Ski season might be technically underway in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean the slopes are the main event this year. In this episode of Springs & Things, Carly and Lauren share their favorite things to do in Summit County when skiing conditions aren’t ideal (or when you just don’t feel like skiing at all).

From cozy coffee shops and award-winning restaurants to tubing hills, art studios, snow forts, and immersive festivals, this episode is packed with winter mountain getaway ideas that don’t require skis. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a low-key weekend, or tagging along for ski programs you already paid for, this guide proves you can still have an unforgettable Colorado mountain trip.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Summit County is worth visiting even in a low-snow ski year
The best non-ski winter activities for families, couples, and solo travelers
Where to eat, drink coffee, and relax in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne
Unique art, culture, and events that make mountain towns special year-round
How to enjoy Keystone and Breckenridge without skiing at all

Food & Coffee Worth the Trip

Rootstalk – James Beard Award–winning chef, hidden happy hour, and one of Colorado’s most talked-about dining experiences
Silver Crown – Cozy whiskey bar that surprises with excellent coffee and breakfast
Outer Range Brewing Company – Favorite brewery vibes with standout branding
- Bird Craft (inside Outer Range) – Chicken stand that’s become a local favorite
- Mountain Dweller Coffee – Ideal work-from-anywhere atmosphere

Winter Activities (No Skis Required)

Frisco Adventure Park – Tubing, beginner ski lessons, sledding hills, and cross-country skiing
The Art Spot – Drop-in art studio with supplies, classes, and working artists on site
Silverthorne Recreation Center – Indoor pool with a rock-climbing wall that drops straight into the water
Keystone Snow Fort – Massive mountaintop snow fort accessible by lift (no skiing needed), plus Snow Fort After Dark events

Art, Culture & Can’t-Miss Experiences

Isak Heartstone – Iconic 15-foot wooden troll sculpture worth the short walk
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (Aug 20–23) – Immersive, playful, and unexpected art installations throughout town

Pick of the Week

Vintage Barn Market – Monthly vintage home décor and clothing market focused on sustainability and one-of-a-kind finds
The Argentos Empanadas – Authentic empanadas with multiple Colorado locations and a loyal following

Why This Episode Matters

If you’ve ever felt pressure to ski just because you’re in a ski town, or wondered whether a mountain trip is “worth it” without perfect snow, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently. Summit County shines just as brightly off the slopes, and this conversation proves that winter in the mountains can be relaxing, creative, and fun at any pace.

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🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with your mountain-loving (or slope-avoiding) friends. New episodes drop weekly on Springs & Things.