Ski resorts and Colorado are synonymous with each other at this point, but so are crowds. However, that doesn't have to be the case. Estes Park is an adventure capital that has everything except a ski resort. From ice-climbing to backcountry skiing to snow shoe-shoeing, Estes Park is an ideal winter destination because there are no crowds in comparison to the ski resort towns of Colorado.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is easy to learn with minimal barrier to entry. All you need are your winter clothes and some snow shoes to open up a new way to see this mountain landscape at its quietest season. Visitors can rent their own, or take guided tours, with Kirks Mountain Adventures. If you are looking for trail suggestions, Bear Lake Trailhead and Glacier Gorge Trailhead provide scenic views of the snow-capped peaks.
Splitboarding and Cross-Country Skiing
Without a ski resort, accessing the serenity of the mountains can be challenging for those just getting into the backcountry scene, however, accessing untracked snow and having a true sense of freedom by splitboarding and cross-country skiing has never been easier in Estes Park. Developed as a small ski resort that opened in the 1950s, Hidden Valley Ski Area ceased operations in 1991 but runs remain open. Now it’s entirely comprised of backcountry skiing — the runs are still cut into the mountain, and there’s incredible skiing, with no lines, and tons of fresh powder.
Ice Climbing
Known for long cold spells, Estes Park, sitting at 7,522 feet has access to some of the best ice-climbing routes in the lower 48. If you are new to the game, take a class with Colorado Mountain School, the largest mountain guiding outfit in the state. One of the best beginner places to ice climb in Estes Park is Jewel Lake, known for its moderate routes and abundance of overflow ice.
If you are looking to escape the crowds and discover a new winter destination, this cute town is ready to be your access point to Rocky Mountain National Park and snowcapped mountains. Chock full of adventures, from ice-climbing to backcountry skiing to snowshoeing, Estes Park is calling, will you answer the call?