Forgot to book Epic pass ski reservations or just didn’t make them in time? Have no fear . . There is so much more to do here.
The new reservations system for skiing has certainly made the whole aspect of the sport a little harder than just waking up. . .checking the weather . . .and going skiing. These days it’s a little more stressful to book a short ski trip when the option to ski every day can be an uncertainty. Although skiing and snowboarding is our most popular activity here in the mountains, our quaint little county still offers so much more.
Here’s a few winter activities that you wont normally see on the travel brochures:
Natural Pond Skating
- Summit Cove Pond– A low profile neighborhood pond 5 mins from keystone. This pond is regularly maintenance by locals. There is plenty of room to skate for leisure and goals for hockey as well. This pond is smaller and freezes very well. No worries on safety issues here
- Walmart Pond– Right behind Walmart you can find another small pond. Lots of hockey games going on here. Plus if you need equipment Walmart is literally a stones throw away.
- Silverthorne Elementary School pond– Just off of highway 9 before the elementary school is a large pond that often will host organized hockey games like the PBR classic.
- Lake Dillon- Not into skating? Test your luck ice fishing on the lake or just relax and watch the kite boarders on a sunny day
Winter Hiking
Most people picture snowshoeing through deep snow when it comes to hiking in the winter but that is not always the case here in Summit. Most of our popular hiking trails see a lot of foot traffic all year long, which allows for easy access using just a pair of winter boots.
winter hikes in summit county < 3
- The troll –Isak Heartstone has become one of the most popular hiking destinations in Breck over the past few years. He now sits in a very accessible location behind the ice rink. This enormous troll is always worth a visit. Maybe two or three visits actually.
- Officers Gultch– This hike is especially nice if you have dogs with you on your trip. This spot is right off i70 on the way to Copper. It may be a little out of the way for some but it is also way less traveled than most hikes in the county and still offers amazing views as well as a large frozen lake to hike around. This is one of my favorite spots to go with my dogs, especially when the county gets crowded.
- Old Lake Dillon– You might drive by this hike everyday with out knowing that it even exists. Perched above the current Lake Dillon lies an old lake that is now used as a reservoir. The only way you can even see this hidden gem is from the mountains above. . .that is unless you hike up and see if for yourself up close and personal. It’s a fairly shot hike but it will open up a slew of new views of the lake below and surrounding peaks. This hike has a great boot pack all year around and is located right off the dam road.
Good old fashioned sledding
It is not very hard find a good sledding hill around these parts. Just take a look around and you’ll see what I mean. There are hills everywhere but if you aren’t feeling adventurous then go check out the new sledding hill by the airport lot in Breckenridge. It’s one of the newer additions to that up and coming area.
Still set on skiing no matter what?
Here’s what to do: If you don’t have an epic pass or just can’t get reservations to Breckenridge and or Keystone try getting a ticket for Copper Mountain. If you can take the bus there is no need for reservations there. Hopefully you get to enjoy some ski days on your visit but if not always ask a local for some advice on what to do. We are generally pretty friendly people up here in the mountains! Most will point you in the right direction.
After a slow start. . .snow is finally starting to pile up in the mountains. Go get yourself some turns..but don’t forget a reservation!!
Be safe out there and please remember to respect all restrictions that are still set in place for our county. We thank you for helping us to keep Summit County safe
