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What’s your New Year’s resolution? Less doomscrolling? More time with family and friends? No matter how you’re hoping to make 2026 an exceptional year, you’ll want to start January off on the right foot. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay off your phone and spend time with loved ones this winter.
From an exhilarating skijoring competition to a zero-proof cocktail class for those cutting back on booze, here are the best ways to spend the first month of the new year in the mountains.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver This Week
Jump Ahead:
Aspen
Aspen Gay Ski Week
Now an iconic Pride event, this weeklong bash dates back to 1977, when local Jon Busch got in trouble at a local Aspen bar for dancing with another man. Busch and several other Aspen residents founded this inclusive ski week as a way for LGBTQ folks to convene, party, and most importantly, shred powder. The event has expanded into a townwide celebration that includes drag bingo, dance nights, and hilarious performances. Jan. 11–18; times vary; ticket prices vary
X Games
When you think of the X Games, you think Aspen. Since 2002, the iconic winter sports competition has been held in the snowy locale, drawing the world’s foremost athletes—plus some 35,000 spectators. After watching the Big Air, Knuckle Huck, and SuperPipe events, stick around for tunes from big-name artists like Alesso. Jan. 23–25; times vary; tickets start at $30
Crested Butte
The Alley Loop
This Nordic racing event has a strict dress code, which can be distilled into three words: No. Boring. Attire. These races—which range from a 42K to a 1.5K—aren’t just about speed; they’re about style. So break out your best costume for the course. Before you line up at the start, see the folks at the Crested Butte Nordic Center for a ski-waxing service and rentals. Jan. 30–Jan. 31; times vary; registration starting at $38
Estes Park
First Peoples Festival
Before European settlers came to Estes Park, the area was inhabited by members of the Arapaho tribe. This three-year-old festival aims to educate Estes Valley residents and visitors about the region’s Indigenous history through events including a fashion show, a friendship powwow, a film symposium, and a vendor’s market with wares representing more than 30 tribes across the country. Jan 16–18; times vary; some events free, some ticketed
Estes Park Skijor
What happens when you cross a ski competition with a rodeo? Visit Estes Park this month to find out. Skijoring is a sport in which skiers are towed by a horse and rider through an obstacle course littered with gates and jumps. Brave souls can register to compete or, if you’d prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, enjoy the warming hut filled with local artisans and food vendors while you watch the action. Jan. 23–25; times vary; starting at $17 for spectators
Steamboat Springs
Western BBQ
Live out all your Yellowstone dreams at this lively dinner-and-dancing series. Fuel up with a buffet of smoked meats and traditional sides, then put on your cowboy boots for an evening of two-step and line dancing accompanied by a live band and instructor. Dec. 18–March 20; dinner times vary, make a reservation here; $64 for kids, $90 for adults
Cowboy Downhill
What do cowboys and downhill skiers have in common (besides, perhaps, a penchant for PBR)? Courage. This duo’s dauntlessness will be on display during the Boat’s annual Cowboy Downhill, where dozens of ProRodeo cowboys don skis and barrel down the slopes of Steamboat Springs. Watch Stetson-wearing athletes complete a dual-slalom course, go over a jump, lasso willing victims, and saddle a horse before crossing the finish line. Jan. 19; 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; free attendance
Summit County
International Snow Sculpture Championships
The artists participating in this creative competition work with what might be the most Colorado medium of all: snow. Teams from across the globe will gather in Breckenridge to carve sculptures (think: massive vikings, angels, a robot arm) out of 25-ton blocks of snow. The most impressive part? All their tools will be hand-powered, meaning no chainsaws. Visitors can watch the groups work from January 24 to 28 or peruse the final products from January 28 to February 3. Jan. 24–Feb. 3; times vary; free
Jodi Stuart: Second Life
Plastics can take up to 500 years to decompose, which is why artist Jodi Stuart is working to transform some of this forever trash into meaningful art. In this Breck Create exhibit, Stuart will present colorful, life-size sculptures made from recycled plastics that twist and bend in gravity-defying ways; hear her speak about her artistic practice on January 24 at 6 p.m. Jan. 24–March 29; times vary; free
Vail and Beaver Creek
Zero-Proof Cocktail Making Class
You don’t need to suffer through Dry January on seltzer water and Diet Cokes. At Avon’s Lookout Bar, expert bartenders will teach you how to make flavorful, enticing drinks sans alcohol. Don’t be surprised if the tipples are so tasty you want to drink them long after January. Jan. 15; times vary; $45 per person
Winter Park
Winter Park Express Ski Train
This seasonal Amtrak offering is so popular that it’s opening a month earlier this year. The Winter Park Express, also known as the “ski train,” takes passengers from Denver Union Station straight to Winter Park. During the two-hour-long ride, families can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel—all while circumventing the blood-pressure-spiking I-70 traffic. (Bonus: the train will stow your skis for free.) Dec. 19–March 31; times vary, check schedule; starting at $9
Mary Jane 50th Birthday Party
Fifty years ago, Winter Park dropped the rope on a 350-acre expansion onto Mary Jane Mountain. And there’s no better way to wish Jane a happy birthday than cruising fresh powder in a ski parade down her namesake trail on Saturday. Mary Jane’s golden jubilee festivities will continue throughout the day with swag giveaways; a birthday cake and toast; and a free concert from Big Gigantic in the evening at the Rendezvous Event Center followed by fireworks. Jan. 10; event times vary; free attendance, lift ticket prices vary
