14 W E S T W O R D T h e E d g e W i n t e r G u i d e 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 westword.com Off the Slopes EIGHT WAYS TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Colorado is famous for its world-class skiing and riding, but there are plenty of seasonal adventures and activities off the slopes, too. You can take a day trip or weekend getaway to enjoy thrilling snow sports, sharpen your winter driving skills and indulge in fami- ly-friendly fun. Here are eight of the best non-skiing winter activities in Colorado: Bridgestone Winter Driving School 2300 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs 970-879-6104 winterdrive.com Winter driving safety classes with Bridge- stone instructors will make you better pre- pared for slick lanes and ski traffi c — skills that are sure to be valuable this season. But those who view their vehicles as more than a means of transport should opt for its perfor- mance driving classes. Tailored to aspiring racers and enthusiasts, these one- and two- day lessons overview tricks and techniques that guarantee fun. Pricing varies by class, and registration is available online. Base Village Ice Rink 49 Wood Road, Snowmass Village 970-924-6054 thecollectivesnowmass.com/ice-rink Set beneath the slopes in the center of Snow- mass Village, this family-friendly rink wel- comes guests with free ice skating, rentals included. Collect your skates from a vintage Airstream and then circle laps under twin- kling lights. Shops, restaurants and après-ski cocktails are just steps from the rink, as are outdoor fi replaces for staying warm. Ice skate between 1 and 9 p.m. during the Snowmass ski season, November 23 to April 14, or visit between 3 and 5 p.m. on select Thursdays from January 4 to February 22 to participate in the Game of Stones curling series. Hoedown Hill 1775 RainDance National Drive, Windsor 970-686-5828 raindanceresort.com/hoedown-hill In addition to being Colorado’s newest ski area, Hoedown Hill is the state’s lat- est snow-tubing spot. Take a thrilling ride down the Bushwhacker, a 1,200-foot slope that claims fame as the longest hill in North America. Between it and the more mellow Greenhorn Hill, which has no restrictions on age and height, the attraction features eighteen groomed tubing lanes that can be experienced in two-hour time blocks. Hoe- down Hill will be open Thursday to Monday during the winter season, and tube rentals are available on site; sign up for its newsletter to be the fi rst to know about opening day and pricing. Ice Castles 339 East Irene Avenue, Cripple Creek icecastles.com/colorado After disappearing for two seasons, Ice Cas- tles will return to Colorado and draw crowds to its new location in Cripple Creek, which is known for its annual ice festival (February 17-25). This dream-like attraction will dazzle guests with its intricate ice-carved caverns, tunnels, archways and all-ages slides, which glow vibrant colors in the night. The frozen fairy-tale experience aims to open by late De- cember or early January, weather permitting. On Mondays to Thursdays, admission will be $21 per adult and $16 per child ages four to eleven; Fridays to Sundays and dates around the holidays are priced at $27 per adult and $22 per child. Ouray Ice Park 280 County Road 361, Ouray 970-325-4288 ourayicepark.com Ice climbing is certainly niche, but Ouray Ice Park serves more than just experts. The free park is open to the public, and several guide companies, such as Mountain Trip and San Juan Mountain Guides, teach courses for all ages and abilities. Half- and full-day classes are available, as are multi-day courses that vary in costs; pricing varies among outfi tters. If this adrenaline-pumping experience isn’t quite your thing, visit as a spectator during the ice festival and climbing competition sched- uled for January 18 to 21. Royal Gorge Route Railroad 401 Water Street, Cañon City 719-276-4000 royalgorgeroute.com This holiday season, climb aboard the Santa Express Train through the spectacu- lar Royal Gorge. Marvel at the mighty Arkansas River and the icy granite walls reaching nearly 1,000 feet high, or book a night tour to see festive displays featuring over 50,000 twinkling lights. Hot cocoa, cookies and greetings from Santa add to the charming ex- perience. Tours are ninety minutes in length, and up to four daily departures are available between November 17 and December 30, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day excluded. Book tickets online, starting at $94 per adult and $84 per child ages one to twelve. Two Below Zero Sleigh Rides 616 Recreation Way, Frisco 970-453-1520 dinnersleighrides.com What fun it is to ride with Two Below Zero, a sleigh ride service that operates within Frisco Adventure Park. Pulled by teams of draft mules, its sleighs whisk bundled-up guests across the snowy landscape and arrive at the warm dinner tent after a scenic twenty-min- ute ride. The experience continues with a hearty three-course meal, accompanied by country, folk and rock-and-roll tunes from local musician David Peel. Beneath a blanket of stars, a return sleigh ride completes the evening. Priced at $109 per adult and $79 per child ages four to twelve; make reservations by calling 970-453-1520 or completing the online form. Grand Adventures Snowmobiling 78311 U.S. 40, Suite 100, Winter Park 970-726-9247 grandadventures.com/snowmobiling Starting November 23, Grand Adventures will guide snowmobilers to the top of the Continental Divide, offering panoramic views from nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. This two-hour tour is beginner-friendly and fea- tures single-track trails through forests and powder-covered meadows. Opt for the three- hour tour to see even more terrain, or rent a machine for an unguided experience in Winter Park or Grand Lake. View additional options, pricing and reservation availability on the website.— ABIGAIL BLISS St. Nick will ditch the sleigh for the Santa Express. ROYAL GORGE RAILROAD
