Winter Attractions in Grand Lake Colorado

Looking for the perfect spot for your winter vacation or quick getaway? Grand Lake, Colorado is a magical and memorable experience. Lots of fresh, fluffy snow, amazing lights and so much to do.

Depending on the year, winter can start in November, sometimes early December. We have known Novembers where the groomed snowmobiling trails are open and piled with snow. Grand Lake offers four months of pure winter pleasure.

Where to stay for the holidays in Colorado? Well, with us of course. Book early. Enjoy our little Western town’s sparkling lights, Christmas Trees and more. Nothing beats a white Christmas and the Rapids Restaurant is open on Christmas Eve. The Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre puts on a holiday show and of course you have to ring in the new year with the Grand Lake fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve! The best viewing spot is just 2 very short blocks from the Rapids. Enjoy our fabulous New Year’s Eve dinner and then saunter down the road for one of the best fireworks shows you will ever see.

Do you have a love of the great outdoors? Ice-Fishing is at its best on our three lakes. Try something new – you might just get hooked! The Annual Grand Lake Catch and Release Contest is has a $1,000 prize! Check out the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest too. 

 Grand Lake is known as “The Snowmobile Capital of the USA” with miles of groomed snowmobile trails, exciting terrain and deeply snow-covered meadows. On the Trail Rentals at Winding River Resort or Grand Adventures in town has the sled you need. Double rider sleds are available. If you bring your own sleds, ride right from your room at the Rapids, through town and onto the trails. 

Not into motorized winter sports? Take a sleigh ride at Winding River Resort, something everyone should experience snuggled under a soft blanket. It is so quiet and peaceful gliding through the trees.

Got kids? Family activities in Grand Lake include our annual, fun-filled Winter Carnival with bed-sled races, human bowling, teapot curling and more. Pull your little one in the sled pull races or build a snowman for the competition! Locals participate in a snow sculpture competition. Join in and sign up. To top it off, there is a parade and fireworks! There is a free sledding hill just off the main street. The “Quackers” rubber ducky and fudge store is a must to visit with the family. Everyone can take home a memento.

Did you know there is a free ice-skating rink in Grand Lake? Visit the Grand Lake Center and check out some free skates. They even have a gym if you want to work out.

Want a change of scenery …. head down to Granby and go downhill skiing for day at Granby Ranch. The runs are just right and it is not too crowded so you and the kids can ski versus mostly stand in line! Affordable ski lessons are available. Night skiing at Granby Ranch is a fun adventure that will make for some great memories. Go a little farther afield and visit Winter Park for dog sled rides or tubing (day and night). Tubing is some of the best fun you can have and when you head home, soak away the cold at Hot Sulphur Springs. Sit under the stars in the steaming pools or watch the snowflakes fall softly around you. Stargazing in Grand County is absolutely fantastic on the cold, clear nights of winter. If you get up early, you can take a breathtaking trip in a Hot Air Balloon and float above the snowy landscape. 

Grand Lake Nordic Center offers a tubing hill just up the road from the Rapids Lodge, cross country ski and snowshoe lessons and equipment rentals, miles of groomed trails and if you are in one of the dog-friendly rooms at the Rapids, take your dog on the pet-friendly loop! Never Summer Mountain products also have winter sports equipment for sale and for rent. If you have forgotten your boots or mittens, this is the place to get them. The Harbison Loop, Coyote River Trail and Holzwarth Ranch trails in Rocky Mountain are easy and fun for the whole family on snowshoes or skis. The Kawuneechee Visitor Center offers guided trails on weekends throughout the winter. The Center is worth a visit for the displays and the short film introducing Rocky. For skilled skiers and snowshoers, there are plenty of challenging trails. Cross country skiing on the frozen lake ice is a blast and a great way to explore the historic homes along the Grand Lakeshore. Check with the locals to find out ice conditions and open water risks.

Well, by now, you should be convinced that Grand Lake in Colorado is the perfect place for winter family fun. Book at the Rapids Lodge today. We have great rates in the winter. Always book direct for the best price. Find us on Booking.com and Expedia.com, but book with us online or by phone. We are always happy to chat so give us a call.

Colorado Fall Trip

Grand Lake, Colorado is undeniably one of the best Fall destinations for leaf peepers. Aspen Trees turn a brilliant gold, with some orange and red trees interspersed. The trees are startling, amidst the evergreen Lodgepole Pine Forest and against the incredible blue of our three major lakes (Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby). Take a Fall road trip!

 A drive over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is a must. The road is the highest continuous highway in the United States and offers breathtaking views and scenery. Bull Elk are in full rutting form and sport magnificent antler racks. If you are lucky enough to witness the bulls spar, make sure you have your camera handy. A wildlife photographer won’t be disappointed! Early mornings and evenings are the best for watching the bull Elk rounding up their harems of females all the while “bugling”, a haunting sound. One harem is regularly seen at the Grand Lake Entrance so you don’t have to go far.

Nights are crisp and days are usually warm, clear and colorful. “Indian Summer” days are common. At the elevation of Grand Lake, 8,369 feet, you never know when snow might show up so come prepared with a range of clothes for layering.

There is a lot to do! Fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, boating, golf (stay & play), Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, mini-golf, shopping, dining, ATV rentals – you won’t be bored! Grand County, Colorado offers so many peaceful spots in nature. You might like to take a private tour of Rocky Mountain Park and gain insight into the history and wildlife.

Fall Events in Grand Lake include the 10th Annual U.S. Constitution Week and the exciting Troublesome Fest. The fest offers live music down by the lake and will raise funds for the Mountain Inc., a non-profit started after the East Troublesome Fire to help with fire mitigation and wildfire awareness.

Check out the Sky-Hi News Community Calendar for day-by-day ideas and details for activities during your stay.

 Low season rates begin the 2nd week of October so check out the hotel deals. October begins to get less crowded and more peaceful. A few fall colors remain and some elk will still be bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park. Days are warm and nights are colder, but sunshine abounds and it is still a wonderful time to take a vacation in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Peak colors are usually around the third week of September. Book early to make sure you get a room at the Rapids Lodge. A Colorado Fall vacation will be awe inspiring! The Rapids Lodge is in a great location: just one half block to the end of the main street in Grand Lake and two short blocks to the lake. Reservations for dinner at the Rapids Restaurant are highly recommended; however lunch is “first come, first serve” and is delicious and delightful outside on our patio by the river.

We look forward to serving you.