Many activities can be done here year round because of the mild winters and little snowfall in the valley. Even though Monarch Pass 20 miles west of here averages over 450” of snow a year, there is usually no snow in the valley. Salida, CO is known as the banana belt of Colorado and averages over 300 days of sunshine a year. With low humidity, an elevation of 7000 feet, and often 50 degrees during the day, it feels like Spring. The most popular Winter Activities are:

Downhill Ski at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area. It is often one of the least crowded ski areas in Colorado and often has some of the best snow in the state. It is just 25 minutes west of us near the top of the Continental Divide. They have an excellent ski school and child care center. Our favorite run (blue) is Little Mo. We have either ski & stay packages or discount lift tickets.  Snow skiing here is incredible!

Cross-country ski and snowshoe over Old Monarch Pass, Co. Just 25 minutes west and after a gradual slope, stand on top of the Continental Divide and look into the Gunnison Valley.

Snowmobile and Ride ATVs along abandoned railroad beds Take a guided tour or go out on your own. Incredible scenery. More info.

Fly-fish or spin-cast for German Browns on the Arkansas River or in small nearby lakes. Fishing is open all year around. There are even hatches in the winter. More info.

Hike on miles of old logging roads at lower elevation to avoid the snow. For more info visit the US Forest Service.

The Salida Golf Course is just 3 minutes from the Woodland Motel. At 7,000 ft, your drives will go farther and the views are breathtaking. The clubhouse is not open in the winter but you can still play the course with your own clubs.

Mountain biking on hundreds of miles of trails, old mining and logging roads from our local 7,000 feet elevation up to 9,000 feet (higher than that you will probably run into snow). More info.

Downtown Salida, just 7 blocks down the street, is known for its great Art Galleries, Antique Shops and unique Jewelry Boutiques and excellent restaurants. There is also a fabulous Skateboard Park. The KayakWhitewater Park , River Walk, Outdoor Sculpture Garden, local community theater, the Steam Plant and Bongo Billy’s Salida Café with live entertainment are all located on the banks of the Arkansas River.

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center just 5 minutes from the Woodland Motel. The water is totally odorless, hot and piped in from Poncha Springs. Lots of activities for all ages. Half price tickets.

Within one hour the following side trips are very popular:

Royal Gorge Park – World’s Highest Suspension Bridge, gondola, incline train, miniature train, deer herd, theme park.

Train ride through the Royal Gorge – Breathtaking and historic. Definitely worth it!

These last three are south of us and quite close together:

Great Sand Dune National Monument – Climb dunes like the Sahara Desert.

Alligator Farm –Visit all kinds of reptiles and huge alligators raised in thermal springs.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs – Soak in outdoor pools protected by windscreens, great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, very clean. Discounts.