Alamosa is known for its attractive quirks and unique happenings! From gators to aliens, there is something that will peak anyone's interest and bring them to this one of a kind destination! Read along to see what our Top 5 unique Winter Experiences to have in and around Alamosa.
Gators in Subzero Temps??
You have traveled far and wide, warm and cold, to oceans and mountains, but have you ever seen alligators sun bathing on a bank of snow in Colorado? , your mind will be blown away by the concept of this unique reptile sanctuary. Come and meet a movie star, feed the meandering tortoise wandering around, snap a photo with one of the smaller gators,or come face to face with one of their many snakes! You will want to bring your jacket and some layers to wear as half of the experience takes place outdoors. It may be cold out, but the geothermal waters keep MOST the gators toasty, and ready for your viewing pleasure! While the others may be frozen(don't worry, they are okay!) under the ponds, waiting for warmer weather.
Sled the Great Sand Dunes
So long as there is snow to allow it, based on the time you visit, this is a unique two in one adventure, perfect for all ages! Couple a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve along with sledding down snow covered dunes and you are sure to have the perfect afternoon of fun. Be sure to wear your sunscreen and plenty of layers for all of the temperatures throughout the day. This adventure will require a hike to the top to sled down, but the ride down is worth every step up as you take in snow capped mountains, endless open sky, and lush trees peeking out from behind the golden snowy dunes! This is not an experience to overlook, and one that will be remembered for a lifetime!
Ski/Snowboard at Wolf Creek Ski Area
Did you know that when you set up your home base for adventure in Alamosa, you are less than two hours away from Wolf Creek Ski Area? There are plenty of options for rentals, including Krisit Mountain Sports, 8200 Mountain Sports, and rentals on site at the Wolf Creek Ski Area. The ski area offers lessons for all ages, including beginner adult lessons or lessons for the littles, that can be dropped off at Wolf Pup Ski Training for the day. An hour and a half drive will land you at the ski area that regularly gets more snow than any other ski area in the state! So, grab your jacket and get going! A Colorado ski adventure awaits you.
Hike to a Frozen Waterfall
Zapata falls are incredible any time of year, but it is especially beautiful during the winter! While the water continues to flow behind, the front face of the falls are frozen, leaving a waterfall frozen in time until the spring thaw. Be sure to pack appropriate footwear, layer up, and prepare for any kind of weather. Your mild hike will lead you on ice and through the chilly temperatures, and you will want to be prepared. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the falls, you will want to remember this view!
Snowshoe in the San Luis Valley
A lesser talked about but no less fun experience to be had in and around Alamosa is snowshoeing! This is for the back country enthusiasts that are looking for a full day of chilly adventures and recommended for those who have experience in back country snow and proper knowledge of snow and avalanche safety. You can rent snowshoes here in the San Luis Valley at Krisit Mountain Sports or 8200 Mountain Sports and the experts in each shop are happy to point you toward the perfect area for your unique adventure. Do keep in mind that this activity requires plenty of snow to be on the ground, so be sure to scout potential locations prior to renting equipment. A quick call to either rental location should be able to give you the answers to any snow related questions you might have. Wanting to learn more about snowshoeing before you decide to do it? Check out this article with information from someone who has snowshoed in the area and shared their experience!
We hope we have inspired you to choose to visit Alamosa this winter, or any winter and take part in our top tier outdoor adventures, many of them completely unique to our destination! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today before the snow goes away!
From all of us here at Visit Alamosa, happy exploring!
