Alamosa and its surrounding areas make up a blissful winter wonderland. There is so much to do and enjoy this time of year all over the San Luis Valley! Whether you are looking for an activity to enjoy alone, something to do with a friend, or looking to make it a family outing, there is sure to be something close by! We are here to share a few of our favorite winter activities and locations to send you on your way to the perfect snowy adventure.
Sledding
Being surrounded by mountains has its perks and having plenty of places to go sledding is one of them. We know it's cold out, but a trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is perfect this time of year! The dunes make an excellent location for sledding and has plenty of open space so you won't have to feel crowded. Though this is our top pick, there are so many areas that you can sled! As long as you are mindful of private properties, simply drive around in the hills and find a spot that you can make your own. From Alamosa to South Fork, there is no short supply of hills to find for the perfect fun filled family day!
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is an experience that everyone should have at least once! It can be a tricky task depending on where you are headed and you will want to pre plan getting all of the equipment that is needed, but the pay out at the end of the day makes it well worth it! Many locations will require a 4 wheel drive vehicle and a full day to get the best results. Our location pick is Beaver Reservoir in South Fork, CO. This location is generally well maintained and accessible most of the winter season. There are several shallow points that will have perfect ice for a safe fishing trip. Do keep in mind that the ice should be 4 inches thick to be considered safe.
Ice Skating
South Fork Outdoor Rink
One of the most beautiful outdoor skating rinks you will find is just a 45 minute drive away from Alamosa. Located in South Fork, Colorado is the community rink that gives you all of the winter vibes you have been looking for. Surrounded by log structures, snow covered pine trees, and even a couple of ideal sledding hills! Grab your skates and hit the road, everyone will be excited about this activity!
Alamosa Indoor Rink
Though it is not outdoors, the Alamosa Family Recreation Center offers a great experience for ice skating! Find all you will need on site including rentals for a fun filled day on the ice! This is a great way to get the whole family together for an activity without anyone getting too cold! Be sure to visit the link above to see their posted hours and learn more about this location!
Skiing/Snowboarding
Wolf Creek Ski Area
This classic winter activity is right at your fingertips! Alamosa is one hour and fifteen minutes away from Wolf Creek Ski Area! With plenty of coffe shops and breakfast joints to stop at before you head up the mountain, you are sure to have the perfect snow day! It is great to have your own equipment, but we know many of you travel long distances to be in Alamosa! So, worry not! Kristi Mountain Sports offers all the rental equipment you will need for the day! Forgot your hat and mittens? They have you covered with a wide variety of outdoor winter gear!
Great Sand Dunes National Park
This option is for the person that doesn't mind hiking to get to the top of the run! Grab your gear and head over to the dunes for an unforgettable experience. Without any charlifts to speak of, you will have to throw your gear over your shoulder and make your way to the peaks. Enjoy a day on the slopes without the crowds and enjoy the National Parks off season and all of the beauty it offers during the winter months!
Classic Alamosa Winter Fun
Holiday Light Viewing
Downtown Alamosa is filled with lights and beautifully decorated trees for the holiday season! Busniesses are filled with holiday cheer and Alamosa is ready to show you all of the beauty it holds once the lights are lit in the evening. A stroll through Downtown makes for a perfect evening of small town holiday light beauty. The lights are only up for about a month and a half so don't miss your chance to see Alamosa shine!
Hot Chocolate and Shopping
A day Downtown is good for the soul. With so many cute shops to choose from, the only problem you will have is trying to get to them all! You also have the option of several coffee houses to choose your festive drink from! Milagros, ROOTS by Blessed, The Sanctuary, or ROAST all offer delicious menus that will keep you warm as you make your way through town. As you wait for your drink, be sure to check out all of the goods offered at each location! Each host different items and a couple of them host items made by local makers! There is so much to love about our Downtown, and it is waiting for you to explore it!
A Snowy Hike to Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is so beautiful when it is flowing, but have you ever seen a frozen waterfall? The hike to the falls is a little more challenging with the snow on the ground, but well worth the work for the views you will see! Be sure to wear good shoes that have bottoms that won't let you slip as you will have to walk on ice to get back to the waterfall. This adventure is calling your name and it is one you won't want to miss out on!
Build a Snowman
Cole Park is gorgeous year-round, but it holds a special beauty with a fresh blanket of snow over it! Get bundled up, grab your mittens, and of course a carrot nose and get ready for some snowy fun! Run and play the day away in the playground after your snowman--or woman has been built! Pip on warm beverages under the covered picnic tables and take in the day as you enjoy the fresh winter air!
Cole park isn't the only beautiful place to build a snowman this winter! You can also wander to Blanca Vista Park. Bring the fur baby and let them run wild in the dog park. Take a relaxing walk around the pond and listen to the birds sing all around you.
There is so much to do and so much to see this winter in and around Alamosa! This time of year is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds and get a taste of our small town at its normal pace. We hope you have a delightful winter and enjoy all the activities there are! We can't wait to see your photos, be sure to share them with us using #VisitAlamosa.
