Other Winter Activities

Experience winter in new ways

From skiing to fat biking and snowshoeing to snowmobiling, we know Gunnison Crested Butte is a great winter destination. But did you know there are other ways to enjoy winter, too? With a few ice rinks, dog sled guides, sledding hills, winter events and more there are many ways to experience winter.

ICE SKATING

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity that can be fun for the whole family. There are a few places to ice skate around Gunnison and Crested Butte. Jorgensen Ice Rink in Gunnison has an indoor and outdoor ice rink. The property also has an outdoor frozen pond dedicated to skating for the public. The park has a few cross-country skiing trails as well. Big Mine Ice Arena in Crested Butte is a covered outdoor ice rink. Big Mine doesn’t use any refrigeration for its ice, so you get the experience of skating on natural ice. It’s located adjacent to Crested Butte Nordic Center. Blue Mesa Reservoir west of Gunnison is the largest reservoir in Colorado. When it freezes over in winter it becomes a popular ice-skating spot. If you plan to lake skate, please ensure you have the proper skills, equipment and knowledge to stay safe.

Ice Skating Etiquette

Skate in the Right Direction: Always follow the flow of traffic on the ice. Most rinks designate a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, so be mindful of the rules.
Keep to the Edge: If you’re a beginner or skating at a slower pace, stay near the rink’s edge to leave the center open for faster skaters.
Avoid Stopping in the Middle: Don’t stop or stand in the middle of the rink where skaters are moving. If you need to take a break, move to the side.
Yield to Faster Skaters: More experienced skaters typically move faster. If you’re slower, yield to them, especially when they are overtaking you.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and avoid weaving or sudden movements. Always be conscious of others around you to prevent collisions.
No Pushing or Shoving: Ice skating should be fun for everyone. Keep your hands to yourself and avoid roughhousing on the ice.
Take Care of Your Equipment: Ensure your skates are properly laced and fitted to avoid accidents. If you need help, ask rink staff for assistance.
Don’t Carry Items on the Ice: Keep bags, drinks, or other items off the rink to avoid tripping hazards.
Respect the Skate Time Limit: If there’s a time limit or session change, be considerate of others waiting to skate and leave the ice promptly.

A group of people stand on the deck of a small round building. It is snowy and skis are on a ski rack

Yurt Dining

For a truly unique experience that highlights one of Crested Butte’s best features, attend a yurt dinner or brunch at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Crested Butte has an expansive groomed Nordic skiing trail system. Many of these trails can be accessed right from town, but after just a short ski you’ll find yourself in a quiet and remote area. Located off one of these trails is the Magic Meadows Yurt. The yurt is only open in the winter and is used as a warming hut when a meal isn’t being hosted in it. To get to the yurt you must ski or snowshoe down a groomed one-mile trail. A trail pass from Crested Butte Nordic is required to take the trail to the yurt. The trail is easy and well-marked. If you attend a dinner, it will be lit for your ski back. If you attend a brunch, you can check out more trails after your meal!

Yurt Dining

Dog-friendly activities

Want to bring your pup? The Gunnison Valley is very dog-friendly. Learn more about what you can do with your dog in Gunnison and Crested Butte below.

Dog-friendly activities

Winter Events

Winter brings several beloved annual events in Gunnison and Crested Butte. These events let you experience unique aspects of the Gunnison Valley. There are tree lightings, intense backcountry ski races, a quirky costume party that doubles as cross-country ski race, ice fishing competitions and more. Plan your winter trip around a specific event or see if one is happening when you’ll be here!

Winter Events

Sledding

Sledding is another classic winter activity. There are a few places to sled in Gunnison and Crested Butte. The practice field at Western Colorado University is a popular sledding hill in Gunnison. Crested Butte has a sledding hill just outside of town heading north to Mt. Crested Butte.

Ice fishing

The Gunnison Valley is a well-known summer and fall fishing destination. Many places you can fish in warmer weather you can also ice fish in winter! Blue Mesa Reservoir and Taylor Park Reservoir are two popular ice fishing spots in the Gunnison Valley. There are a handful of small lakes and ponds that can be ice fished on as well. If you’re learning how to ice fish or don’t want to worry about getting all your own gear, consider going with a guide. Guides often provide all the necessary technical gear and will show you how to use it. Plus, they know where the fish are!

Ice Fishing Etiquette

Respect Other Anglers’ Space: Avoid crowding others. Give fellow anglers plenty of space to set up their gear, especially if they’ve been on the spot for a while.
Follow Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with and follow the local fishing laws, including bag limits, fishing seasons, and restricted areas.
Clean Up After Yourself: Dispose of trash properly, including bait containers, fishing line, and other waste. Keep the ice clean for future anglers and wildlife.
Keep Noise to a Minimum: Be mindful of noise levels. Excessive talking or loud music can disturb others who are there to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Be Cautious When Drilling Holes: If drilling a hole near other anglers, be careful not to create a mess or disrupt their fishing area. Avoid drilling too close to other people’s spots.
Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing wildlife in the area. Don’t litter or leave waste behind that could harm animals, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling them.
Be Prepared for Safety: Always ensure the ice is thick enough to support your weight, and take necessary safety precautions. Carry safety gear like ice picks and a rope in case of emergency.
Don’t Leave Holes Unattended: Always cover or mark your fishing holes when you’re done, especially if you leave for an extended period, to prevent accidents for others.
Be Patient and Courteous: Ice fishing requires patience, and everyone is there to enjoy the experience. Share tips, be respectful, and keep the experience positive for all involved.
Check Your Ice Gear Regularly: Ensure your gear is set up correctly and safely, especially when it comes to traps and lines, so you don’t accidentally cause trouble for other anglers.

Find an ice fishing guide

Dog sledding

If you’re a dog person dog sledding might be the perfect winter activity for you! Dog sledding is a unique way to get outside and experience winter in Crested Butte and Gunnison. There are a few dog sled outfitters in Gunnison Valley. They’ll take you on scenic trails reminiscent of a winter wonderland through the public lands in the area. You can either kickback and relax while your guide leads the team or learn how to mush yourself. You’ll have opportunities to spend time with the dogs and take photos. Most full day outings also include a lunch. Please follow all instructions from your guide.

FIND A DOG SLEDDING GUIDE

ACTIVITIES IN GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE

While you’re here check out Crested Butte and Gunnison’s other winter activities: skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and fat biking!

CRESTED BUTTE AND GUNNISON HOTELS

Whether you’re looking for a cabin or a condo, a hostel or a traditional hotel, we’ve got you covered for a vacation rental. Visit our Lodging page to learn more!

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