Yes, Colorado’s ski vacations are the stuff that Texans dream about. But a weekend getaway to the High Country doesn’t have to involve gravity-defying feats on skis. Here, some other options for your next trip up I-70.

ICE SKATING | VAIL

Why: Be at the center of things, quite literally, and lace up your skates to carve some ice smack-dab in the middle of Vail Square.

SNOWSHOEING | ASPEN

Why: During the fall, especially, I make excuses to hike near Aspen. But in the winter, the trails are just lovely—and less crowded.

ICE RACING | GEORGETOWN

Why: Sliding on ice while stuck in I-70 traffic is not fun. Purposefully sliding on ice on Georgetown Lake, though, is a rush.

TUBING | SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH

Why: With a lighted slope, you can keep your runs going past sunset.

ICE CLIMBING | OURAY ICE PARK

Why: This just might be the polar opposite of downhill skiing: You’ll use axes and crampons to haul yourself up, up, up.

ICE FISHING | GRAND LAKE

Why: Years later, I’m still bragging about the “big one” I caught in the middle of winter.

How do you enjoy the great outdoors during Colorado winters? Let us know in the comments.

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Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.