How to Make the Most of Winter in Denver, Colorado 


Winter in Denver is a cold, snowy time of year. However, winter also offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and winter sports in the Mile High City. Whether you’re a native Denverite or just in town to see the sights, you’ll find a mountain of things to do here.  

The question is, where do you start? There’s so much to do, it can be difficult to choose and spend your time wisely. To help you, SecurCare Self Storage put together the following list of the best winter activities in the mile-high city! Read on to discover all this amazing city offers and make the most of your wintertime in Denver! 

Snowboarding and Skiing 

Being located about an hour from the Rocky Mountains means Denver is close to some of the world’s best ski resorts! You can easily and quickly hit the slopes at popular destinations like Keystone, Breckenridge, and Winter Park. There, you’ll find a range of trails to suit every skill level of skier and snowboarder.  

a group of people skiing on a snowy mountain in winter in denver

Below are some of the best ski and snowboard resorts you can access from the heart of the city, listed from closest to farthest.

  • Eldora Mountain Resort – Located 21 miles from Denver, Eldora Mountain is a smaller resort known for its accessibility and relaxed atmosphere. 
  • Loveland – Located 53 miles from Denver, Loveland is known for its higher elevation and some of the earliest opening dates of the season. 
  • Winter Park – Located 67 miles from Denver , Winter Park offers a wide range of terrain and is popular for its extensive runs. 
  • Arapahoe Basin – Located 68 miles from Denver, Arapahoe Basin is known for its longer-than-most ski season and a more diverse terrain. 
  • Copper Mountain – Located 75 miles from Denver, Copper Mountain offers exhilarating and varied terrain for all skill levels. It’s also known for having the most natural snow every season. (Many resorts rely on snow machines.) 
  • Breckenridge – Located 80 miles from Denver, Breckenridge is beloved for its charming, historic town and extensive ski and snowboard terrain. 
  • Keystone – Located 90 miles from Denver, one of Keystone’s favorite features is its night skiing along with many family-friendly activities and events. 
  • Beaver Creek – The furthest away at 100 miles, Beaver Creek is well known for luxury amenities, well-groomed slopes and exciting nightlife. 

Ice-Skating 

Looking for a more relaxed winter activity? If so, head to one of Denver’s many ice-skating rinks. The city has several outdoor rinks where you’ll enjoy crisp air, great ice, and fun amenities for the family. 

  • Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park- 16th Street Mall, Denver 
  • Southwest Rink at Belmar- Belmar Park, 7325 W. Alaska Dr., Lakewood (just outside Denver) 
  • Ice Rink at Union Station- Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver 
  • The Ice Rink at Denver Pavilions- Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St., Denver 
  • Denver Sports Castle- 1000 Grant St., Denver 
  • Edge Ice Arena- 6623 S. Ward St., Littleton (a short drive from Denver) 

Indoor Climbing 

Not a fan of snow and cold weather? If not, you’ll be glad to know that Denver is home to some fantastic indoor climbing gyms. Climbing is a great way to stay active during winter while enjoying an exhilarating challenge. Climbing is perfect for families, but you can go solo and make new friends too!

Denver Bouldering Club– Located at 2120 S. Blaine St. 

The Spot Bouldering Gym– Located at 3156 W. 29th Ave. 

Brooklyn Boulders– Located at 5305 E. Colfax Ave. 

Movement Climbing Gym – Located at 1050 W Hampden Ave (Englewood)

man climbing an indoor climbing wall

Getting Away From the Winter in Denver: Nearby Colorado Cities That are Worth a Visit 

We think you’ll agree that there’s plenty to keep you busy in Denver. That being said, winter is also the perfect time to explore some of Denver’s sister cities. There you’ll find an array of unique winter experiences, activities and amenities to enjoy.

  • Golden, Colorado – Approximately 15 miles (30 minutes by car). Golden is a charming town with historic sites and a quaint downtown. There are loads of opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and rafting, too! It’s a great place for a quick getaway. 
  • Louisville, Colorado – Approximately 20 miles (30 minutes by car). Louisville features a quaint downtown area with excellent dining options and fun local events.  
  • Lafayette, Colorado – Approximately 25 miles (35 minutes by car). Lafayette is a great spot for a leisurely visit, has a quaint downtown, and exciting community events. 
  • Boulder, Colorado – Approximately 30 miles (45 minutes by car). Boulder is a vibrant city known for its scenic views of the Flatiron rock formations. Boulder also offers fantastic outdoor activities and a dynamic cultural scene. 
  • Colorado Springs – Approximately 70 miles (1.5 hours by car). For a mix of outdoor adventure and rich history, Colorado Springs is perfect. You can visit Pikes Peak or explore the famous Garden of the Gods. Colorado Springs also has excellent options for hiking and sightseeing. 
  • Estes Park, Colorado – Approximately 70 miles (1.5 hours by car). Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, with breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor activities. The town is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the Rockies. 
  • Vail, Colorado – Approximately 100 miles (2 hours by car). Vail is America’s winter wonderland and it’s just two hours from Denver. World-renowned for its luxury ski resorts, there’s more to enjoy than just skiing in Vail! That includes upscale shopping, gourmet dining, and cozy mountain lodges that make for a perfect winter escape. 

How to Safely Store Your Gear for a Winter in Denver

After making the most of Denver’s winter sports, you’ll need somewhere to store your gear when you’re not using it. SecurCare Self Storage in Denver is a practical solution for keeping your winter sports equipment safe, secure, and organized. Our storage facilities also offer climate-controlled storage which is ideal for ski gear, snowboards, and winter clothes. 

The benefits of storing your winter equipment in a storage facility include:

  • Protecting your sports and winter gear from weather-related damage
  • Highly secure storage with 24/7 security cameras, electronic gates and an on-site staff
  • Quick access whenever you’re ready to hit the slopes or trails
  • You can organize your gear any way you like inside your storage unit
  • Self-storage keeps your home clutter-free and frees up space