January 15-18

The Estes Park Winter Festival presents two days of chili, wine, beer and song! Join us under the (heated) Big Top for:

• Wine tastings with more than eight Colorado wineries.
• Beer tastings from local microbreweries.
• A Chili Cook-Off with local cooks and restaurants.
• Top it off with live music from some of the area's guest bands and you've got a great way to keep warm while enjoying winter in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado.

Saturday's event features a C.A.S.I.-sanctioned Chili Cook-Off sponsored by the Colorado Chili Pod featuring amateur cooks from Estes Park and across Colorado

Sunday's event features chefs from Estes Park's many restaurants competing to determine who has the "Best Chili in Estes Park."

Beginning Friday night (January 15) the Winter Festival features an eco-friendly focus with an EarthFest celebration, complete with guest speakers and vendors.

On Saturday, during Winter Trails Day, you can try on and try out snowshoes from a variety of manufacturers to see which brand suits you best. Winter Trails is sponsored by the national Winter Trails organization in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Both of these special events are rounded out by a Winter Festival with activities throughout Estes Park on all three days.

Other planned activities  include tours at the Estes Park Observatory, a snowman making contest, a scavenger hunt for the prize elk, horse and carriage rides, private photo tours and special swimming pool fun and spa promotions. 

Check the links listed here for more information about special offers and sponsors of the festival or visit the official festival website.

Come to experience Estes Park and also take advantage of lodging discounts, restaurant specials and retail deals.