Currently open by appointment only. Call to make a reservation if the day looks nice and you’re lo
oking to toss it up after a little fun in the snow!
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Movies & Bowling: The Foundry is located on the north end of town in Winter Park. (Be sure to reserve a lane well in advance!)
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Arcade & Bowling: River Run Resort is on the corner of Highways 40 and 34. This RV resort offers some indoor fun all year long. Check out their mini-bowling alley, Glacier Lanes, and arcade near their bar and grill.
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Museum: Headwaters River Journey: Check out this interactive water and wildlife museum focused on the wonder of Colorado’s rivers. It’s at the Headwaters Center across from The Foundry in Winter Park.
LOOKING TO RELAX OR PAMPER YOURSELF?
- Massage: Book a massage with one of the many skilled therapists in the area. We especially love Blue Sky Massage in Winter Park.
- Nails: Thairapy Beauty Lounge in Winter Park, The Salon at Winter Park, and A’la Mode in Granby all offer nail services.
- Hot Springs: Hot Sulphur Springs Hot Springs Resort & Spa is located 30 miles northwest of Winter Park on Highway 40. Soak in these natural hot springs with various pool sizes and temperatures to rejuvenate your muscles after all of your outdoor adventures! They also offer massage.
PRO TIP: Be sure to book ahead whenever possible! Because the area is a popular spring break destination, it helps to plan ahead and reserve when you can!
VISITING WITH KIDS?
- Gymnastics: Let’s be honest. Sometimes, kids just need to run wild and free without the constraints of snow clothes! The Grand Park Recreation Center offers family gymnastics on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-11am for kids 6 months to 6 years old. They have full access to the gymnastics studio, complete with a trampoline that bounces into the foam pit. $15/kid. Be sure to call ahead to reserve: 970-726-8968.
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Swimming: The Grand Park Rec Center also has a full aquatic center, complete with a slide, hot tub, and kids play area. A win for the whole family! Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies) also has an indoor pool available to those staying at the ranch or with the purchase of a day pass.
- Sledding at Hideaway Park: A fun, easy, free activity for the kids (and grown-ups) in the heart of Winter Park! The town provides the sleds. You just show up. You can pick up plenty of speed to have fun, but it flattens out at the bottom and easily slows you down. If the kids are exhausted and need to head home for a rest, just come back later–no commitment. Enjoy the playground and outdoor gas fire pit if you need to warm up!
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Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies: Roller skating, ice skating, crafting, tubing (bring your own tube and hike back up the hill), an indoor climbing wall, fun parks, snowshoeing trails, and Nordic skiing for all levels can make a day of fun for your family! Most activities are included with a day pass. You can pick up xc skis, snowshoes, or fat bike rentals at their Nordic center.
Pro-tip: Snowy activities with kids typically pair well with hot chocolate! Pack your own or pick some up at a local coffee shop like The Perk in Winter Park or Rocky Mountain Roastery in Fraser and Granby.
GETTING AROUND
Check out Winter Park’s free transit system: The Lift. It services Winter Park, Fraser, and Granby, but be sure to check the schedule on their site or download the free app (The Lift Rider) to find the route that works for you.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re planning to be in Grand County for spring break, we have no doubt it will be memorable. In the midst of all of the activities at your fingertips, we’d recommend making plenty of time for sitting on a patio or a slopeside beach chair, basking in the high-mountain sun while enjoying some of the best views Colorado has to offer! You might be wearing a tank top. Or you might need a down jacket! Hopefully, you get a little taste of both during your time in this place we call home. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions as you plan your time in Grand County!
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
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