12 Epic Winter Activities In Pagosa Springs You won’t Want to Miss
Head to Wolf Creek Ski Area for a day of skiing, then relax the night away soaking at the hot springs.
Sounds dreamy right?
Or perhaps you prefer to spend the day hiking or snowshoeing one of the many scenic trails in the backcountry.
Regardless of your choice of activity, Pagosa Springs is a Colorado mountain town full of epic winter adventures your whole family will love.
In this post, we are giving you a guide to the best activities for families to do in Pagosa Springs in the winter months.
Keep reading to find out some local favorites and know exactly what incredible experiences the town of Pagosa Springs has to offer this winter.
Let’s go!
What are winters like in Pagosa Springs Colorado?
Winter in the mountainous region of Pagosa Springs is a magical time of year with powdery snow storms, clear sunny days and crisp cold nights, making it the ideal destination for skiers.
Our local ski resort, Wolf Creek Ski Area has over 450 inches of natural snowfall each year, which makes us more snow than any other resort in Colorado!
What month does Pagosa Springs get the most snow?
January is the month with most snow in Pagosa Springs. This makes it a perfect time for you to take advantage of all that winter has to offer.
A typical January in Pagosa Springs will average 5 inches of snow accumulation. With the high temperature around 39°F.
Best things to do in Pagosa Springs this Winter
1. Go Skiing + Snowboarding at Wolf Creek
It’s no secret that Wolf Creek Ski Area in the San Juan Mountains has some of the most scenic views and best powder for skiing and snowboarding in the winter with acres of wilderness to explore.
Sitting at just under 11,000 ft in elevation, Wolf Creek Ski Area gets nearly 450+ inches of snow each year delivering “the most snow in Colorado.” It’s one of the main reasons people visit Pagosa Springs in the winter. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Pagosa Springs.
If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, take Treasure Chair over to Alberta and ride the complimentary Snow Cat across the ridgeline to drop down into some remote territory to ski some seriously deep snow.
Whether you love skiing, snowboarding, or sipping hot cocoa at the lodge, Wolf Creek Ski Area has something special to offer. You can rent skis or snowboards at Wolf Creek Ski Area or before you head up the mountain at any of these reputable ski and snowboard rental locations in town:
Read our Ski and Snowboard Guide to Wolf Creek Ski area to discover the best places to eat on the mountain, how much lift tickets cost, and the best runs for all level of riders.
2. Soak at Pagosa Hot Springs Resort
Pagosa is most known for its geothermal mineral Hot Springs healing waters, located downtown Pagosa Springs next to the San Juan River.
Measuring more than 1,000 ft deep, the Pagosa Hot Springs holds the record for being the deepest hot springs in the world.
The Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Resort has more than 23 soaking pools that range from 98 degrees to a toasty 114 at the lobster pot, there is a pool for everyone.
3. Go Ice Skating
Get ready for a game of pickup pond hockey this winter in Pagosa Springs. Test your ice skating skills at a Pagosa Springs ice rink. There are a couple of inexpensive or free places to ice skate on in Pagosa Springs in the winter.
River Center Park: Located downtown next to the San Juan River, The River Center Park has two Ponds that freeze over in the winter making a great place to ice skate with the family. There is no fee to ice skate on the pond and there are ice skate rentals available at Summit Ski and Sports.
Pagosa Ice Rink at the Pavillion: The Pagosa ice rink is located outdoors but is covered by a pavilion with a fenced border. It’s great for small children learning how to ice skate Thanks to Pagosa Springs Volunteers, the Pagosa Ice Rink is open 7 days a week from 10 am- 8 pm Sunday to Thursday and 10 am- 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. The cost to ice skate is $3 and $5 to rent skates.
4. Hike to a Frozen Waterfall
If you like outdoor adventures, treasure Falls is absolutely stunning to see frozen! How do you get to Treasure Falls? It’s easy!
Head towards Wolf Creek on hwy 160 for 22 miles. The trailhead for treasure falls sits right off the road on the right. You can either enjoy the view of the frozen waterfall from the road, or you can take a short hike up to the viewing deck.
Make sure you’re wearing hiking boots with enough traction. We prefer to add microspikes (like these ones) to our boots because this trail is highly trafficked, with packed-snow and a few icy patches.
Want to explore some other hikes? Check out our Pagosa Springs Hiking Guide that includes the 10 best hikes in the area!
5. Ice Fish At one of Pagosa Lakes
Williams Creek Reservoir, Echo Lake and Hatcher Lake are all ideal for ice fishing in the winter in Pagosa Springs. Many find it a great way to spend a sunny day that keeps them fishing 12 months out of the year. Before you set foot on the ice, make sure there is at least 4 inches of solid ice. You can purchase a fishing license online.
6. Snowmobile Tour
Go on a high-speed ride through the mountains with Wolf Creek Snowmobile Tours where you will be taken on your choice of 2 hours, three hours, and half-day guided tours at one of the following locations in the National Forest:
- Wolf Creek Pass
- East Fork
- Turkey Springs
- Jackson Mountain
- Plumtaw
7. Head to the Backcountry for Snowshoeing
Don’t leave your favorite hiking trails just for the summer months! In the winter, Pagosa trails take on a new type of beauty covered in snow in the beautiful backcountry. With Pagosa Peak and stunning views of the San Juan Mountains as your backdrop, snowshoeing in Pagosa Springs is a great winter adventure.
Some of the best backcountry snowshoeing trails have winter features such as frozen lakes and snow-dusted mountains.
Our favorite snowshoeing trails in Pagosa Springs includes hiking around Williams Creek Reservoir, and Hiking Piedra River Trail featuring a massive icicle. Get more information about hikes around Pagosa Springs in our locals guide. Don’t have your own snowshoes? Check out the Snowshoes we use, or rent some from one of Pagosas most reputable rental shop:
8. Take your Kids Sledding
Sledding is a great non-motorized winter activity for the whole family to enjoy. You can rent or buy a snow tube at Pagosa Mountain Sports and head to Reservoir Hill, Lobo Overlook Parking lot, or Turkey Springs trailhead to makes memories that will last a lifetime.
9. Cross Country Ski one the of Pagosa Springs Nordic Tracks
Get some fresh air and step into a pair of Backcountry skis. Cross-country skiing is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities. It’s cheaper than downhill skiing, plus you get a great workout, and it allows you to experience nature covered in snow.
Pagosa Springs has many nordic trails for you to enjoy in the winter. Most of the local trails have been groomed and maintained exclusively for cross-country skiing San Juan Nordic Club.
Alberta Lake Loop at Wolf Creek Ski Area: has over 6 miles of cross-country trails that are groomed regularly. Dogs are welcome!
Coyote Hill: Coyote Hill Nordic loops offer three groomed loop trails. One for beginners, another for intermediate terrain, and a third for advanced terrain cross country skiers. There is also a loop for snowshoers. The trails have been marked with signs by ability level.
These trails are dog friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash or voice control and pick up their waste. See the Leave No Trace Principles and please help keep Pagosa beautiful for years to come.
For more trails, information and to get maps, visit the San Juan Nordic Club website.
To rent cross country skis, head to the Alpen Haus Ski Center
10. Go On a Winter Dog Sled Ride
Speed across a mountain meadow with a team of cute sled dogs. Check out dog sledding for a once-in-a-lifetime winter experience in the Rocky Mountains. San Juan Sled Dogs offers sled rides through the snow by a team of Alaskan Malamutes.
The guides will introduce you to the dog sled team and let you know what to expect on your ride before you depart.
11. Visit a Free Hot Spring in Pagosa Springs
Visit our guide to all of the Free Hot springs in Pagosa Springs to learn exactly how to get to these natural mineral pools, what to expect, and tips on how to enjoy each of these hot springs in the area!
12. The Ultimate Chocolate Experience
If you love chocolate, the Chocolate Experience Class in Pagosa Springs is for you!
You’ll learn how to make all sorts of delicious chocolate treats, from chocolate-dipped fruits to chocolate caramel. You’ll also get to learn about—and taste—cocoa nibs and different types of chocolate, which will help you better understand the difference between chocolate flavors.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about the mess – all of the tools and ingredients will be provided. Best of all, group sizes are kept small to ensure that you’ll get personal attention from your instructor. Best of all, you’ll get to take home everything you make or eat it on the spot.
So whether you’re a chocolate lover or just looking to try something new, sign up today!
Other Winter Activities to do in Pagosa Springs
You can still find a ton of family things to do in Pagosa Springs in the winter, even if you don’t want to spend the day outside in the snow.
Visit Local Pagosa Breweries
After a long day of fun winter activities, warm up at one of Pagosa springs local breweries. Each of Pagosas breweries brings its own unique experience to the table. One of these local breweries will be sure to have a drink to quench your thirst:
- Riff Raff Brewing Company
- The Break Room Brewing Company
- Pagosa Brewing Company
Get Cozy At a Local Pagosa Springs Coffee Shop
Nothing beats drinking a hot beverage on a cold winter day. Try a chai latte from Root House Coffee Shop downtown Pagosa right next to the San Juan River. Another local favorite is Higher Grounds, known for their delicious allegro coffee beans.
What to Pack for your Winter Activity
Now that you have planned the perfect Pagosa Springs winter activity itinerary, all that is left is to pack a suitcase full of winter gear! When you visit Colorado in the winter make sure you are prepared for all types of adventures. Here’s our list of what to bring. Adjust for the type of activity you are going on:
Outdoor Activity Winter Gear:
Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs
Stay the Night At the Hot Springs Resort Hotel
You’re on vacation, so indulge yourself with a one-of-a-kind place to stay the night. The Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Resort Hotel comes with amazing accommodations- Everything from all-night access to the mineral pools to incredible suites for two. The Resort Hotel is located in the best part of town within walking distance from downtown and has incredible views of the San Juan River from your room.
12 Ways to Spend Winter in Pagosa Springs
So there you have it, the best winter activities to do in Pagosa Springs according to a local. Whether you decide to go skiing or snowboarding at Wolf Creek Ski Area, hike to a frozen waterfall, or soak at the hot springs downtown Pagosa, I hope this post helped you figure out exactly how you want to spend your time when you visit.
What is your Favorite Winter Pastime in Pagosa Springs? Tell Us about them in the comments!
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