Cozy

Winter Explore

A Guide to the Snowy Season in Estes Park

A Peaceful, Snow-Draped
Mountain Retreat

Winter changes the whole pace of Estes Park. The summer crowds thin out, leaving Rocky Mountain National Park wide open for peaceful, snowy exploration. In the evenings, downtown Estes Park lights up with a cozy, festive glow that's perfect for a post-dinner stroll. Stonebrook is the perfect home base for these colder months—spend your days trekking through fresh powder, then come back to thaw out by your private fireplace or soak in the hot tub.

Snowshoeing on a peaceful winter trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Winter Trails

Snowshoeing

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s honestly the best way to get out into the snowy woods around here, especially from January through March when the powder really piles up.

You can grab rental gear from plenty of shops downtown. If you want a local to show you the ropes, we highly recommend renting your gear or booking a guided trip with the Estes Park Mountain Shop. They know exactly where to find the most scenic frozen lakes and untouched trails.

A cross country skier gliding through a pristine, snow-covered mountain landscape
Untracked Powder

Backcountry Skiing

If you're chasing bigger thrills, the backcountry around Estes Park has incredible skiing, splitboarding, and ice climbing. We definitely suggest hiring a local guide if you're heading off-piste so you can focus on the fun safely.

A skier carving down a beautifully groomed mountain resort slope
Downhill Skiing

Downhill Days at Eldora

Want a traditional ski resort experience without the notorious I-70 traffic? Eldora is just about an hour's drive down the incredibly scenic Peak to Peak Byway. It’s got a great local vibe and plenty of groomed runs for all skill levels.

It works out perfectly for mixed groups—half the family can go shred the mountain for the day, while the rest stay back to snowshoe or just relax at the cabin.

Family Fun

Sledding at Hidden Valley

Winter in Estes Park, CO

Hidden Valley is the only place in Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed, and it's an absolute blast. It’s actually an old ski slope, so the hill is wide, gentle, and perfect for kids and adults alike.

Just a heads up—there are no tow ropes, so you'll definitely earn your rides walking back up! You can easily rent sleds or tubes in town before heading up to the park.

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