Experience Winter Adventures in Colorado: Discover Ways to Recreate Safely and Responsibly

Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Released the Following Winter Recreation Safety Tips and Resources...

DENVER — Colorado's pristine snow and ice make it a winter wonderland. The state offers many outdoor activities, from the thrill of snowmobiling to the tranquility of wildlife watching and yurt camping.  

Embarking on a winter adventure in the great outdoors is an exciting experience. But before you set out, remember that mastering the art of navigating Colorado’s extreme winter weather is the key to a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Know Before You Go
Colorado's winter weather is unpredictable and changes quickly. Before you depart, check the weather and avalanche forecast. 

• Choose your activity based on your skill level and safety gear. 
• Plan your visit with the  2025 Quick Guide to State Parks or the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales).
• Use the State Park Finder to explore maps of Colorado state parks.
• Camping reservations at Colorado state parks are required.
• Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
• Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and trail maps.
• Be prepared for winter travel conditions. Ensure your car has winter-appropriate tire chains and stock it with winter emergency gear, such as extra-warm clothing, food, water and a sleeping bag. 
• Cell phones don’t work in areas of the backcountry, and batteries get cold and die quickly, so bring paper maps and beacons in case of an emergency.
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you will arrive home.

Backcountry and Avalanche Safety
Colorado is no stranger to avalanches. Since 1950 avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard, and in the United States, Colorado accounts for one-third of all avalanche deaths.

So far this season, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has recorded nearly 2,500 avalanches, resulting in 42 people caught, 11 buried and two injured. Tragically, one person died last month in an avalanche in the Southern Mountains. In the previous 10 years, Colorado has had an average of six avalanche deaths per year. 

• Check the CAIC Avalanche Forecast at colorado.gov/avalanche. The forecast provides an avalanche danger rating, a summary of the conditions, and travel advice for navigating the current conditions for wherever you plan to travel. 
• Download the free COTREX app to get avalanche warnings and special alerts on your phone.
• Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 50 degrees, so those wanting to avoid avalanche terrain would stay off of and out from under steep slopes.
• If you want to travel through avalanche terrain, you should take a class to acquire basic avalanche knowledge and skills and should have the proper avalanche safety gear — a transceiver (beacon), shovel and probe — and know how to use it effectively and with practice.

Keep Wildlife Wild
Wildlife are extra vulnerable in the winter — when their energy demands are high, the temperatures are low and food is scarce — but there’s a lot we can do to avoid disturbing them. Winter disturbance caused by humans can jeopardize an animal’s ability to survive the following season or raise offspring. 

• Do not feed or approach wildlife.
• Keep dogs leashed on trails to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
• Help reduce human-bear conflicts and be bear aware.
• ​Shed antler and horn collection on all public lands west of I-25 is illegal from Jan. 1 through April 30, annually.
• Takedown hammocks, ropes or holiday lights that wildlife can get tangled in as they migrate. 
• Before letting pets loose in your backyard, turn on lights and make loud noises to ensure wildlife leaves the area.

Stick To Trails
Respecting trail closures is a must — they’re closed for a reason. Trails may be closed because they are dangerous during winter months or to protect wintering wildlife. Download the COTREX app to see trail closures.

Trash the Trash
Keep our winter playgrounds clean by not leaving any trash behind. Consider your responsibility to take action to protect our environment — today’s snow is tomorrow’s water. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you. 

Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and show support for Colorado state parks, local search-and-rescue teams and avalanche safety. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild. Winter Responsible Recreation: Media Toolkit

Tweet