Winter sports on the Flattops

New Castle is the gateway to the Flattops, the large Rocky Mountain range northwest of town.  While winter weather in town can be generally mild, we can find plenty of snow just a few miles away.

The Buford Road (the continuation of 7^th Street/Midland Ave in town) is the route to take.  It’s open all the way to Buford in the summer.  In the winter the road closes at a large parking lot about 17 miles from New Castle.

 The Buford Road parking lot accesses both snowshoeing/cross-country skiing trails and a groomed snowmobiling area.   

 Well-placed signs point snowmobilers to the left (west) and foot traffic to the right (east).  The snowshoeing trails lead through beautiful stands of aspens and lead to overlooks limited only by the weather conditions.  The beginning of the snowmobile route is pictured to the left.

Make your first trip on a weekend, when there will be more people there if you need directions or assistance.  Once you’re familiar with the area, you’ll find splendid solitude on most weekdays.  Of course, be prepared for rapid changes in weather, and be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.