Your Winter Playground Awaits

Snow-covered peaks stretching across the horizon. Frosted evergreens lining peaceful trails. Wildlife roaming through a breathtaking winter landscape. No trip to Grand Lake is complete without experiencing the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. From scenic snowshoeing adventures to stunning winter views, discover a quieter, more magical side of the Rockies. Be sure to check seasonal road closures and park entry requirements before visiting.

A Winter Wonderland isn’t complete without an Ice Rink. The town of Grand Lake provides a free skating rink outdoors at their new location at the Town Park on Grand Avenue from December through February.

The Grand Lake Nordic Center is one of the top spots in Grand County for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing featuring 35km of meticulously groomed trails, a rental center, and lesson programs. Across the Colorado River before it gained any size and enjoy the scenic views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho National Forest, and the beauty and peace as you ski through groves of aspen and pine. A lucky few might see a moose on the trail.

Winter in Grand Lake is a great time for viewing wildlife. The snow makes it easier to spot and track many animals, especially moose, fox, elk, and deer. Although the Osprey leave town when the temps drop, the bald eagles swoop in to set up shop for the winter and fish the frigid waters of the Colorado River. The best place to see them is near the Green Ridge campground on Shadow Mountain Reservoir where a designated viewing platform provides a picture-perfect spot to observe these majestic birds in their nests from a safe distance.

Grand Lake is the “Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado.” From December through April, snowmobiling enthusiasts from across Colorado and around the world come to Grand Lake, Colorado to enjoy more than 300 miles of snowmobiling trails, including 150 miles of groomed trails. The town itself is very supportive of snowmobiling – to the extent roads are left snow-packed so people can drive to shops, bars, and restaurants on their snowmobiles.

The trout don’t stop biting when the ice freezes over Grand Lakes. Winter is a great time to fish here. Trying your hand at this unique lake town tradition is a must-do for visitors. Granby, Kremmling, and Grand Lake all host annual ice fishing contests that offer big prizes and bigger bragging rights.