Where else can you curl on a Tuesday, spend Saturday skiing, skate under the lights Sunday night, and still be back at your desk Monday morning? In Colorado, that kind of week isn’t unusual — it’s just part of life here.
Every four years, we watch the Winter Olympics and think:
“I could totally do that.”
One of the best parts about living in Colorado or moving here 👀 is that you don’t just watch winter sports… you actually get to try them. We live in the best place in the nation to try Olympic sports first hand.
From curling like the pros to carving down alpine runs, here’s where you can channel your inner Olympian right here in Colorado. Only one catch, make sure to tag me @afreshtakeonrealestate in all the great new activities you try!
1. Curling: Yes, The Sweeping Sport (And Yes, It’s So Fun)
Curling is equal parts strategy and teamwork, played on ice with polished granite stones and a surprising amount of intensity. It’s competitive, social, and beginner-friendly — which makes it perfect for a winter date night, group outing, or trying something completely different.
Good news: Colorado has some of the best public curling access in the country.
Where You Can Try It:
Rock Creek Curling – Lafayette
They offer “Try Curling” sessions and beginner leagues. No experience required — just show up ready to sweep like your life depends on it. 👉 Check it out here
Denver Curling Club – Golden
Regular Learn-to-Curl clinics throughout the season. It’s surprisingly social, highly addictive, and way more strategic than it looks on TV. 👉 Check it out here
📅 Best Time to Go: Fall through early spring (many clubs run September–May).
2. Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding: The Main Event
This one’s obvious but it deserves the spotlight.
Colorado is home to world-class ski mountains that are open to the public all season long, with terrain for every level. From gentle beginner runs to big alpine bowls, there’s space to grow at your own pace.
And you don’t have to be an expert to start. With lessons, rentals, and beginner-friendly areas at nearly every resort, getting on the mountain is easier than you think.
Great Options for All Levels:
- Winter Park Resort – Visit site here
- Arapahoe Basin – Visit site here
- Loveland Ski Area – Visit site here
- Breckenridge – Visit site here
- Vail – Visit site here
📅 Season: Typically November through April (A-Basin often runs into June).
Whether you’re booking a lesson or chasing powder days, this is the sport that makes Colorado… Colorado.
3. Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing: Olympic Energy, Fewer Lift Lines
If downhill skiing feels a little intense, Nordic skiing might be more your speed. It’s scenic, steady, and surprisingly peaceful — the kind of workout where you glide through snow-covered trails instead of racing down them. Quietly competitive if you want it to be, but just as enjoyable at a relaxed pace.
Try It Here:
- Frisco Nordic Center -Visit site here
- Breckenridge Nordic Center - Visit site here
- Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trails- Visit site here
Some trail systems are even free (looking at you, Aspen). Rentals and beginner lessons are widely available.
📅 Peak Season: December through March.
4. Ice Skating, Speed Skating & Hockey: Channel Your Inner Figure Skater
Whether you're going full Olympic figure skating fantasy or just trying not to fall, public skating is everywhere in Colorado. From seasonal outdoor rinks in mountain towns to indoor arenas along the Front Range, it’s easy to find open skate sessions, rentals, and even beginner lessons.
Rinks Open to the Public:
- Family Sports Ice Arena (Centennial) – Visit site here
- Blue Sport Stable (Superior)- Visit site here
- Apex Ice Arena (Arvada)- Visit site here
- Evergreen Lake (Evergreen) allows Speed Skating - Visit site here
Some notable Colorado mountain communities that are known for outdoor ice skating are Evergreen and Georgetown. Evergreen Lake turns into a magical outdoor winter rink each winter, offering open skate, hockey, broomball, and social winter fun in the beautiful Rocky Mountain foothills — making it a favorite seasonal highlight near Evergreen, CO. It’s One of the Largest Groomed Outdoor Ice Rinks in the World and often called the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink in the world. Georgetown’s vibe in winter often includes free‑form pond hockey sessions on Georgetown Lake — locals and visitors play pickup games when conditions are right.This isn’t a maintained “rink” in the park way — it’s natural lake ice — so you must check ice thickness and safety conditions before venturing out.
📅 Season: Typically December–February (indoor rinks run year-round).
5. Freestyle Skiing
Here are some great places in Colorado where you can work on freestyle skiing skills with foam pits, airbags, and indoor training. Perfect for practicing jumps, aerials, and technique progression before trying them on snow:
Top Training Facilities:
- Woodward at Copper: This is arguably the best known freestyle training spot in Colorado with indoor foam pits, trampolines, ramps, and progression features designed specifically for ski and snowboard trick training.They offer intro sessions, drop‑in use, and structured coaching year‑round, plus summer ski/terrain park camps where you can combine on‑snow and indoor practice. – Visit site here
- SNÖBAHN (locations in Thornton and Centennial, CO) offers a freestyle training area with airbags and jumps along with trampolines — great for building aerial confidence. They also provide coaching, drop‑in sessions, and progression equipment that help you work toward more advanced tricks. Visit site here
Bonus: Olympic-Style Events You Can Watch (and Then Get Inspired)
If you want the full “crowd cheering, big air” vibe:
- Winter X Games – Aspen
👉 Visit site here
It’s not technically the Olympics — but it absolutely feels like it.
Why This Is One of My Favorite Things About Colorado
As a local realtor, I spend a lot of time talking about schools, neighborhoods, commute times, and home values. But honestly? The lifestyle is what seals the deal for most people.
Life in Colorado comes with lift lines, ice rinks, and mountain views. And whether you're already here or thinking about making the move, winter is part of what makes this state so special.
Ready to live this close to the action? Let’s find a home that puts you right in the middle of Colorado’s winter playground. Contact Megan Douglas
