2024 Winter Whiteout Weekend Getaways
2025 Winter Whiteout Weekend Getaways
Weekends in February are filled with fun for the whole family! From ice fishing to ice climbing, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together five winter wonderland itineraries to make the most out of your visit. Get away from it all this winter and experience the serenity and outdoor magic, and adventure that Lake City has to offer.
Join us for the Lake City Ice Festival on Feb 1st, 2025! Whether you’re an ice climber competing or a spectator, this is a cool event to experience. The festival takes place at Lake City Ice Park. Registration begins at 9:30am ($35 per climber) and the ice climbing competition starts at 11am. Bring your friends and family and stay for the weekend as there’s plenty of fun to be had for the non-climbers in the bunch (cross country, skiing or snowboarding at the ski hill, ice skating downtown, art galleries, and shopping).
Check out this blog post for 17 Fun Things to Do in Lake City in This Winter and for lodging options and a list of open businesses, click here.
Winter Whiteout Getaway #2: Lake San Cristobal Brew-Ski (Sat, Feb 8th)
The 7th annual Brew-Ski on Lake San Cristobal is set for Saturday Feb 8th, from 11am-2pm. Use the Brew-Ski as an excuse for a weekend getaway to Lake City! Roll over on Friday evening for dinner and a movie at the Mountaineer Theater. On Saturday the Brew-Ski dishes out big smiles as participants walk, sled, ski, or snowshoe to 6 stations throughout a mile-long course on the lake. Each station will have beer tastings, hot drinks, and snacks. Then on Sunday, work off that beer by hitting the trails for a nordic ski, taking a snowmobile tour, or head out on the Silver Thread Byway for a gorgeous winter drive or a ski tour off Slumgullion Pass.
Get your Brew-Ski tickets here
$40 – Beer Tasting Admission (21+, includes a collectible Brew-Ski mug)
$20 – Hot Drink Admission (Non-Alcohol)
$10 – Kids Admission (12 and under)
Refer to our open business list for lodging options, open eateries, and more.
Winter Whiteout Getaway #3: Ice Fishing Derby (Sat, Feb 15th)
Calling all hearty anglers! February 15th is the Lake San Cristobal Search and Rescue Ice Fishing Derby. Check in is at 6:30am at Lake San Cristobal Boat Dock and the fishing starts at 7:30am. Head over to Lake City on Friday to make that early start easier and bring the family for a winter whiteout weekend getaway!
Anglers have the morning to fish for the big one. A BBQ Lunch is available for purchase ($15) and will be delivered to your fishing spot.* Award ceremony takes place at 1pm with prizes for the top 3 largest live-length game fish.
Entry fee is $20 and you can pre-register for the derby here – Cash payments will be taken at registration. Each participant will receive 1 raffle ticket for door prizes, and additional tickets available to purchase for $5. All proceeds benefit Hinsdale County Search and Rescue!
Nonanglers, while the anglers fish, we encourage you to hit the shops in Lake City or head out for a snowshoe or ski on the trails surrounding town. And then stick around for dinner and a movie on Saturday, and on Sunday, take a snowmobile tour or make some turns at Lake City Ski Hill ($30 lift tickets and with gear included!).
*Lunch info is subject to change
Winter Whiteout Getaway #4: Cannibal Snowshoe Scramble (Sat, Feb 22nd)
Come to Lake City for the 9th Annual Cannibal Snowshoe Scramble on Lake San Cristobal on Saturday, February 22nd. Book a cabin and make a weekend out of it. On Friday night compare notes on your costume with other snowshoers over drinks and dinner downtown. After the race on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday, trade your snowshoes in for ice skates, nordic or alpine skis, or a snowmobile to keep the winter fun rolling in and around Lake City. Check the Winter Business list for info on lodging, restaurants and other weekend trip planning resources.
The event is sponsored by the Lake City Area Medical Center. There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place racers as well as best dressed!
Event registration starts at 10:00 am and the snowshoe race gets rolling at 10:30am. Register here by Feb 16th to get your race shirt!
The Lake City Community School will be hosting a Chili fundraiser during the event for their Washington, DC, trip, so even if you’re not keen on snowshoeing, come watch the fun and enjoy some chili.
Winter Whiteout Getaway #5: Matt Milski Memorial Ski Race (Saturday, March 1st)
We couldn’t help ourselves and have extended the Winter Whiteout festivities into March. The first weekend in March is going to be a good time in Lake City as we are hosting the annual Matt Milski Memorial Ski Race at Lake City Ski Hill on Saturday March 1st from 9-2pm. Sign up yourself, enter the kiddos, or just come check out and cheer on the racers. The slalom course drops 247 vertical feet and many of our speedy racers will complete the course in less than 30 seconds.
Non racers can still ski the hill and watch the action while they ride the Poma lift. Round out the weekend with hot chocolate, meals and shopping downtown and more winter recreation out on the trails, the lake or the Ice Park.
See all Lake City events here!
