The Silver Lining Winter Picks for train rides, holiday lights, New Year’s Eve experiences, outdoor gifts, running, hiking, snowports gear and activities, footwear, eyes and ears, music experiences, music gifts, and ways to give back to the planet. Outdoor Shopping Guide and holiday event calendar await below.
- Winter Holiday Trains, Georgetown (Nov. 8, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025): The Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado’s most authentic living history experiences and offers daily train rides through scenic and snowy vistas featuring more than 300,000-holiday lights. Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, and the evening holiday lights trains, Santa’s Lighted Forest includes visits from Santa.
- Leadville Railroad Holiday Express, Leadville (Nov. 21, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025): Travel through the snowy Colorado mountains on a memorable trip for the entire family in one of three heated lounge cars with comfortable booth seating and large windows.
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad The Polar Express™ Train Ride, Durango (Nov. 22, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025): This beloved experience brings to life the holiday classic, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, through an immersive, theatrical re-creation. Onboard, guests enjoy readings from the book while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Upon arrival at the North Pole, a dazzling light show set to holiday music delights passengers. On the return trip, Santa and his elves board the train, visiting each coach to present the first gift of Christmas to every passenger.
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s NEW Santa Express Train, Royal Gorge (Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2014): All aboard the NEW Santa Express Train holiday locomotive, which leads the train through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole and back. After one year and more than 5,000 hours of craftsmanship, the stunning Santa Express Train locomotive is unlike any other in the world, featuring hand-spun gold-leaf paint, 313 hand-painted snowflakes, 40 hand-painted pine trees, and more.
Festive Holiday Lodging Offerings
- The Berkeley Hotel, Denver: Holiday surprises await when guests check into their festively decorated room, complete with holiday stockings stuffed with local goodies from Tennyson Street. Guests also enjoy complimentary gift-wrapping service. The in-house bakery, Bakery Four, offers baker-led cookie-baking workshops for guests.
- The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs: This holiday season, The Broadmoor offers timeless traditions and elevated luxury through its festive programming. At the White Lights Ceremony, witness millions of twinkling lights illuminate across the resort and await an arrival from the North Pole. The unveiling of the over-the-top Gingerbread Display showcases the talented hands of the pastry team through creative, sugary, life-size presentations. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in brunches for Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with a breakfast with Santa. Welcome the New Year with a high-energy party or elegant gala affair.
- C Lazy U Ranch, Granby: At C Lazy U Ranch, holiday festivities include gingerbread house building, holiday karaoke, cookie decorating, and Santa visits on a horse-drawn sleigh filled with presents. Cabins feature tabletop Christmas trees with trimming supplies, and guests explore the ranch’s 8,500 acres blanketed in snow by horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more.
- Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs: Guests have enjoyed the extravagant holiday decorations and hospitality of this hotel since 1893. The season begins Nov. 29, when more than half a million lights illuminate the hotel, accompanied by a rooftop fireworks show. The holiday magic continues inside with wintry displays, a life-sized gingerbread house, and 60 decorated Christmas trees.
- The Gant, Aspen: This holiday and winter season, The Gant invites guests to enjoy personalized backcountry ski tours, guided naturalist snowshoe outings, and winter fly fishing adventures in the Roaring Fork Valley. Celebrate the festive spirit with local glass-blowing experiences, perfect for creating unique, handcrafted gifts that embody the charm of Aspen’s winter wonderland.
- Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, Aurora: Celebrate the holiday season at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, where ICE! showcasing The Polar Express™ takes center stage as Colorado’s largest indoor ice attraction. Visitors can be dazzled by the acrobatics of Cirque: Frost, slide down thrilling two-story ice slides, and participate in festive activities at Mistletoe Village, with gingerbread decorating, visits with Santa Claus, and more.
- Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek, Denver: Halcyon will offer a curated lineup of holiday happenings, including Holiday Bake Shop and Holiday Tea, featuring house-made baked goods by pastry chef Saura Kline, and Halcyon on Ice, returning for its second year with a rooftop après lounge and a huge new ice-skating rink.
- The Hythe, Vail: Enjoy family-friendly movie nights, delightful reindeer visits and a special stocking-making class. Get creative with cookie decorating led by The Hythe chef or make festive crafts for Chanukah. Don’t miss a visit from Santa himself, the exciting Ice Luge activation, or unwind with a guided Paint & Sip class.
- Hotel Maverick, Grand Junction: Grand Junction’s Hotel Maverick will transform its rooftop terrace into a winter wonderland, offering a snow globe dining experience against panoramic views of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument. Guests can cozy up and enjoy a festive meal of regionally inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails in private, illuminated igloos and gondolas at Devil’s Kitchen.
- St Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder: Celebrate the holidays in Boulder with beloved annual events at St Julien Hotel & Spa. Guests can delight in family-friendly Gingerbread Tea, live holiday jazz, candlelight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, a grand Christmas brunch buffet, a pre-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner, and an extravagant New Year’s Eve bash.
- The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon: Enjoy a snowy holiday getaway to the Vail Valley’s Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, which is hosting a Santa Brunch on Dec. 15, ongoing guest activations including cookie decorating and ornament making, the annual Christmas Eve screening of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and more.
- YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park: Nestled on 850 acres near Rocky Mountain National Park, YMCA of the Rockies offers magical, affordable holiday fun. Along with seasonal outdoor activities, enjoy pajama story time, a Christmas light village, and visits with Santa.
The new Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail
The New Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail, Northern Colorado (late November to early January): The new Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail allows visitors to experience festive light displays, free family-friendly activities, and even a drive-thru option at three Northern Colorado cities known for having some of the best light displays in the state — Loveland, Fort Collins and Estes Park — along with displays in Greeley, Longmont and more. Winter Wonderlights in Loveland takes place from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1, and Garden of Light returns to the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins in December.
New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Eve Winter Circus, Beaver Creek (Dec. 31, 2024): More than 200 skiers and snowboarders light up the early evening slopes at 6 p.m. The celebration continues through the village with a Winter Circus filled with aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, break dancers, fire dancers and more. Cap the evening off with a spectacular fireworks display over Beaver Creek Mountain.
- New Year’s Eve Light Up Snowcat Parade and Fireworks, Steamboat Resort (Dec. 31, 2024): The night kicks off with five snowcats, decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, leading the way down the mountain. Following this radiant procession, Steamboat Snow Sports Instructors will glide down the slopes, performing synchronized skiing, illuminated only by glowing torches. This magical parade sets the stage for a stunning fireworks display.
- Oakwell Beer Spa New Year’s Eve Private Spa Suites, Denver: Celebrate 2025 in Oakwell Beer Spa’s private spa suites this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy an exclusive, cozy space with curated craft beverages and festive treats.
- Beyul Retreat New Year’s Eve Getaway (Dec. 28, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025): Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Beyul with a four-night stay, starting on Dec. 28. Enjoy a mix of activities,s including a welcome dinner, guided adventures and a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a festive dinner, live music, and fireworks. Connect with nature through daily excursions like skiing, snowshoeing, and hot springs visits.
- Cortez Tours New Year’s Day Sunrise Guided Hike, Cortez (Jan. 1, 2025): Join Cortez Tours for a New Year’s Day sunrise guided hike through Hawkins Preserve to learn about the history of southwest Colorado and Ancestral Puebloan building styles and culture. Witness breathtaking views, toast with champagne, and start the year with an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor Shopping Guide
Climbing Gear
Wild Country Crag Hauler 40 Backpack
The Crag Hauler 40 is a durable, self-standing, haul-bag-inspired pack for climbers heading to sandstone splitters or limestone sport crags. Engineered for toughness, it features haul bag tarpaulin, reinforced ripstop nylon, bombproof YKK® zippers, and a PFC-free DWR treatment for water resistance. The wide, funnel-shaped roll-top and J-shaped front zipper provide quick and easy gear access, while the top flap doubles as a rope fixation. Designed for comfort and versatility, it includes padded straps, adjustable load lifters, hidden lateral compression straps, and internal loops for gear organization. Sustainability efforts include a PFC-free DWR finish, making it a reliable and eco-conscious choice for adventurers.
The medium-sized U-shaped Flow chalk bag is crafted from durable, rock-resistant ripstop fabric. It features a zippered pocket and drawcord closure for secure and easy tightening.
The Wild Country Rope Tarp combines style and functionality, making rope management effortless. It has four handles and a color-coded tie-in point, ensuring easy transport and organization. Available in two designs—the “Gear Storm” print by Indonesian climber artist Hamdi and the “Heritage” graphic inspired by the historic logo—this tarp saves time, keeps your rope dirt-free, and extends its lifespan.
Hydration
Epic Nalgene OG Water Bottle – 32 oz
Epic Water Filters’ OG Bottles, built on durable Nalgene designs, Feature an interchangeable filter system, they provide clean water anywhere with two included EPIC filters.
The Everywhere (white filter) employs our proprietary CoreXchange Technology™ to adapt to indoor and outdoor freshwater sources.
Epic Water Pure Pitcher – Removes Flouride & PFAS. The Pure Pitcher delivers pristine, refreshing water by removing heavy metals, trace pharmaceuticals, and PFAS with advanced filtration technology.
Lifestraw – Sip – Reusable Steel Filter Straw with Portable Carrying Case
Lifestraw – Go Series – BPA-Free Water Filtration Bottle
Lifestraw Peak Series – solo water filter
Snowsports
Commemorative icebreaker x POW product collection.
icebreaker was founded in 1995 in New Zealand, leading a movement toward a more natural way of living by removing unnecessary plastic from performance apparel.
LowDown Helmets, a family-owned company in Carbondale, Colorado, blends retro style with modern safety and comfort in ski and snowboard helmets. Inspired by classic motorcycle helmets from a family trip to Italy, our handmade, small-batch helmets are crafted in Italy to combine unique aesthetics with top-tier protection.
Arc’teryx women’s ski apparel is built for peak performance on the slopes. They use advanced materials and rigorous athlete testing. They make everything from insulated jackets to waterproof shells, even easy-to-layer mid layers. New colors and styles for 2025.
The future is in all our hands. Gordini worked with two environmental artists –Jordan Kendall Parks and Zoe Malee– to bring the Gordini Artist Series.
Expedition Guide Gloves WOOLTEK
ShipSkis offers an easy way to travel stress-free with bulky winter gear. You can ship your skis, boots, and luggage directly to your destination.
ShipSkis Gift Cards: Buy here.
Feet
Introducing the Prodigio Womens, a revolutionary new trail running shoe featuring new XFlow™ foam, a nitrogen-infused EVA supercritical foam technology that provides unparalleled cushioning, stability, and energy return, making it the ultimate choice for trail runners demanding the best. Weighing in under 300g, the Prodigio is lightweight and responsive, helping you move faster and more efficiently on the trail. Don’t worry about being a Mountain Running prodigy – with the La Sportiva Prodigio, anyone can experience revolutionary trail running technology.
Delivering the perfect blend of cushion, responsiveness, and outsole traction, the Akasha II Women’s is the preferred shoe for trail runners seeking technical terrain or high mileage outings. In addition to aesthetic modifications, the 2022 updates of the Akasha II Women’s focus on increased durability, protection, and breathability.
SUPERPLUSH™ CLASSIC MEN’S SHOES
The SUPERPLUSH™ line was created to be a refuge for tired feet. Designed to be exceptionally comfortable, they’re engineered for recovery with a structured footbed providing stability and support. They’re lightweight, highly breathable and crafted with the best materials. Step into a world where every stride is cushioned, ensuring not just a comfortable journey but also promoting overall foot health. Available in men’s and women’s with a variety of colors.
Introducing Salewa’s Puez Winter Mid Powertex Boot: the ultimate companion for diverse terrains and unpredictable mountain conditions, from muddy grass to snowy trails and rocky paths.
The Pomoca Alpine Trekker outsole ensures exceptional grip and stability. Built with a durable ripstop PE upper, Kevlar-reinforced 3F system, and protective PU rand, these boots are tough and reliable. The PFC-free PowerTex lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable with its waterproof, breathable membrane.
Farm to Feet
Farm to Feet’s socks are made entirely from 100% American-sourced materials, including merino wool, nylon, spandex, and packaging. The merino wool, grown in the western U.S., is processed into yarn within 300 miles of their sustainable manufacturing facility in Mt. Airy, NC. Partnering with groups like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Pacific Crest Trail Association, and Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Farm to Feet supports preserving the outdoors for future generations.
Eyes
Ombraz – THEY PLANT 20 MANGROVE TREES FOR EVERY PAIR OF OMBRAZ SOLD.
Each pair of Ombraz sequesters 1,713 times more carbon than is emitted during their production and delivery, making them the world’s most carbon-negative product.
Ears
Suunto Wing Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones
Suunto introduces the Wing, an open-ear sound system designed with athletes in mind. Using bone-conduction technology, it delivers audio through cheekbones, ensuring users stay aware of their surroundings for enhanced safety.
Features:
- Bone-Conduction Sound: Vibrations bypass the eardrum for open-ear listening.
- LED Visibility Lights: Red LEDs for low-light safety.
- Durable & Lightweight: Titanium build, IP67 sweat and waterproof.
- Extended Battery Life: 10-hour playback, +20 hours with power bank.
- Anti-Wind Noise: Clear sound even at 30 km/h.
Suunto, trusted since 1936, continues its legacy of creating eco-conscious, long-lasting products.
Towels
Nomadix – California-based brand Nomadix makes high-performance, multi-purpose towels that help simplify adventure and create less waste. Meet MicroTerry™- Small loops, big performance, always recycled. MicroTerry™ is a revolutionary Nomadix fabric technology used across multiple product lines. Their fabrics are certified through the Global Recycle Standard by meeting supply chain requirements and environmental principles.
PackTowl® announces the spring 2025 launch of its Personal Towel: Artist Series, featuring three new prints: Desert Aire by Gianna Andrews, Flow by Kristina Wayte Bakke, and Orca by Shogo Ota. Joining the existing lineup of eco-conscious designs, these sustainably made towels absorb four times their weight in water, dry 70% faster than cotton, and feature Polygiene® odor control for lasting freshness in a compact, travel-friendly size. The new PackTowl Personal Towel Artist Series prints (MSRP: $34.95 USD) will be available starting January 2025.
Music
Planet Bluegrass – For over 30 years, Planet Bluegrass has hosted exceptional musical festivals that leave a lasting impact on both the environment and their community. Set against the breathtaking natural landscapes of Colorado, these festivals showcase the world’s finest musicians and songwriters while fostering shared experiences that strengthen connections and inspire collective joy. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Planet Bluegrass embraces a “Leave No Trace” ethic, establishing itself as a leader in “Sustainable Festivation” and ensuring that every event harmonizes with nature while cultivating positive social reverberations.
Telluride Bluegrass passes are on sale and available at www.shop.bluegrass.com.
RockyGrass tickets go on sale on Thursday, January 23rd at 10 am MT- www.shop.bluegrass.com.
And finally, Folks Festival tickets go on sale Thursday, February 13th at 10 am MT- www.shop.bluegrass.com
Frail Talk
Frail Talk, a Fort Collins-based indie synth folk duo, released Little Al Elemental Suite (stream // pre-save) on Friday, December 20. This reimagines the band’s “little al” (taken from their last full-length Microspirit) in four remixes embodying the human spirit: water, fire, earth, and air. Releasing with the winter solstice, little al offers solace on the year’s longest night, inviting reflection on identity and connection. Inspired by a walk in the California Redwoods, writers Cor and Al reimagined this tune across shifting landscapes—from wobbling tape machines to sun-soaked Texas power lines—urging listeners to look within, around, and beyond.
Frail Talk is doing a mystery bag sale and a new ‘little al’ inspired t-shirt here
Big Richard
Big Richard, a Colorado-based neo-acoustic supergroup, formed unexpectedly in 2021 for a one-off festival appearance but quickly evolved into a nationwide sensation. Known for their jaw-dropping virtuosity, playful stage banter, four-part harmonies, eclectic repertoire, and unapologetic “lady rage,” the quartet has sold out clubs and secured major festival dates across the country. With three singles, a Live from Telluride album, and their debut studio album Girl Dinner set for release on 01/24/25, Big Richard has already made a lasting impact on the Bluegrass/Americana/Country music scene
Camping
Camping
After more than 50 years of innovation in camp comfort, Therm-a-Rest introduces NeoLoft, the most comfortable backpacking mattress ever built.
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Therm-a-Rest is set to revolutionize outdoor sleep with the Spring 2025 launch of the NeoLoft backpacking mattress. At 4.6 inches thick and just 25 ounces, it offers unmatched comfort and packability, eliminating the usual trade-off between lightness and luxury. Alongside NeoLoft, Therm-a-Rest introduces an updated Trail Pro and the new Trail ProLight in its self-inflating range, showcasing innovation and sustainability. The 2025 lineup will be available at select REI locations in September 2024, and nationwide, including Thermarest.com, in January 2025.
Under layer:
Women’s Long Sleeve Henley, Minus33’s 100% Merino midweight fabric at 235 gsm.
For other pieces in that same midweight merino, check out the full women’s midweight line HERE.
Women’s Wool Bikini Brief and Women’s Wool Boxer Brief. Both of these are Minus33’s Woolverino fabric, which is 84% merino with a little nylon and a little spandex for stretch. Those micro-weight pieces come in at 145 gsm.
The five-piece Nomad Cooking Kit is the adventure-ready gear you need to create a great meal outdoors. The kit includes a No.12 Serrated Folding Knife (excellent for cutting bread or tough rinds), a No.10 Corkscrew Knife & Bottle Opener (perfect for wine and cheese picnics!), a No.06 Folding Peeler (comes in handy when you need to peel veggies for dinner), an 8”x5” cutting board and a microfiber cleaning cloth that doubles as a folding carry pouch for all the pieces of the kit.
MSR refreshes two beloved tents for spring 2025; introduces all-new Hubba HubbaTM LT and updates ElixirTM Tent Series
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) all-new Hubba HubbaTM LT and updates to the ElixirTM Tent Series. Both tents enhance the Elixir and Hubba families with improved aesthetics and performance. Featuring premium all-metal hardware for better intuitiveness and ease of use, they maintain MSR’s durability standards. The expanded floor plans offer more living space, while the updated colors and lines provide a modern, refreshed look.
Hubba HubbaTM LT Series
MSR’s best-selling Hubba HubbaTM tent series has long been a backpacking fan favorite since its inception in 2004, twenty years ago. Most recently, MSR built on the series’ success with the launch of a bikepacking version, the Hubba HubbaTM Bikepack.
ElixirTM Tent Series
Introduced 10 years ago, the Elixir Tent Series has been MSR’s most affordable backpacking option, offering excellent livability, ease of use, and durability. Its straight zipper door design enhances durability and makes it easier for campers to access, even in the middle of the night.
Therm-a-Rest transforms the sleeping bag market with the new Boost 650 – launching in spring 2025
Innovative new design changes the way we sleep in the backcountry
Therm-a-Rest redefines backpacking comfort and warmth in spring 2025 with its new sleeping bag; The Boost 650™, tackles two major backpacking concerns: comfort and warmth. Featuring WarmZip technology and multi-use armholes, it’s designed for maximum versatility. The 650-fill, RDS-certified hydrophobic down is strategically placed with Zoned Insulation for optimal heat retention and weight distribution. The hydrophobic down absorbs 90% less water and dries three times faster than the untreated down, ensuring reliable warmth in wet conditions. The shell and lining are made with a GRS-certified 100% recycled nylon and coated with a PFAS-free DWR. Inclusive sizing includes short, short wide, regular, regular wide, long, and long wide. The Boost 650 is available in 32 and 20 degrees and starts at one pound and nine ounces (32 degrees, size short).
Therm-a-Rest’s spring 2025 lineup will be available at select REI locations starting September 2024 and everywhere else, including Thermarest.com, starting January 2025.
Protection & Batteries
OtterBox – www.otterbox.com/
Phone 16 CaseDefender Series Pro for MagSafe
For 7X military standard drop defenses, go with Defender Series Pro for MagSafe. It’s equipped with corners that absorb shock, all-over texturing for greater grip, integrated MagSafe magnets, and built-in anchors for connecting phone straps.
The Silver Lining is dedicated to delivering compelling, community-driven journalism that amplifies the voices and stories of the West. We connect the vibrant worlds of outdoor adventure, arts and culture, lifestyle, science, sustainability, music, tourism, and events, creating a dynamic platform. We are an independent newsroom built by a small community over a long period of time. We are here because we matter and are needed. Not because we have made a big profit. We are here to support others on the journey of making the world a better place. We want to strengthen the communities by giving jobs to creatives. By buying art and music, that brings joy to the world. By taking the experiences seriously. By sharing journalism without a paywall so that everyone can be in the know. By sharing stories of newness and change, products that make a difference. By becoming a part of a bigger collective of good things and inviting everyone to be a part of it.
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Nice, Cynthia! We wish you all the best in 2025. Hope to see you, too! -Celeste