Best Things to Do in Colorado in February
There are so many things to do in Colorado all-year round, but February is a month filled with snow, sunshine and a little extra to love in the Centennial State. I’ve rounded up the best things to do this month in Colorado, from skiing to après delights that will make locals and visitors alike fall in love with our beautiful state.
Did you know that Colorado gets, on average, 300-days of sunshine each year? Don’t let the snowy forecast deter you from a visit, because more likely than not, you’ll wake up to snow but see it melt by mid-afternoon. The classic Colorado-ism is to wait five minutes if you don’t like the weather.
I personally love the snow in February, which can be one of the snowier months. One thing that is a bummer is that on those non-snow stretches, the landscape is brown and hibernating as far as the eye can see… by the end of the month, I definitely start to get that spring craving!
That being said, here’s a roundup of some of my favorite things to do in Colorado during February!
Enjoy a Day of Skiing & Snowboarding
Maybe you’ve heard, but Colorado is known across the globe as having some of the best skiing. And February is right in the middle of peak season! You’ll be hard pressed to find a Coloradan that doesn’t go skiing (or snowboarding) at least one weekend this month. Many enthusiasts go nearly every Saturday or Sunday!
Here are the best ski mountains (according to a local):
Breckenridge
Copper
Winter Park / Mary Jane
Crested Butte
Vail
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, two really great, small, local mountains to learn are Eldora and Loveland Ski Area.
Go Snowshoeing
If skiing isn’t your thing, but you still want to enjoy the snowy mountains, might I suggest an afternoon of snowshoeing? Fill up a pack of snacks (and water!), strap on a pair of snowshoes, grab your poles and you’ll be set for a great day surrounded by the beauty of Colorado.
Fair warning: snowshoeing is much harder than it looks! It’s like hiking with extra weight on your feet - snow gets heavy! I like to pick fairly short loop trails and go with a group of friends or my husband. Pick a sunny day to really make the most of your time outdoors. And wear layers!! You might be cold when you start, but you will definitely work up a sweat.
Rocky Mountain National Park has a ton of trails that vary in difficulty. Plus you can stop in Estes Park afterwards for a delicious lunch and afternoon exploring a charming mountain town. Make a day of it! Rampart Reservoir is another good option.
Visit a Brewery
When the weather gets too cold for any sort of outdoor activity, check out one of the many local breweries around Colorado and take a brewery tour. With over 400 craft breweries, the self-proclaimed “State of Beer” has no shortage of breweries to choose from!
Here are some of my favorites:
New Belgium, Fort Collins
Coors in Golden (try to get a VIP tour to see more behind-the-scenes)
Great Divide in Denver
Odell’s in Fort Collins
Our Mutual Friend in Denver
Four Noses in Broomfield
Outer Range in Frisco
New Terrain in Golden
Westbound & Down in Idaho Springs
For a beer + après ski experience, check out Oakwell Beer Spa, which combines beer baths with a craft taproom. Honestly, I’m considering this as my Valentine’s Day gift to my beer-loving husband!
Photo via Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Discover the Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Have you ever wanted to witness an ice sculpture competition in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? Well now’s your chance at the 2025 Cripple Creek Ice Festival! This free event showcases insane feats of nature, with ice slides, an ice maze and more, all while ice sculpturists compete for a cash prize.
Cripple Creek is about a two hour drive south of Denver, so plan on giving a full day to truly enjoy this event.
Find out more here.
Photo courtesy of 9News
Attend the Loveland Sweetheart Festival
Valentine’s Day (and the month of February) is pretty much the Super Bowl for Loveland, Colorado, a mid-size city in Northern Colorado. Also where my dad happens to live! This town as really leaned into the “love” theme and in February, they go all out with heart sculptures galore everywhere you turn.
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival includes a Sweetheart Classic 4-mile run, live ice sculpting, a beer tent, fire and art demonstrations and the Little Miss Valentine & Mister Cupid Contest for kids ages 0 - 4.
Learn more here.
Photo via The Weathered Wick
Make a Custom Candle
For a fun group activity, or even a date night, check out The Weathered Wick in the LoHi neighborhood of Denver and make your very own custom candle. The team at The Weathered Wick will walk you through picking your own signature scent, color and type of candle vessel, then walk you through the candle assembly process. While you wait for the candle to set and cool, you can explore the many boutiques and restaurants nearby. It’s the perfect Galentine’s Day outing!
You don’t need a reservation, but since it’s a very popular place, I’d recommend one to be safe. Oh - and you can also make a diffuser if you prefer that over a candle.
Photo courtesy of La Forêt
Savor a Romantic Dinner
With February comes Valentine’s Day and there’s nothing quite as romantic as a special dinner out on the town with your loved one. I recommend indulging in the Valentine’s Day Dinner at La Forêt in Denver. The ambiance is truly magical, set in a contemporary woodland forest, and the menu leans into a French Rustic theme. They have particularly mastered the art of the bespoke cocktail, so be sure to order something fun and festively-heart themed.
I know I’ll be suggesting this restaurant to my husband for our Valentine’s Day dinner!
Photo via Denver Botanic Gardens
Delight in an Orchid Showcase
Despite the snow on the ground, there’s an annual explosion of color at the Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens. From now through mid-February (January 10 - February 17), discover hundreds of orchid blooms and participate in the Orchid Showcase Photo Contest. I am definitely planning a mother-daughter date to check out this unique event.
