Colorado Lakes - Perfect Places for Winter Family Activities

Are you looking for snow fun and winter activities near you this year? Winter transforms Granby Lake, Colorado into a white wonderland. The beautiful snow-capped Rocky Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for winter sports and outdoor activities on Colorado lakes near mountain towns. Your family can ski the slopes, build snowmen under brilliant blue skies, and cozy up in a cabin. Here are 12 things to do in Granby, CO this winter.

Snowmobile on a Frozen Lake

I sampled all the winter sports my first winter in Colorado. I remember hugging my now husband around the waist as snow and water sprayed up behind us on a tandem snowmobile ride. It was exhilarating.

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Imagine a bright sunny winter day flying along at 45 miles per hour on a wide expanse of frozen Colorado Lake. The brisk cold stings a little as snow sprays up behind you on this open plane for what seems like miles and miles.

Each “sled”, as the locals call them, is a mini race car. Noise and powdery winter snow fill the air as these high-powered machines cut donuts on the frozen lake.

If you’ve ever gone snowmobiling in the woods before, you know a tree well can engulf your whole sled. Talk about a fun killer. I prefer groomed trails and open lakes so there is more time riding and less time digging out your sled.

two people snowmobiling in a granby co winter

Renting Snow Mobiles

Most snow mobile rental companies offer guided and unguided tours. A valid driver’s license is required to drive the snowmobile, but there are tandem ones available for families. Be sure to wear all your snow gear or rent it from the company. Pack a picnic and enjoy the incredible mountain views.

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Granby Lake winter activities photo collage of moose, skiing, sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling

Snowboard and Ski

Family-friendly resorts like Granby Ranch and Winter Park Resort are perfect for snowboarding and skiing. Granby Ranch alone has more than 30 runs, so you are guaranteed to find a perfect spot for everyone in your family. Lessons are usually available for beginners, making it a great opportunity for your kids to learn a new skill.

Hit the slopes in Grand Lake, too, as it is an easy day trip from Granby.

family cross country skiing with poles in a colorado winter mountain valley

Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski

Explore the crisp winter snow snowshoeing or cross-country skiing all around the beautiful Granby Lake.

I remember the first time I saw them–long and lean, wearing very little and moving like the wind. Cross-country skiers are as different from alpine skiers as cowboys are from English dressage riders. Yes, both of them wear “skis”, but for very different reasons.

Cross county skiers don’t buy lift tickets. Instead, they pack their lunches and glide silently away from all the crowds on flat ski areas. Nordic skis can be rented for the day or a season from shops or Nordic Centers. They are about 1/4 of the cost of downhill skiing, making this is a fun day out for the family.

There is usually a Nordic Center nearby Colorado’s most popular winter lakes, including one in Grand County. You can get insider information, rent equipment, and take some lessons at these centers.

Snowshoes make traipsing the hiking trails in winter a fun outing.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a part of the culture on Colorado lakes. Driving your truck out onto the ice, cutting a hole and sitting and waiting for your fish story to happen is a good day! It’s a unique experience for kids to learn about the local fish and enjoy the tranquility of the ice-covered lake.

Granby, Colorado holds a large ice fishing contest every year. The 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest held in the “after Holiday blahs” of January, brings the whole town to life. Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake play host to over 2,000 people for this three-day event.

Adult to youth categories reel in fish for large cash prizes. Make sure to dress in your snow gear and come watch the fun.

group of friends holding up the fish they caught while ice fishing on Colorado lake

Local Ice Fishing

Many kiddie ponds in Colorado offer ice fishing just for fun. My guys just use the basic rod and reel with power bait for the cold fishes. The one piece of special equipment you will need is an auger to drill a hole in the ice. Be sure to dress up warm and take a thermos of hot chocolate. Winter gear is a must for just sitting around fishing.

Ice Skate Outdoors

Embrace the magic of winter by ice skating around the Colorado lakes in winter. Gliding on the ice is like meditation for your soul.

team of sled dogs and man mushing with trees and snow in background

Dog Sledding

Snow Mountain Ranch, just outside of Granby, offers a full mushing experience. Colorado is a bit more accessible than Alaska. Meet the friendly huskies and experience the thrill of mushing on a 2-mile trail during the winter months.

Watch Out for Wildlife

Engage your kids in wildlife spotting. Bundle up, bring binoculars and cameras, and explore the region’s natural beauty while keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as elk, fox, moose, and deer. Don’t forget to look up! Eagles take advantage of the Colorado River and tall mountains, too.

Tubing and Sledding

Make the most of the snowy hills by tubing and sledding. Fraser Tubing Hill is about 30 minutes from Granby. Kids and adults alike can experience the adrenaline rush of zipping down the hills.

If you’re not up for the drive, ask local outfitters where the best sledding hills are. There are often sledding gems tucked into different neighborhoods or off hiking trails. If you don’t have your own, tubes and sleds can be rented.

Snowball Fight!

The best memories are often created with good old-fashioned fun. When’s the last time you had a snowball fight with your kids? Be creative making snowmen and build a fort for an ultimate snowball showdown. It’s all part of the wintry fun.

Stargazing

One of the best views in the mountains is at night. Granby Lake is a small-ish town so it is easy to escape any streetlights and find a dark place to gaze up at the stars. There is nothing quite like a crisp, cold, winter night to be mesmerized by our amazing universe.

Wind Surfing on Colorado Lakes

Colorado’s frozen lakes are perfect for this summer turned winter sport. The sunny days and high winds give surfers the push necessary to fill the sails. Skimming across vast frozen lakes tacking right and left is pure freedom to fly.

New, and yet old, the reinvention of windsurfing as a winter sport is wonderfully demonstrated in this (sorry Colorado) Minnesota Video.

Retreat to a Cozy Cabin

With its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby is the perfect place for relaxing at the end of your day. Choose a family-friendly cabin that has a hot tub for unwinding and warming up at the end of your day.

Getting to Granby Lake, CO

The nearest airport to Granby Lake is Denver International Airport. From the airport, it is about 2 hours’ drive to Granby Lake. Shuttle buses and an Amtrak train are also available. Transportation in winter can be difficult so always check weather forecasts and Colorado road conditions.

If you live nearby, Granby Lake and Grand Lake are great winter day trips. They are the perfect places when you’re looking for snow fun near you.

Packing for Granby Lake in Winter

Colorado winters are beautiful, but they can also be brutal up in the mountains and around the alpine lakes. If you are visiting from other climates, here are your essentials for winter packing.

mom and kids in winter coats and hats making snow angels on the ground

Essential Winter Clothing

Layers are key to staying comfortable throughout the day. Pack thermal underwear, waterproof jackets, extra pairs of gloves, good snow booths, and cozy hats. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen! Weather can turn on a dime in the mountains. It is always better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Use the Right Gear for Your Activity

Whichever winter activity you choose in your area, you’ll need the necessary gear. Snow boots, snowshoes, skis and snowboards can often be rented if you don’t have your own.

Local ski shops don’t just carry skis and boards anymore. You can often rent windsurfing gear, snow bikes, tubes, sleds, and more at the local outfitter shop. Some rental places may even offer winter activity lessons or at least advice on how to get started and the best places for beginners.

Eat and Drink

Keep your family fueled for all your winter adventures. Pack energy-boosting snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and hot chocolate in thermoses to keep spirits high. Bring extra water with you as well. Oftentimes we don’t think about drinking water in cold weather, but it is still easy to get dehydrated.

bright orange sign warning back country users in the Rocky Mountains of avalanche blasting

Safety First

Safety should always be top priority. Pack a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Let others know where you are headed and when you are expected to return. Research emergency services and warnings in your location before heading out – especially in more remote areas.

Winter lake safety is important. It is wise to visit the ranger station or Nordic organization around the lake before trying any winter sport. Cold and wet, even in sunshine, is an unforgiving combination in Colorado’s winter weather.

Nowadays we tend to store information and maps on our phones, but it’s always a good idea to have paper copies too. You never know when a phone will die or when you won’t have access to service. The Boy Scouts motto of “always be prepared” is definitely appropriate for winter activities in Colorado.

Ice Conditions on Colorado Lakes

Before getting out on the frozen lakes, ALWAYS check ice conditions. Ask locals about the ice, but always double check for yourself as well. Remember, new ice is stronger than old ice. You need at least 6 inches of good ice to snowmobile on a frozen lake. Driving out onto the ice with a medium pickup requires 12-15 inches.

car driving onto a frozen lake with snow

Carry a safety kit and tools for assisting in case someone falls through the ice. Winter activities are fun, but always be prepared.

The National Forest Service is also a great place to talk with the rangers about lake conditions. Make a plan and always let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.

Are there indoor activities for families in case of extreme cold or bad weather?

Yes, Granby Lake offers indoor activities and entertainment options for families. In case of extreme cold or bad weather, try the local rec center, a new restaurant, or visit the library.

Are there any restrictions or age limits for winter activities in Granby Lake?

While many winter activities in Granby Lake are family-friendly, some may have age or height restrictions. Snowmobiling tours require a license for anyone driving. Certain ski lessons or trails may be better suited for older children. Always check with outfitters and businesses for specific restrictions before booking.

There’s a plethora of things to do in both Grand Lake and Granby when you’re looking for a winter day trip near you or planning an entire family vacation. Winter activities bring families together by creating precious memories and building bonds. It isn’t just a winter wonderland, either – visit again in the summer months! Whether you crave adrenaline-filled adventures or a moment of serenity under the starry skies, Granby Lake is captivating.

For more year-round Colorado adventures, try these:

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12 Granby Lake Winter Activities for Families