It is winter here in Colorado.   Denver has over 300 sunny days each year, so our winters are usually pleasant.   We do get snow, but often our intense sun melts the snow within a few days.   This winter started with heavy snow in October, a little early for us.   Let’s look at some winter photos from the past.

A cold, snowy day in Denver.   We ducks are enjoying this weather and we like the almost frozen lake behind us.

We are not the only birds out today.   These geese stay here all year.   Snow is much heavier in the mountains, and of course, in our world famous ski areas.   Last February we visited Rangely, Colorado in the northwest corner of the state.

Rather high snow piles here.   Ice climbing is popular in Colorado.

Here you can practice or learn the basics of ice climbing.  We often go to Winter Park in January.   Winter Park is a popular ski area and only about 90 minutes from Denver.   This resort is also developed for summer fun.  Many of our ski resorts are year round vacation playgrounds.

Here maintenance people shovel the roof of our condo.   A few feet of snow and ice is too dangerous and heavy for many roofs.   And the parking area also needs to be shoveled.  Melting caused by our intense mountain sun lets melting occur daily, but then freezing takes over every night.

The resulting icicles are pretty big–and sharp.   Icicles can be seen all over Winter Park.

Horse drawn sleigh rides are available.

We love these.   Riding through clean snow with beautiful mountain views is fun.

After the ride, we enjoy roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate.   More fun available here.

Snowmobiles are available in most places.   These are near the tubing hill.   But let’s see Colorado’s main winter sport.

Skiing is very popular in the Colorado mountains.

And, of course, a place to leave skies while eating or shopping is necessary.   We hope to be back in Winter Park soon.   In Breckenridge, Colorado, another ski resort, late January brings world champion snow sculpting.

This is from a past year.   If you are in Colorado in late January, try to visit Breckenridge to see these sculptures.

They are wonderful to see.   Rocky Mountain National Park is close to Denver, an easy and enjoyable day trip.

The snow falling is like living in a Christmas card.

And a breathtaking sight is a bull elk standing by the road, knowing you will stop for him, and admire him.   If you are in Colorado during the winter, enjoy the mild weather of Denver, but visit our mountains for a true winter wonderland.   We will soon be heading to the mountains for some winter fun.