Colorado Explorer

Steamboat Winter Carnival
Photo by Larry Pierce

Activities

By Linda DuVal

Are your kids intimidated by the lifts at your favorite ski resort? Well, check out Beaver Creek's new eight-passenger Buckaroo Express Gondola, designed with small skiers in mind. The four-minute ride gives kids (and their grown-ups) a warm and comfortable trip to beginner terrain. 970-845-9090.

The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club hosts its 95th annual Winter Carnival, Feb. 6-10. There will be skijoring (skiers towed behind a galloping horse-this, you're got to see!), a high school band on skis, plus fireworks and a parade on the final day. Parade entries of skiers in formation are drawn by vehicles, people or animals. 970-879-0695, ext. 100.

You've got to wonder about anyone crazy enough to sit by a hole in the middle of a frozen lake for hours, hoping a fish will swim by. But ice fishing is popular on Colorado lakes and reservoirs. Want to try it? Head to Elevenmile Reservoir in Park County for trout, salmon and pike. You'll need a park pass, sunscreen, lots of warm clothes… and maybe a tent? 719-748-3401.

No need to fly out of state for a round of winter golf. The new Cougar Canyon Golf Links in Trinidad is open year round, weather permitting. The Jack Nicklaus-designed par 72 course features both mountain and desert terrain, pedestal greens, split fairways and black sand bunkers. Greens fees are $59. Views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are free. 719-422-7015 or 877-547-7455.

If you think laundry is a chore, wait till you see the 1,000-plus washing machines owned by Lee Maxwell of Eaton (north of Greeley). The Antique Washing Machine Museum offers private tours for groups of 10 or more (at $3 per person). 970-454-1856.

Cooking demonstrations, culinary discussions and a wine seminar will be included in the 6th annual Salute to Escoffier weekend, Feb. 8-10 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The finale is the five-course Grand Buffet with more than 100 items. Reservations required. 719-634-7711.

Linda DuVal is former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and a freelance writer.