Winter in Loveland is a season of quiet trails, sparkling lights and plenty of ways to get outside. While much of Colorado heads for the slopes, the Sweetheart City offers a slower, more relaxed approach to winter, with sunny days for hiking or sculpture park walks and cool evenings made for ice skating or enjoying the lakes.
Whether you’re planning a holiday trip or simply looking for a winter escape, Loveland makes the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures and northern Colorado’s top holiday traditions.
Sculpture park walks: art meets winter magic
With 300 days of sunshine and snow that melts quickly on the Front Range, winter is an ideal time to explore Loveland’s renowned sculpture parks.
Benson Sculpture Garden offers more than 180 sculptures along easy paved and gravel paths. In winter, it’s a quieter place to walk, take your time and enjoy the artwork without the crowds.
At Chapungu Sculpture Park, Zimbabwean stone carvings tell stories of community and tradition. The park remains open year-round, and in winter the pieces feel even more striking against the simple backdrop of grass and open sky.
Ice skating at Centerra
Bundle up and step onto the ice rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. The rink offers skate rentals, daily public skating hours and plenty of space for beginners and confident skaters alike. It’s an ideal spot for date nights, family outings or a quick spin before grabbing dinner nearby.
Tube or hit the terrain park at Hoedown Hill
Hoedown Hill is not your average sledding hill, and if you’re staying in Loveland over the winter, it’s a must-visit. Bringing a bunny hill-sized ski slope to the Front Range, Hoedown Hill in Windsor has tubing, a terrain park and ski and snowboard lessons. It’s the perfect place for ski and snowboard beginners, or those looking to try out new tricks at the terrain park without the two hour drive to the slopes.
Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park
About an hour from Loveland, Rocky Mountain National Park turns into a serene, snow-covered landscape each winter. Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to explore the quiet high country, with locals and visitors alike trekking:
Gear is easy to rent in Loveland from The Extra Mile. And because winter brings fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy easier parking, peaceful trails and uninterrupted mountain views.
Mild winter hiking (yes, really!)
While high elevations collect snow, Loveland’s foothills often stay dry through December, making winter one of the best times of year to hike nearby trails. Local favorites include:
- Devil’s Backbone Open Space: iconic views and the famous Keyhole formation
- Round Mountain Nature Trail: challenging climbs and sweeping overlooks
- River’s Edge Natural Area: a quiet in-town network of trails and ponds
Layer up, pack water and enjoy sunshine-filled days that feel more like fall than winter.
Ice fishing in NoCo
As temperatures drop, local lakes become a gathering place for ice fishing. While it likely won’t be frozen over in December, travelers coming to Colorado later in the winter can ice fish on Lake Loveland, where you’ll often see locals out in their ice shanties fishing for walleye and trout. Boyd Lake is also in town and a great spot for ice fishing once the lake freezes over. If you’re open to a short drive, well-known Colorado ice fishing spots in Red Feather Lakes provide even more options throughout the season.
Always check ice conditions, go with a buddy and follow posted safety guidelines before heading out.
Horseback riding at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
Winter is a great time to explore the foothills west of Loveland and Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers a fun way to do it with year-round horseback rides. Trails take you through open meadows, cottonwoods and ridge areas with clear mountain views, giving visitors a calm, steady way to spend time outside.
Rides are guided by experienced wranglers and work well for both beginners and confident riders. In colder weather, the ranch is especially quiet, making it easy to take in the scenery and enjoy the slower pace.
Holiday lights across northern Colorado
Every winter, northern Colorado fills up with light displays, tree lightings and seasonal events, and Loveland is right in the middle of it. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of the season during the All is Bright Tour, where holiday lights shine brighter than ever across Centerra.
Don’t miss The Great Gift Hunt, a family-friendly scavenger adventure that begins when Santa “accidentally” drops seven presents along the tour. Each gift offers festive fun, and on select days, lucky visitors may find gift cards or goodies attached.
Plan your winter getaway in the Sweetheart City
Whether you’re walking the sculpture parks, snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park or checking out northern Colorado’s holiday lights, Loveland is the perfect place to stay. You’ll be close to the mountains, surrounded by friendly hospitality and part of a community that welcomes everyone.
Plan your trip and explore lodging, dining and events at VisitLoveland.com.