Winter is coming.

The phrase became popular because of Games of Thrones, but I find myself using it frequently, especially this time of year. Now that peak fall color has passed, I’m looking towards the next season– and I love winter!

All too often people complain about summer’s colder sibling. I hate the cold. There’s nothing to do if you don’t ski. The days are short. Driving is awful. And on and on. But really, they’re missing the point. Truthfully, it can be argued that winter in Colorado is the BEST season–and I’m here to tell you why!

Photos by Will Rochfort

9. Winter Wildlife

Summer is teeming with wildlife. We have black bears and mountain lions and marmots and pikas and raccoons and squirrels galore. Mountain goats are essentially deer here, and deer are as common as dogs.

But in the winter? That all changes. Bears are in hibernation and the other critters are scarce. Most of them hole up to survive the cold months, so animal sightings are rare. But when you do run across a lone moose while snowshoeing on Cameron Pass, it’s downright magical. There is something special about seeing a large mammal foraging for food in an otherwise desolate environment. It’s damn near other-worldy.

8. Peace and Quiet

There is nothing–nothing!–like the stillness that comes with the dead of winter. As previously mentioned, most of the wildlife noises cease in the winter. Birds fly south so their incessant chirping is replaced with a thick silence. The summer hordes are hiding as all but the most diehard enthusiasts are lurking indoors. And in that silence comes new, unfamiliar noises. Truthfully, I swear you can sometimes hear the snow fall. Pure wonder.

7. Hot Chocolate

Truthfully, I don’t love the stuff. Sure, it’s tasty and sweet, but I never find myself craving hot chocolate….

….unless it’s during the winter!

I could try to explain the unadulterated bliss that comes with a cup of hot cocoa after a day on the slopes, but I’m not sure I could do it justice. Just trust me: go spend a day in the cold and come back to hot chocolate and marshmallows. Your life will be forever changed.

6. Backcountry Skiing

In my opinion, backcountry skiing is to winter what hiking is to the summer–with a bit more speed!

I realize not everyone enjoys resort skiing: lines can be long and runs can be crowded. But none of that applies to backcountry skiing. In fact, think of it as you would think of hiking: it’s just another way to tour those beautiful mountains.

5. Fat Biking

I’ll be honest: I’ve been curious about this new, trendy winter sport. Why did we need to ride our bikes in the winter anyway?

Because it’s freaking awesome, that’s why!

Will and I tried fat biking last year at the YMCA at Snow Mountain Ranch, and it was stupid amounts of fun. Not only do you get to ride through a snowy countryside, but falls don’t hurt. I toppled over at least 400 times and my biggest worry was getting buried in the snow. Not too shabby!

4. Cozy Mountain Huts

There is something entirely perfect about a small cabin in the woods. Can there be anything more picturesque that sitting by a fire while watching the snow fall after a long day of outdoor playtime?

I think not.

The 10th Mountain Division offers dozens of these huts, and it’s been an annual tradition for quite sometime. Sure, it takes some sweat equity to reach these huts–you have to snowshoe or ski into them–but it’s worth it. Just you, 15 friends, and a cozy log cabin. {Or, if you prefer a yurt, check out the Never Summer system!}

And don’t forget the world-class scenery!

3. Dog Sledding

I first experienced dog sledding at the Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA last year. Honestly, I was wary. I worried about the dogs’ health; were they fed enough? Did they run too much?

There will be a future post about dog sledding in particular, but the takeaway is that my worries were completely eased. Not only do the owners care and love for these dogs, but these pups like to run! I experienced this firsthand while on the ranch, and there is no doubt in my mind: nothing in the world makes the dogs happier than running with each other and a sled.

2. Fairytale Mountain Towns

Colorado may not have castles and princesses but some of our mountain towns? Straight out of a fairytale.

Towns like Crested Butte are rich with mining history and have chosen to hang onto their old buildings. Small downtowns spring up around this history to create a unique blend of western-meets-modernity, and it can be incredibly beautiful in the winter. Snow covers the festive buildings while street lights line the small-town streets. Splash some holidays lights and a little garland and you’ve got a scene directly from a storybook.

1. Sunshine

Contrary to popular belief, Colorado is incredibly livable in the winter. Did you know that the winter is largely filled with sunshine AND snow?! It’s true!

We don’t get those long, gloomy days that make you want to hide indoors. Rather, it’ll dump snow for three days and then clear up to a bluebird sky with a big ball of sunshine. This combo of sun and snow creates a perfect melting pot of fun-having outdoor weather!

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