It was beginning to look pretty bleak in the Colorado high country for a while. Our unseasonably warm weather this winter has left a lot to be desired when it comes to fun in the snow. Luckily as temperatures have dropped and a few snowstorms have rolled in over the mountains, we get to see a return of a few old friends! Winter is far from over in Walden, and if you are looking for a reason to escape the city for a weekend, let us be the ones to twist your arm. We’ve got plenty in store for you out on the ice!

Lake John Ice Fishing Contest!

Location: Lake John, Jackson County, CO

When: February 7th

While everyone else is getting ready for the Superbowl, you can register for your own big game up in North Park. February 7th marks the return of the Lake John Ice Fishing Tournament. In spite of warm weather in January, “Johnners” battled against each other for cash prizes and the prestige of landing the biggest catch on Lake John. On February 7th, for one day only, you can see if you have what it takes to catch the big one. Cold weather has added some inches to the ice, so you’ll be able to bring your shelters, buckets, and friends out onto the ice.

The February Ice Fishing Contest at Lake John is a unique experience, especially when many of the lakes in northern Colorado have tapped out for the winter because of the weather. Unlike the January Ice Fishing Tournament, you only have one day out on the ice and the prize money is the same as it was in January! You can’t get odds like that in Vegas!

There’s no telling what you might win just for entering the event! Door prizes are also given every hour and can be anything from gift certificates to items such as propane heaters and fishing equipment. So get out on the ice and enjoy the day under our pristine Colorado blue skies. It could be your lucky day! Even if you don’t place, you’ll have a blast, and everybody gets to go home with bragging rights (and maybe even some fresh-caught trout!)

Check out the North Park Area Chamber of Commerce website to register. 

Here’s what you could win!

XMR: Xtreme Mountain Racing! Vintage Snowmobile Races

Location: Walden Reservoir, 1 mile west of Walden, CO 

When: Jan 31, Feb 28, March 1

We almost thought Xtreme Mountain Racing was done for the year, but the Walden Reservoir has iced over and these maniacs are going to try to crack it again! Xtreme Mountain Racing brings vintage snowmobile riders, racers, and customizers from all over the Rocky Mountains to compete for prize money, notoriety and glory.

With several heats, dozens of riders, and races to watch, from Kids and Juniors to Vintage and Classic Class, XMR is turning up the heat for three weekends this year! Starting on Jan 31 in Walden, a youth and kids race in Grand Lake on Superbowl weekend, then returning on Feb 28 and March 1. XMR will close out the season on the Walden Reservoir.

What Is Vintage Snowmobile Racing?

Think classic car racing with less attention to curb appeal and more focus on getting as much horsepower as possible out of a classic design.  Many of these sleds are what you might have seen growing up.  From two track Ski-doos to Arctic Cats, Polaris, and more! 

XMR runs in three main categories of vintage snowmobile racing: stock, superstock, and super modified.  Each is broken down by engine displacement: 330cc, 440, 500, and 600.  The 500 super modified run the fastest on the 3/8 mile track, pushing 80mph plus on the straights and dropping down to 40mph on the turns.

XMR races abide by ISR rules for track size, safety, and qualifications.  With up to eight racers per preliminary moto, two motos and one main event, you can expect to fill an entire day with racing on Walden Reservoir.  Dozens of racers are expected to face off in over 20 classes including side-by-sides, turbo and non-turbo sleds, ice bikes, quads, super-mods and more! 

Prizes

The winner of the main event per class takes home a cash prize, and a 3-foot tall trophy is awarded to the Ironman—the racer with the most points overall. Hoodies, hockey jerseys, banners, photo packages, coffee mugs, and other gear are up for grabs for other racers placing in their class. Racing is both an honor and privilege against such talented riders. Some do it for the gold and others just love to run.

Where to Stay in Walden

Book your accommodations early and plan ahead for meals, since most hotels and restaurants in Walden, CO and North Park fill up quickly on race weekends. Winter driving conditions might exist and visitors should always be prepared for cold temperatures and mountain driving.

Lodging Near Walden

Walden has several hotels to choose from for a weekend of winter fun, or check into a vacation rental through VRBO or AirBnB. 

We have several RV parks throughout the area which you can find on our Where to Stay page. Always call ahead for reservations, as many campgrounds are seasonal and closed in winter. Check out this article on rental cabins, or these articles on the Old Homestead and Powderhorn Cabins. 

For places to stay in Walden, CO you’ll find:

• Antlers Inn Call: (970) 723-8690
• Caribou Crossing Motel: 970-501-6076
• Sleepy Moose Inn: (970) 440-1614
• North Park Inn and Suites Call: (970) 723-4271
• Chedsey Motel Call: (970) 723-8201
• Lake John Resort (970) 723-8201

Where to Eat in Walden

Once you get off the ice you’re going to want to take the edge off with a delicious, hot meal. Walden has a few newcomers, old favorites, and old standards with new management! Whether you are looking for pizza and wings, Mexican cuisine, or hardy American fare, we’ve got you covered. The Stockman Bar and Grill is our local watering hole with local color, history, and visitors out for a good time on the town. They are always glad you came and hate to see you go.

• Rita’s Cafe, Walden, CO
• Mis Tres Reyes, Walden, CO
• Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant, Gould, CO
• River Rock, Walden, CO
• Stockman Bar and Grill, Walden, CO
• Four Winds Pizza, Walden, CO (under new management!)

Get Up, Get Out, and Come Play in the Snow!

Winter is one of the best times to visit North Park. While other destinations are struggling to keep snow on the slopes, you’ll find beautiful views, small town charm, and winter vibes with us. It’s not for everyone, but for those who discover our little hideaway in the mountains, there’s almost no other place in the world that compares to its raw beauty and wonder. Come up for the weekend, stick around for the food, the company, and forget about your worries even if just for a little while. We will see you soon!

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to check out the Visit North Park Blog to plan your next visit to Jackson County, CO. If there has been a favorite article that caught your attention, or if you would like to know more about something in North Park we haven’t covered, please let us know on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack in the comments! Subscribe to the newsletter and receive regular posts, contests, and important announcements through email or your Substack app. It costs nothing to sign up!