Pagosa Springs Winter Activities Everyone Will Love
With more than 60 inches of snow in Pagosa Springs and 400-plus inches in nearby Wolf Creek Pass, it’s easy to see why this area beckons snow lovers from all over the U.S. Add in healing hot springs and friendly locals, and travelers may never want to leave. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Check out the top Pagosa Springs winter activities and start planning a wintertime escape.
Pagosa Springs Winter Activities: Ways to Enjoy the Snow
Skiing and Snowboarding
Some of the best ski trails in Colorado are located near Pagosa Springs. Wolf Creek Ski Area, one of the top playgrounds in the area, offers 1,600 acres and a summit elevation of 11,904 feet. Plus, this destination receives an average of 430 natural inches of snow per year. Wolf Creek Ski Area offers trails for beginners, intermediate, advanced and expert skiers. Its longest run – Navajo Trail – measures 2 miles, and visitors will find multiple lifts.
Other places to ski and snowboard in Pagosa Springs include Nordic trails at Coyote Hill and Nordic Trails at West Fork Road. Both provide places for beginners to experts and receive professional grooming for cross-country skiers.
Relax in Hot Springs
As one of the top attractions, hot springs also rank among the top Pagosa Springs winter activities. Guests flock to these spots to relax, heal tired muscles and unwind.
During winter, hot springs become a place to warm up and ease the body after a day playing outside. The Springs Resort and Spa overlooks San Juan Mountains and houses 23 mineral water pools reaching up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Other options include Healing Waters Resort and Spa and Overlook Mineral Springs Spa. In addition to hot springs, these spas also offer massage therapy menus. Read about hot springs in Pagosa Springs.
Sledding and Tubing
Snow lovers will find plenty of places to sled and tube down hill. Area companies lease sleds, so all ages can head to Reservoir Hill in downtown Pagosa. Here, they tube for free. For something more action-packed, stop by High Country Tubing Park. The park has four lanes and a kiddie hill for younger guests. Reservations are required.
Those looking for a private group option may enjoy dog sledding. Mountain Paws – one of the top options in the area – hosts guided dog-sled adventures. Visitors may drive their own team 6 to 8 miles through Pagosa Springs’ back-country. Teams consist of one drive, one passenger and up to eight Alaskan Huskies. On the journey, expect to change drivers, take photos and enjoy warm goodies.
Ice Skating
Located behind River Center Park, two ponds welcome visitors to ice skate – as long as the ice measures at least 4 inches. The town of Pagosa Springs oversees these ponds, which are free to use.
Pagosa Multi-Purpose Pavilion also provides a place to skate and rent skates. The center opens for public ice skating as well as hockey and skating lessons.
Guided Tours
Other Pagosa Springs winter activities include guided tours of the area. One popular choice is Wolf Creek snowmobile tours. Guests enjoy two hours of snowmobiling with a guide, but the company also caters to adrenaline junkies and new riders. The tour includes time to freestyle in a controlled environment.
Sleigh Rides
Ranked among the top Pagosa Springs winter activities for families, sleigh rides provide a gentle activity and fun way to enjoy the snowy scenery. Guests have a couple of sleigh ride options.
For more than 40 years, Astraddle A Straddle has hosted horse-drawn sled rides throughout Pagosa’s snowy landscape. Majestic Sleigh Rides hosts one-hour rides and accommodates groups up to 16 people. However, both outfitters cater to small groups and families as well.
After planning fun activities, book a Pagosa Springs vacation home in Colorado.