Colorado Winter Adventures: Top Events This January & February
Winter in Colorado isn’t just about snow-covered peaks — it’s also about community, fun, and unique seasonal experiences across the foothills and Front Range. From Evergreen to Loveland, Georgetown to Breckenridge, January and February are packed with events that bring locals and visitors together, whether you love racing across frozen lakes, marveling at massive snow sculptures, cheering at rodeos, or celebrating Valentine’s Day in style. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the must-see winter happenings that make the season in Colorado unforgettable — all within a short drive from the foothills. Here’s a look at the must-know local events happening January 15 through February 15 that make foothills living so special.
National Western Stock Show
JANUARY 10- 25
National Western Complex, Denver
Highlights: Pro rodeos, livestock & horse shows, trade show & shopping, family activities, Xtreme Dog Shows, cultural events, youth competitions.
One of Colorado’s most iconic winter traditions returns to Denver with the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, running January 10 through 25 at the National Western Complex. This 16-day celebration of Western heritage brings together world-class rodeo action, premier livestock competitions, equestrian events, and Colorado’s largest Western trade show — all under one roof. You’ll find more than 20 professional rodeos featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and more, plus horse shows like Grand Prix and Gambler’s Choice, family-friendly attractions including petting farms, pony rides, and the famed Xtreme Dog Shows, and acres of shopping from hundreds of vendors offering Western-inspired art, apparel, and gear. With livestock exhibitions showcasing 25+ cattle breeds, education exhibits, youth competitions, and cultural experiences like the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, this event delivers an immersive taste of Colorado’s ranching roots and Western culture.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It
More than just a livestock show or rodeo, the National Western Stock Show is a Colorado tradition that brings together families, ranchers, and Western enthusiasts from around the state and across the country. It’s a bucket-list experience for anyone who loves agriculture, equestrian sport, cowboy culture, hands-on learning for kids, and authentic Western entertainment — all in one place each January.
What to Know Before You Go
The National Western Stock Show is massive, and planning ahead makes all the difference! Here’s what to keep in mind:
Dates & Hours: January 10–25, 2026. Events run daily, with schedules varying by rodeo, horse show, and livestock competition.
Parking & Transportation: Ample parking is available at the National Western Complex, but lots fill quickly on weekends. Consider rideshare or carpooling.
Family-Friendly Activities: From pony rides and petting farms to the Xtreme Dog Shows, there’s something for every age. Some events require pre-registration or tickets.
Dress for Comfort: The complex can be chilly in January, especially for outdoor arenas. Layers, sturdy shoes, and warm hats/gloves are recommended.
Tickets & Scheduling: You can view the full schedule of activities and events here. Tickets for rodeos, horse shows, and special events are available to purchase here — early purchase is encouraged for popular events.
Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championship
JANUARY 19 - 28
Riverwalk Center at Breckenridge
Every January, the town of Breckenridge transforms into an artistic winter wonderland with the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Teams from around the world hand-carve massive 20-ton blocks of snow into intricate works of art — using only hand tools! Over the course of five days, sculptors chip away to reveal jaw-dropping sculptures, with the most magical viewing experience at night when each piece is illuminated in multi-colored lights. This free, family-friendly event takes place around the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue and offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the skill, creativity, and patience behind each masterpiece. Don’t miss it — once the event ends, the sculptures are removed, leaving only memories of this ephemeral winter art.
Why Locals Love It
The Snow Sculpture Championships are a must-see winter tradition in the Colorado mountains. Locals love the chance to stroll through Breckenridge and watch incredible snow art come to life, share the experience with family and friends, and enjoy the charm of the town lit up at night. The creativity, skill, and community energy are unmatched, making it a memorable outing that’s worth the scenic drive from Evergreen. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure or a unique winter experience, this event delivers a magical taste of Colorado’s winter culture.
Event Highlights
Competition: Teams hand-carve 20-ton blocks of snow using only hand tools
Night Viewing: Sculptures lit up for a stunning multi-color display
Parking & Shuttle: Free parking along Airport Road; Breckenridge town shuttles run every 15 minutes (Gray Route)
Cost: Free and open to the public
Chill Out Winterfest
FEBRUARY 7
Downtown Evergreen
Chill Out Winterfest returns to Evergreen on Saturday, February 7 with a full day of winter fun that celebrates everything we love about mountain-town living. Hosted by the Evergreen Chamber and Evergreen Parks & Recreation, this community favorite embraces the cold with creativity, competition, and connection. The day kicks off on Evergreen Lake with the Rad as Ice Bike Race, Colorado’s only bicycle race on ice, followed by the playful and family-friendly Mushies Cup, where teams pull their way across the frozen lake in a dog-sled-style challenge. Downtown Evergreen comes alive mid-day with the Evergreen Amazing Race (both adult and family editions), leading participants through a series of challenges, clues, and local stops. The afternoon wraps up with Evergreen’s first-ever Winter Concert at Buchanan Park, featuring live music, fire pits, warm drinks, and community bonfire vibes, before closing out the night with a high-energy Glow Skate on Evergreen Lake. Whether you’re racing, cheering, skating, or simply soaking it all in, Chill Out Winterfest is the perfect way to embrace winter in the foothills.
Event Highlights
Rad as Ice Bike Race
8:00 AM | Evergreen Lake House
Colorado’s only bicycle race on ice featuring men’s, women’s, and kids’ races on a one-mile course across Evergreen Lake.
Mushies Cup
8:30 AM (Check-in at 8:00 AM) | Evergreen Lake House
A family-friendly team competition where groups of 2 or 4 pull their teammates across the ice through an obstacle course — equal parts hilarious and competitive.
Evergreen Amazing Race (21+)
11:00 AM Check-in | Starts at The Little Bear
A downtown scavenger-style race for adults featuring challenges, clues, and local stops. Walking course approximately 1.5–2 miles. After-party included.
Evergreen Amazing Race – Family Edition
10:30 AM Check-in | Start & Finish at The Little Bear Saloon
A family foot race through North Evergreen with fun challenges and clues designed for all ages.
Winter Concert
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Buchanan Park
Evergreen’s first-ever Winter Concert featuring live music by Pass The Snakes, fire pits, bonfire vibes, and warm drinks. No registration required.
Glow Skate
4:00 PM | Evergreen Lake House
A festive finale on the ice with a DJ, glow lighting, fire pits, and refreshments. Open to all ages; day-of tickets available.
Why Locals Love It
Chill Out Winterfest perfectly captures the spirit of Evergreen — embracing winter instead of hiding from it. It brings neighbors together on the lake, downtown streets, and at the park for a day that blends adventure, family fun, local businesses, and community pride. It’s one of those events that reminds you why living in the foothills feels more connected, more playful, and just a little more special.
Loveland Sweetheart Festival
FEBRUARY 14
Downtown Loveland
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Colorado‑style at the 80th Annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival in downtown Loveland, also known as the “Sweetheart City.” This beloved community event runs Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public. The festival transforms downtown with live ice sculpting and fire art demonstrations, performances on multiple stages, and family‑friendly fun like the Little Miss Valentine & Little Mr. Cupid Contest at the Historic Rialto Theater. Downtown streets come alive with music, dance, art, and local vendors — plus special experiences like the Sweetheart Classic 4‑mile race and a Sweetheart Stroll venue crawl that rewards participants with a keepsake love lock. With activities for families, couples, and visitors of all ages, this annual celebration embraces Loveland’s long history as the nation’s Sweetheart City and makes for a memorable winter getaway.
What to Know Before You Go
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival offers a full day of experiences across downtown Loveland’s streets and venues — from free entertainment and ice carving demonstrations to contests and running events. Plan to arrive early to explore everything from live music and dance showcases to artisan vendors and food trucks. The Little Miss Valentine & Little Mr. Cupid Contest is a highlight for families, and the Sweetheart Classic 4‑miler race brings racers right into the heart of the celebration. For the best experience, stroll the Sweetheart Stroll venue crawl and collect stamps at participating locations to receive a complimentary love lock at the Loveland Visitor Center. Parking is available throughout downtown, and a short walk brings you to all the festivities.
Why Locals Love It
The Sweetheart Festival is one of northern Colorado’s most cherished winter traditions because it blends romance, community spirit, and family fun in a way few events do. Locals and visitors alike enjoy spending the day in downtown Loveland — cheering on runners, watching artists at work, and soaking in live performances — making it a perfect Valentine’s‑day outing that’s worth the drive from Evergreen. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, bringing the kids, or gathering with friends, the festive energy and small‑town charm make this a standout Colorado experience.
Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament
FEBRUARY 13 - 15
Georgetown Lake, Georgetown
The Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament in Georgetown is a beloved winter tradition that combines friendly competition, community spirit, and mountain-town camaraderie. This no-fuss, stress-free event keeps its size limited so players and spectators can connect, have fun, and enjoy the energy of the tournament without feeling crowded. Teams compete across multiple divisions — including Open (A/B), Mountain (C/D), Brown Bottle (E/D), 50+ Steel Can, 35+ Competitive, Women’s, and the Broken Bottle Division for pure fun — with 4–6 players per team and 3 on the ice at a time. Registration is required in advance, and spots fill quickly, so early sign-ups are encouraged. The tournament is located within easy driving distance of not only our foothills community, but popular ski resorts like Vail, Loveland, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain, making it an ideal winter getaway!
In addition to hockey action, participants and spectators enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the weekend, including beer gardens, food vendors, bar games, a public family skate area, the Jägermeister Long Shot Competition, live music, the Oakley Bare Foot Pond Race, the Hockey Hair Competition, and après-skate parties. The tournament also supports local charities, with each participating team contributing at check-in. From Thursday team check-ins to Sunday playoffs and trophy presentations, the Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament is a full weekend of fun, connection, and winter mountain culture.
Why Locals Love It
The Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament is more than just a winter hockey event — it’s a celebration of community, sport, and Colorado mountain lifestyle. Locals love the combination of competitive fun on the ice, family-friendly activities, and the chance to gather with friends, neighbors, and fellow hockey enthusiasts. With food, live music, après-skate parties, and a charitable spirit, it’s absolutely worth the drive from Evergreen, making it a perfect winter weekend adventure for players and spectators alike.
Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament Schedule
Thursday, February 12 – Team Check-In
- Teams register and check in at the tournament site in Georgetown.
Friday, February 13 – Round Robin Tournament Play
- Activities: Beer garden, food vendors, bar games, public family skate area
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Special Competitions: Jägermeister Long Shot Competition, live music
Saturday, February 14 – Day 2 Games & Events
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Tournament Play: Continuation of team matches
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Activities: Beer garden, food vendors, bar games, public family skate area
Special Events: Jägermeister Long Shot Competition, Oakley Bare Foot Pond Race, Hockey Hair Competition, presentation of Avalanche hockey team -
Après-Skate Party: Hosted at Dillon Marina
Sunday, February 15 – Playoffs & Trophy Presentation
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Final tournament games, trophy presentations, and closing festivities
Team Divisions:
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OPEN Division (A/B)
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MOUNTAIN League (C/D)
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BROWN BOTTLE League (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
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50+ STEEL CAN League
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35+ Competitive League
WOMEN’S Division -
BROKEN BOTTLE Division (fun-focused, limited to 70 teams)
Registration:
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Teams consist of 4–6 players (3 on the ice at a time)
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Early registration recommended; waitlist available
Think your team has what it takes? Don’t wait — sign up or join the waitlist here and get ready for some winter hockey fun!
Stay in the Loop!
Cheers!
Julia
