The mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs, Colo., continues its tradition of family-friendly holiday fun—COVID-19-style—beginning Friday, Nov. 13, with holiday lights, a giant musical Christmas tree, firepits for roasting marshmallows, live music and more. Gondola Giving, a fundraiser to provide meals to community members in need, starts then as well and continues through Dec. 24.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s annual Winter on the Mountain will look and feel a little different this year, but community-minded, family-friendly fun remains the focus at America’s only mountaintop theme park, which is located on top of Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Beginning Friday, Nov. 13, guests can enjoy gondola rides, dazzling light displays, thrill rides, a giant Christmas tree with a light show choreographed to holiday music and much more—all with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Winter on the Mountain continues through February 2021.
Holiday Traditions Continue
“I think it’s more important than ever to continue holiday traditions this year, even if you have to change things up a little. That’s what we’re doing with Winter on the Mountain. Our guests’ favorite activities— listening to live music, visits with Santa, enjoying the holiday lights, riding the lighted Alpine Coaster, and spending time together—are still taking place, COVID-19-style,” general manager Nancy Heard explained. “The safety policies we’ve had in place since June remain, including limited capacity, online reservations, face coverings and social distancing. That still allows us to provide the mountain-style holiday experience that people have come to love over the years.”
Have Fun & Help Out with Gondola Giving
Gondola Giving, a fundraiser to stock LiftUp’s local food pantries, is back as well. It allows people to help those in need by donating a City Market gift card worth at least $25 in exchange for four free gondola rides, an $80 value. Gift cards can be donated anytime through Dec. 24, and the gondola tickets are valid through the end of February 2021.
Heard added, “A lot of studies show that helping others is good for our mental health in terms of reducing stress and anxiety, so Gondola Giving is truly a win-win-win during this pandemic. A family benefits from providing assistance to others in need and then creates special memories of a winter visit to the park. Recipients of their generosity, who might be food-insecure right now, receive the gift of a meal. Isn’t that what the holidays are really about?”
A Holly Jolly Atmosphere
The holiday spirit shines at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park all season with its colorful light displays, musical Christmas tree, fire pits in the plaza for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, and lighted rides on the Alpine Coaster until 7 p.m. The cave tours, 4D motion theater and laser tag arena are also open.
Santa Scheduled to Stop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Children can visit with Santa, share their wish lists and pose for photos safely from a nearby chair. He’ll have on a clear, plastic face shield so that they can see his smile and long, white beard. Jolly Old St. Nick will be on the mountain from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27; Saturday, Dec. 12; Saturday, Dec. 19; and Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Winter on the Mountain Entertainment Lineup
On Fridays during Winter on the Mountain, there will be live music in the Lookout Grille from 4-7 p.m. Grab a delicious hot beverage and enjoy music from local Glenwood Springs bands. Capacity will be limited, so be sure to book your reservation today! Due to reduced capacity and reservation system, we are not offering free gondola rides on Fridays this year.
Band Line Up and Dates:
- Nov. 13 – Vid Weatherwax
- Nov. 20 – Lesa Russo
- Sat. Nov. 21 – Painters Stage
- Dec. 4 – Gerry Goodman
- Dec. 11 – Feeding Giants
- Jan. 8 – Pam and Dan
- Jan. 15 – Chasing Avalon
- Jan. 22 – Oran Mor
- Jan. 29 – The Curry’s
- Feb. 5 – Frank Martin
Stay Warm Inside & Out
A visit to the Lookout Grille for lunch, dinner or drinks is sure to please. Along with breathtaking views, a cozy fireplace and holiday décor, the restaurant offers appetizers, boneless wings, nachos, sandwiches, soups and kids’ meals, plus beer, wine, cocktails and tempting selection of hot cocoa, cider and winter beverages for kids and adults. The General Store, located inside the visitor center near the Grille, has a wide selection of gifts, toys, apparel and souvenirs.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all indoor capacity is limited. The park encourages visitors to bundle up as they would for a day on the slopes. Reservations and face coverings are required.
Try Our New Unlimited Alpine Coaster Ticket
The Unlimited Alpine Coaster ticket is the best value to enjoy Winter on the Mountain. As the name implies, it includes unlimited turns on the Alpine Coaster plus a roundtrip gondola ride, 4D Motion Theater, laser tag arena and two guided cave tours at a cost of just $44 per adult and $39 per child, ages 3 to 12. The Alpine Coaster may experience a delayed opening following heavy snow. A round-trip ride on the Glenwood Gondola is $20 per adult and $15 per child for guests who want to view the lights, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Lookout Grille, do some shopping at the General Store and visit with Santa.
Winter on the Mountain Hours
Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 13 through the end of the year. The park is closed Monday through Thursday. During the holidays, it will be open daily Nov. 20 to 29, except for Thanksgiving Day, and Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, except for Christmas Day. Hours vary and will be posted on the website.
Thank You Winter on the Mountain Sponsors
This year’s Winter on the Mountain event is made possible by Coca-Cola, Community Banks of Colorado, Glenwood Insurance-Allstate and Richards Law Office.
