Colorado in winter offers more than just skiing

Monday, 13 December 2010 5:33 PM

The US state of Colorado is famous for its great ski resorts for skiers and snowboarders alike, and for good reason, but gap year travellers should get away from the slopes every now and then, as there are many more winter sports on offer.

For the past 35 years, Our Gang Ice Racing has been holding Jeep ice races in January and February, as Georgetown Lake becomes frozen over and is transformed into a 4WD race track.

Beginners can compete with just a full-driving licence and access to a four-wheel drive car. For more information, visit: www.ourgangiceracing.com

Alternatively, head to Ouray, the Switzerland of America, which is transformed into the ice climbing capital of the world each winter. The season officially begins each January with the Ouray Ice Festival attracting the best ice climbers in the world. For more information, visit: www.ourayicepark.co

One of the most extreme winter sports in Colorado is ice sailing, a sport that involves harnessing wind power via a sail to propel a bladed, one person sled across a frozen lake.

Areas for ice sailing can be found across the state from December to February. For more information and resources on how to experience ice sailing in Colorado, visit: www.windisfun.com
 

Get snowboarding on your gap year

Get stuck into winter sports during your gap year

A winter holiday during a gap year is a great opportunity to experience some new sports. Why not try out skiing or snowboarding in Europe or North America? With so many ski deals to pick from, you're sure to find a gap year break to remember.

 Colorado is a favourite for snowboarders

Eco-living and ski events in Colorado this season

With the new ski season officially kicking off today, Map the Gap is rounding up the best events in the ski state of Colorado to help you get the most out of your American snow sports tour.
Fresh snow is on the pistes in Colorado

Colorado ski resorts get two feet of snow

If you're thinking of heading up into the Rockies as part of your American tour, then there's no time like the present, as several Colorado ski resorts have just reported heavy snowfall, with as much as two feet falling in 24 hours.

 Moab is well known for its sandstone arches

Moab is for more than just mountain biking

The small town of Moab in Utah is best known for its mountain biking, but this hidden gem in America's southwest has much more to offer active travellers, from skiing to white-water rafting and from skate parks to golf courses.
The Colorado ski season has already begun

Colorado ski season kicks off with cheap deals

Colorado's ski resorts are looking ahead to a snowy winter, with several snow storms in the first week of the season. Book your stay now and get skiing and accommodation deals starting at $50 (£31) per night.

 Head to Vail for early season snow

Flurry of snow means more terrain for Vail opening

Even more pistes will be open on the first day of the season at Vail ski resort in Colorado, thanks to the recent snowfall that has topped up the pistes. Around 550 acres will be skiable on Friday as the resort fires up the lifts for another year.
Emma Crawford Coffin Racing in Colorado

Halloween Coffin Racing Festival in Colorado

If you’re after something a bit different to do this Halloween then why not head to Manitou Springs in the US state of Colorado?

Head into the wilderness on a cross country ski trek

Discover Quebec for cross-country skiing

Avid adventurers and casual skiers alike can find something to suit them in the Canadian province of Quebec, where there are 2,500 miles of cross-country skiing trails to explore, as well as the Grande Traversée de la Gaspésie endurance event.

Travel Tales: "I walked through a wet forest whilst covered in leeches"

India is full of surprises, as backpacker Sarah discovered

Backpacker Sarah Ward chats leeches, monsoon weather, chilli for breakfast and clubbing in Mumbai - and everything else than happened on her Indian gap year adventure!

Interview with a local: An insider’s guide to London

London guide local interview destination

We chat to Cat Hughes, the mystery traveller behind TravelBite.co.uk's Secret London blog, to get the best travel tips direct from a local Londoner. Discover things you never knew about the UK capital...