If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some winter fun with your family, Salida, Colorado is the perfect destination. You can find an amazing variety of winter sports, walking tours, family events, and holiday activities for people of all ages. Let’s look at some of the top activities and attractions that make this such an ideal spot for a winter escape.
Skiing and Tubing at Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain is a one-stop destination for a variety of winter sports. It’s open 7 days per week from Thanksgiving through the winter. One of the reasons people flock to Colorado in the winter is to ski. Monarch Mountain is one of the region’s premier ski destinations. You can find a variety of programs, clinics, and passes as well as slopes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Expert skiers who are looking for a challenge will want to try Monarch’s cat skiing, 1,635 acres of challenging terrain such as glades, steep chutes, and open bowls.
Another of Monarch’s activities for the whole family is tubing, an exciting sport the whole family can enjoy. While everyone can enjoy the experience of tubing down the mountain, it’s a good alternative for younger kids or adults who aren’t ready for skiing. While tubing is lots of fun and great exercise, it’s something that even beginners can safely enjoy. Tubing is one of the newest winter attractions offered at Monarch Mountain.
Snowmobiling
There are many great trails for snowmobiling in and around Salida. Several companies offer snowmobile and ATV rentals as well as guided tours. There are a variety of trails in Salida and Monarch in the Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests. One of the most popular is the Marshall Pass, which reaches an elevation of 11,000 feet as it approaches the Continental Divide following an abandoned railroad line.
Hot Springs
One of the wonderful things about Colorado is that it’s home to many hot springs. Bathing in warm water is just as refreshing and therapeutic in winter as summer. Some of the best hot springs in and around Salida include Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, which has two pools with water from an underground spring. Another popular spot, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop, has 20 pools of varying sizes and temperatures. Hot springs will relax your mind and muscles and are a great way to unwind in between your other winter activities.
Holiday Activities
Colorado is a beautiful and festive place to be around the holidays. There are all kinds of events and activities for the whole family in and near Salida. Here are a few highlights coming up this year:
- Walk and shop on Main Street, Salida. Salida is spectacularly lit up during the holidays, making it a magical place to visit for shopping, dining out, and taking photos, and more. One of the highlights is a 750-foot Christmas mountain decorated in the shape of a giant tree.
- Holiday Fest: December 19. Shops in Salida and Monarch Mountain will be open late for holiday shopping. There will be caroling, carriage rides, drawings with prizes, and a holiday attire contest.
- Santa Skis Monarch: December 24. Christmas Eve skiing. Bring the kids to watch Santa ski down the Monarch Mountain.
- Torchlight Parade and Fireworks: December 31. Ring in the New Year at Monarch Mountain for an evening of live music and spectacular fireworks.
Fun Street Family Arcade
The Fun Street Family Arcade in Salida is a perfect place for families who want to spend a fun afternoon playing their favorite games. The arcade offers everything for people of all ages, including board games, billiards, air hockey ping pong, and a variety of video games. Adults who grew up playing classic games in the 80s will enjoy the arcade as much as their kids. The arcade provides your family an enjoyable few hours to warm up in between all your outdoor winter activities.
Salida Walking Tours
If you really want to learn about a place and experience its unique atmosphere, there’s no better way than to walk around. Salida offers fun and informative walking tours that will teach you all about the area’s history and attractions. Experience the best of Colorado’s largest historic district in a small group led by informative guides. You’ll be able to learn about Salida from a local’s point of view as you hear entertaining stories about old as well as newer landmarks.
Enjoy Winter in Salida
Salida, along with nearby areas such as Monarch, offers many choices for people who want to experience invigorating family winter activities. Aside from the whole range of winter sports, the area offers excellent dining and a vibrant art and music scene. You can enjoy a day of skiing, tubing, or snowboarding, and end the day with a superb meal or a night out listening to some local music. Downtown Salida is also a great place to fit in some last-minute holiday shopping. This winter, why not choose Salida for your family getaway?
Select the perfect accommodations for your family’s winter holiday. Creekside Chalets has quality cabins in Salida, Colorado. To find out more, contact us.