Colorado Explorer

Snow, chocolate and trout fishing

By Linda DuVal

Activities

Build a better snowman to win a prize when Pagosa Springs celebrates its annual Winterfest, Feb. 14-15. The colorful weekend includes an "anything goes" sled race and snow-carving contest, a winter triathlon at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area and other snow-based fun. And after all that fun, take a plunge in the hot springs. 800-252-2204.

Tie the knot in Loveland this Valentine's Day at the Marry Me and Ski Free event. A mass ceremony on the mountaintop is followed by a reception and other festivities. Wedding attire is encouraged—just be sure you can ski in it! Register in advance to get the buy-one, get-one-free lift tickets. 303-571-5580.

One of the coolest spots to go ice fishing in Colorado is Vallecito Lake, near Bayfield and Durango. By January, the trout are biting and the ice usually is good (but check with locals before you set foot on it). Another great spot for winter fishing is Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison. Be sure to get a state fishing license!

Celebrate the snowy season with Winterskol, Jan. 8-11 in Aspen and Snowmass. The 58th annual family event includes snow sculptures and carving competitions, a men's health fair, a parade, torchlight descent and fireworks. And don't miss Soupskol, where local restaurants offer free samples of their best soups and stews. That'll warm you up! 970-925-1940.

There's a certain magic that happens during a moonlight snowshoe tour. The world looks different and the silence is profound. Enjoy this hour-long experience at Sky Mesa Ranch in Gateway, on Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 7. End the evening with a bonfire and a bowl of hot chili. There's a fee; reservations are suggested. 970-931-2458.

Sk8-Way Park, a Tony Hawk-designed skate and BMX park in La Junta, is 15,000 square feet of heaven for skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX bike enthusiasts. Rails, jumps, nine-foot bowls and an awesome street section bring hot-doggers from all over the valley for friendly competition. It's open daily and it's free. 719-384-5991.

Dining

Take Colorado cuisine, add some Spanish spice and you have Baca, the new restaurant at the Inverness Hotel in Englewood. To make an evening of it, indulge in a pre-dinner "flight" of cheese-, wine- and chocolate-tasting. Then on to tapas and dinner, where such foods as rack of lamb and steak take on a Spanish fusion twist. Even dessert is spicy! 303-397-7222.

You could eat dinner at the Blue Star restaurant in Colorado Springs every night for nearly two years before you sampled all the wines they have to offer. Wine Spectator has given the upscale hot spot its Award of Excellence for a wine cellar that includes more than 600 different vintages. Steaks, duck, veal and seafood get inventive preparations here. 719-632-1086.

Lodging

Next time you have to get a room in the Mile High City, consider tucking yourself in at the Magnolia Hotel Denver. They just completed a $7 million renovation and you'll love the Old World charm combined with modern amenities. Guests get a full, hot buffet breakfast in the mornings, an afternoon happy hour and a milk-and-cookie snack at bedtime. 888-915-1110 or 303-607-9000.

Crested Butte has been named one of Sunset magazine's "10 Dream Towns," and you can do your dreaming at the newly remodeled Inn at Crested Butte, a boutique hotel with 17 guest rooms. The stone fireplace in the Great Room is a perfect spot for relaxing after a day of skiing; also enjoy a complimentary wine-and-cheese happy hour and breakfast daily. 877-343-2111.

Shopping

Valentine's Day may have you thinking sweet thoughts.

If so, stop by Taste of the Rockies candy shop in Hot Sulphur Springs, where you'll find signature handmade goodies (such as chocolate rock candy) as well as old-fashioned candies you may recall from childhood but seldom find anywhere else. Visit the Chocolate Room for a moment of sweet nirvana. 970-725-1112.

If chocolate is really your passion, don't pass up a chance to stop by Enstrom's of Grand Junction. Not only can you buy delectable, fresh, handmade chocolates, you can watch their famous almond toffee being made. They also have outlets in Arvada, Denver and Fruita. 970-683-1000.

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