Some days are for building a couch fort and watching Netflix all day. Others are for making the most of Colorado's beautiful, sunny, snow-dusted winter days. Put on some warm layers and head out to tick off some of these fun, only-in-winter activities, with Boulder's famous views as a backdrop.
What is sipping chocolate, you ask? It's like if hot cocoa were even more chocolatey, rich and decadent and in a smaller cup. Where can you get it? Piece, Love and Chocolate has been slinging sipping chocolates for years in their charming West Pearl Street chocolate shop. Just try to get out of there without some truffles, too.
The hush that comes over Boulder's foothills in winter is something to behold. In fact, for many locals, it's secretly our favorite time to hike. Put on your boots, a few warm layers that can be shed (you might warm up fast here in famously sunny Boulder) and head out for some winter wonder. Here are a few top winter hikes to try.
Nothing like a steaming bowl of soup to fill your belly and revive your spirit. Here are a few chef-driven favorites in Boulder: red chile posole from Santo, clam chowder from Lindsay's Boulder Deli, wonton noodle soup from Flower Pepper or the stewed beef noodle bowl at Mason's Dumpling Shop.
Sing along, everyone: "Frosty the Snowman...." Play like a kid again, or join your kiddos, in bringing some piles of snow to life. The best parks we can think of after a good snow are Chautauqua Park (enjoy an up-close look at the Flatirons), Scott Carpenter Park (amazing mountain vistas and a great playground), Bear Creek Park (right at the foot of the mountains near NCAR), Martin Park (tons of space=tons of snow) or North Boulder Park (spacious with great views).
Get cozy and break a sweat in the hip, Scandinavian-style pop-up health center, Portal. You can book their wood-fired saunas by the hour, and while you're at it, try a cold plunge (great for the immune system!). Sauna and cold plunge therapy, also known as contrast or thermal therapy, involves alternating between a sauna and immersion in cold water.
Mama always said that half your body heat is lost through your head. Not this winter. This is the winter you find the comfiest, coziest stocking cap you'll ever own. And you'll find it in America's outdoor gear capital: Boulder. There is an outdoor shop practically on every block of Pearl Street (Patagonia, Backcountry, Arc'teryx, Helly Hansen and many more), so consider starting there. Or go straight to the hat experts at the iconic Pearl Street Mall Hat Cart at 13th and Pearl.
From hotels with year-round pools to those with swanky lounges with roaring fireplaces, each of Boulder's hotels offers a mini escape to look forward to.