Let’s face it: skiing isn’t for everyone. And it doesn’t have to be. Nothing wrong about sitting in front of the fireplace and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa while your buddies enjoy hitting the slopes outside! This is especially true in Denver, a popular ski destination that also features plenty of other snowy activities for the non-skier. Let’s take a look into some of the best winter activities in in Denver for those who love playing in the snow but are not particularly fond of skiing.

Have You Tried Snowmobiling Yet?

It’s comparable to a four wheeler on snow, and also allows you to go faster and maneuver more gracefully as compared to skis.  Travelers can head just west of Denver to find thousands of miles of trails. We recommend having at least one person going with you to help make for a safer snowmobiling expedition. If you’re not quite so adventurous, some places offer professional tours with experienced guides!

Go Snow Tubing!

This is a great way to spend your winter vacation in Denver! Many experienced skiers and snowboarders — including locals who don’t want to pay for lift tickets every time they head up to the mountains — enjoy finding all-natural slopes around Denver to let themselves go with this fun activity.

If you want to enjoy your stay with your ski-loving friends and family, this is probably your best option since many ski resorts also have tubing slopes. Not to mention snow tubing in Denver is typically cheaper and easier on your body than skiing!

Practice Snowshoeing!

If hiking is your idea of a great afternoon outdoors, then put on a pair of snowshoes and hit the backcountry of the Denver area. While you can’t quite move so quickly as you can when hiking, this is a great way to see what feels like untouched parts of America with a blanket of snow. There are trails throughout the Denver area, but one of my favorites for snowshoeing is Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most famous areas of its kind the U.S.

Ice Skating…Always a Classic!

This is yet another great winter activity to do with the entire family, even if you don’t have any prior ice skating experience. One of the best things about ice skating in Denver is that you don’t have to do it outdoors in the cold. While Denver and Boulder have outdoor ice skating rinks, they also have indoor ice skating rinks, including Big Bear Ice Arena, for a break from the brisk outdoors. Most of these rinks offer their own skate rentals.

Up for a Sleigh Ride?

That’s right, you can take a sleigh ride in Denver! Few winter activities can beat an old-fashioned sleigh ride through the snow. While you probably won’t be carried through the snow by reindeers, you can expect to have some beautiful horses for the ride through the Colorado Mountains. Not a bad alternative at all! Just make sure to bundle up and bring some blankets along for the ride. Some of the sleigh rides even include tea, coffee, dessert, and even dinner options.

Walk Around the Denver Botanic Gardens at Night

The Denver Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to walk around during the day. But at night, they become even more magical. The lights illuminating the plants and flowers make for a calm stroll as you gaze up into the sky, which is something truly special since many plants and flowers close up during the day!

You may also like: The Best Free Things You Can Do in Denver with Kids

Tour The Denver Mint

As the capital of the state of Colorado, Denver can boast of having a rich history. Proof of that is that it’s also home to one of the most famous mints in America: The Denver Mint. Did you know that coins are made there, and that you can actually visit the place? When you arrive for your tour, you’ll be given a safety vest and a pair of headphones. You’ll learn how coins are made, from the design phase to the finished thing. You’ll also get to see some of the mint’s history, including exhibits on how coins were made in the past.

Dine Inside an Igloo!

What could be more romantic than sharing a meal with your loved one inside an igloo? Not a real one, though. These comfy, warm igloos will keep your body temperature — and food!– warm. They are not very big, so you can be sure to enjoy some privacy while enjoying delicious food. While in Denver, you can try the experience in Lorimer Square and Union Station. Some of them even offer a full-course meal with wine pairings and traditional Swiss cheese fondue and raclette. Yum!

Tour the Coors Brewery and Visit Winter Brew Fest!

The Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, is a great place to visit if you enjoy craft beer. It’s an exciting tour across a facility that has been around for more than 100 years! But don’t let the fun stop there. Book cheap flights in January to Denver and head to Winter Brew Fest at nearby Coors Field, a festival representing more than 25 breweries from across the nation where hundreds of different beers are featured. As long as you get your ID ready — it’s a 21+ event — you’ll be sure to have a great time drinking among friends and locals alike!