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 mountain-top theme park, which is located on top of Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Beginning November 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.
“I think it’s more important than ever to continue holiday traditions this year, even if you have to change things up a little,” general manager Nancy Heard explained. “That’s what we’re doing with Winter on the Mountain. Our guests’ favourite 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. 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.”
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.
“A lot of studies show that helping others is good for our mental health in terms of reducing stress and anxiety,” added Heard, “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?”
The holiday spirit shines at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park all season with its colourful 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 Haunted Mine Drop, cave tours, 4D motion theatre and laser tag arena are also open. 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.
