Credit: Carl Scofield

Get Inspired

There’s no doubt that the gorgeous scenery and mountain energy will get your creative juices flowing. Take a break from the outdoors and let your inner artist out to play at the Breckenridge Arts District. Located in the heart of Breck, the Arts District campus is housed in four historic buildings. Not only can visitors interact with resident guest artists from the area and around the globe, take in gallery showings and performances, but a variety of workshops are held throughout the winter to encourage people to make their own art. Visitors can drop in for classes in painting, printmaking and even a guided rhythm circle. On a recent visit I had the opportunity to print my own book bag by carving out a mold of the symbol I wanted on the bag and using ink to screen it onto the bag. Working hands on with a local artist, gave me a glimpse into what life is like for a local in Breckenridge and a much better sense of place. And I have a great yoga bag as a souvenir.

Credit: Tim Milam

Rev Your Engines

Colorado is all about adventure and if you don’t want to get it swooshing down the slopes, there’s no better adrenaline rush than a snowmobile tour. And there’s no better place to do it than in Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the country. For over 20-years, locally-owned White Mountain Tours have introduced thousands to the pulsating, high-flying fun of snowmobiling with tours geared for beginners, families and thrill seekers . After a quick lesson with your professional guide, you’ll jump on your machine and take to the mountains for two-hours of adventure and spectacular views. During the popular Performance Tour, riders are led on a 1,000 foot climb on groomed trails for dramatic, serene views of Summit County at 11,000 to over 12,000 feet. The tour includes some open flat lands that allow you to cut loose and see what the snowmobile can do. A stop at the company’s yurt provides a nice place to warm up with some hot chocolate after a riveting day on the slopes.

Earn Your Dinner

If you’re used to feeling guilty after eating a gourmet meal, the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse is going to cure you of that. Located just outside of Leadville at the base of Ski Cooper, the Nordic Center and Cookhouse introduces visitors to fine dining, Nordic style. To get to your yummy dinner you’ll strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes and trek a mile through the backcountry to arrive at the Cookhouse housed in a heated yurt. The four-course meal includes a platter of assorted appetizers, choice of soup or salad and choice of several entrees including Colorado Elk Tenderloin or Colorado Rack of Lamb. Seafood and vegetarian choices are also offered. While the food is upscale, the attire is most certainly not. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes and warm, dry clothing. Skis or snowshoes and headlamps are provided.

It’s easy to see that both skiers and non-skiers alike can agree that a winter vacation to Colorado is an adventure that will create a lifetime of memories. For more information planning your Summit County adventure check out VisitColorado, Keystone, Breckenridge and Leadville.

Did you head to Colorado this season? Share you skiing and non-skiing adventures.

For more non-skiing ideas, check out:

• What If You Don’t Ski?
• 5 Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Winter Activities
• Winter Fun If You Don’t Ski
• the Winter Sports archives

Text by Dena Braun-Roché for PeterGreenberg.com. Dena Braun-Roché, aka, The Fitglobetrotter, covers luxury, wellness and spa travel worldwide. Her work has appeared in Spa Magazine, Robb Report, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, and Bridal Guide. Follow her travels and travel tips on Twitter @fitglobetrotter