Winter Sports Beyond Skiing in Summit County: A Guide to Fun (and Frostbite!)

Summit County is ski central, but if you're ready to give your ski boots a break, there's a whole world of winter fun waiting for you off the slopes. Here’s a guide to some amazing winter activities in Summit County that don’t require lift tickets—but may still leave you with some memorable wipeouts and frozen toes. So bundle up, grab your sense of adventure (and humor), and let’s dive into winter sports that are snow much fun beyond skiing!

1. Snowshoeing

“Like Hiking, But with More Flopping and Less Oxygen”

Snowshoeing might be the ultimate “not skiing” winter activity. Strap on these funny-looking paddles, and suddenly you’re floating (okay, maybe struggling) across deep powder without sinking in. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a bit like hiking, except you’ll be gasping for air after 20 steps and awkwardly asking your friend, “Am I doing this right?” But hey, you can stop to take all the “candid” snow selfies you want without the pressure of plummeting downhill at Mach speed.

2. Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes

“Channeling Your Inner Olympian… or at Least Trying Not to Faceplant”

Skating on a frozen mountain lake is the stuff of winter wonderlands—gliding around surrounded by snow-covered peaks. But let’s be honest: unless you’re an ex-Olympic skater, there’s a solid chance you’ll be more Bambi-on-ice than Michelle Kwan. Dillon Reservoir is a perfect spot for this chilly adventure, so grab a pair of skates, take a spin, and remember that flailing is just part of the experience. And if you do take a spill, blame it on “practicing your spins.”

3. Snowmobiling

“Snow Pants? Check. Adrenaline? Double Check.”

For those who crave speed without having to steer clear of moguls, snowmobiling is a perfect fit. You’ll feel like a kid on a joyride—minus the Go-Kart track and add a few layers of snow. Guided tours in Summit County let you zoom through untouched powder, over frozen lakes, and up mountainsides with views that’ll make you feel like you’re in a winter action movie. Just remember, the throttle is NOT a toy (no matter how much it feels like one).

4. Fat Biking

“If You Thought Biking in Winter Wasn’t a Thing… Think Again!”

Fat biking is exactly what it sounds like: mountain biking, but with hilariously oversized tires that somehow make cycling on snow possible. It’s a workout, a thrill, and probably one of the best ways to explain to your friends why your legs are on fire. You’ll find trails at Frisco and Breckenridge perfect for snow biking. Just keep your balance and don’t get distracted by the looks you get as you pedal by—people are just wondering where they can get a bike with tires wider than their heads.

5. Ice Fishing on Lake Dillon

“For Those Who Like to Combine Fishing with Freezing”

If you’re looking for something less intense (but equally outdoorsy), ice fishing is as low-key as it gets. Imagine sitting on a frozen lake with nothing but a drill, a fishing line, and perhaps some questionable choices. You’ll be bundled up, relaxing by a hole in the ice, and waiting patiently for fish that may or may not appear. Ice fishing is a unique way to unwind in the great outdoors—just make sure to dress in all the layers, because “chilled to the bone” takes on a new meaning here.

6. Dog Sledding

“More Fun Than You’d Think, and the Dogs are Doing Most of the Work”

Who wouldn’t want to try dog sledding? You’ll be zooming through snowy trails as a team of enthusiastic huskies pulls you across the landscape, making you feel like a proper Alaskan explorer. Summit County has a few great dog sledding operators where you can hop on and let a pack of four-legged athletes do the hard work. The best part? You get to give all the huskies a belly rub afterward—and they’ve definitely earned it.

7. Snow Tubing

“For the Thrill-Seekers Who Like to Sit Down”

Let’s be honest: tubing is the lazy person’s skiing, and we love it for that. You don’t have to navigate turns, balance, or even stand up. Just grab an inflatable tube, plop yourself down, and go screaming down a snow-covered hill. The tubing hills at Keystone and Frisco Adventure Park have multiple lanes and conveyer belts to get you back up, so you can fly down again (and again). Plus, there’s something oddly thrilling about knowing that your main piece of gear is essentially a glorified pool floatie.

8. Sleigh Rides

“The Coziest Way to Embrace Winter (Hot Chocolate Optional, but Highly Recommended)”

If you’d prefer to keep your heart rate on the mellow side, a horse-drawn sleigh ride is the way to go. You’ll be bundled under blankets, gliding through the snow with only the clip-clop of hooves and the crunch of snow as your soundtrack. Breckenridge and Keystone offer scenic sleigh rides that might just make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie. Bonus points if you bring along some hot cocoa (or, let’s be real, something stronger).

9. Winter Zip Lining

“Flying Over Snowy Peaks with No Brakes”

Zip-lining isn’t just a summer thing here. Some Summit County adventure companies set up zip lines that allow you to soar over snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Imagine flying through a winter wonderland, cold wind whipping your face as you think, “I probably should’ve worn that extra scarf.” Just try not to look down if you’re not a fan of heights—just kidding, definitely look down. It’s all part of the thrill.

10. Snowkiting

“Like Kitesurfing, But with Snow and a Bit More ‘Whoa!’”

For the truly adventurous, snowkiting (also known as “I can’t believe this is actually a sport”) is like kitesurfing but on snow. You strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard, hold onto a kite, and let the wind pull you across frozen lakes or wide-open fields. It’s part skiing, part flying, and all adrenaline. If you can manage not to faceplant while being pulled by a giant kite, you’ve officially reached Summit County cool status.

Embrace the Cold—It’s Snow Much Fun!

Whether you’re hopping on a snowmobile, tackling a fat bike, or giving snowkiting your best shot, winter in Summit County offers more than just skiing. It’s a playground for every kind of winter enthusiast—especially those who don’t mind a little cold and a whole lot of adventure. So put on those snow pants, pick your non-ski activity of choice, and get ready to make some winter memories (and possibly a few hilarious wipeouts). - KIM OBERT