Few winter moments feel as timeless as stepping onto the open-air ice rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. When the season arrives, the rink becomes one of the most joyful spots in town, with music playing, lights draped across the trees, and families, friends, and couples looping across the ice in the crisp mountain air.

Skate rentals make it easy for visitors to join in, whether you glide confidently or wobble through your first lap. The atmosphere is relaxed and full of laughter. You’ll see kids chasing each other in tiny skates, teens practicing spins, and adults holding hands as they circle the rink.

As evening sets in, the experience becomes more magical. Lights reflect across the ice, breaths hang in the cold air, and the whole rink glows softly against the night sky. It’s festive without being overwhelming, creating a simple, feel-good winter tradition.

After skating, wander back to Trailborn Highlands for a warm meal or a drink at Highlands Supper Club. The contrast of crisp air and a cozy indoor space makes the evening complete.

If you’re craving something a bit more playful, snow tubing near Highlands is a must. While the town itself doesn’t often get heavy snow, nearby Sapphire Valley offers maintained tubing lanes with reliable conditions, ideal for families and anyone who wants a dose of winter fun without the need for skis.

Picture smooth, fast lanes carved into snowy hills, kids shrieking with excitement, and adults rediscovering the thrill of a downhill slide. You do not need much preparation, just warm layers, gloves, and a sense of adventure. Snowmaking machines keep conditions consistent throughout the season, even after mild stretches.

It is the kind of activity that brings out nostalgia and laughter. Arrive early on weekends, check weather and hours ahead of time, and leave room to enjoy the scenic drive back toward Highlands. Afterward, the comfort of Trailborn Highlands will feel especially rewarding.

For travelers who prefer peaceful moments to big thrills, winter in Highlands delivers beautifully. Trails are quieter, the air feels sharper, and the landscape opens in new ways once the leaves have fallen.

Gentle winter walks, like the stroll to Sunset Rock, a loop around Whiteside Mountain when conditions allow, or a wander along Main Street and its surrounding paths, feel especially refreshing. Bare branches reveal long mountain views, and sunlight filters through in soft, golden patches.

There is something grounding about hearing the crunch of boots on frost or watching your breath rise in the cold morning light. Wildlife sightings are also more common, including deer moving quietly through the trees, winter birds darting between branches, and sometimes a fox in the distance.

Safety matters, of course. Winter weather can shift quickly in the mountains, so stick to well-marked trails, check conditions, and wear proper footwear. When the timing is right, winter walking in Highlands feels serene, giving you space to reset in mountain quiet.

Winter in Highlands isn’t just about being outdoors, it’s also about the comfort of coming inside afterward. This is the season for warm meals, slow evenings, and unrushed conversations.

Head to a downtown café for a steaming mug of something sweet, or settle into Highlands Supper Club for a comforting dinner after a cold day out. Browse local shops bundled in scarves and gloves, or return to Trailborn to unwind with a book, board game, or simple quiet time.

The warmth of indoors feels especially good when you’ve spent the day outside, like stepping into a pocket of calm. Trailborn’s inviting common spaces, soft lighting, and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to end the day slowly, letting the winter pace take over.

Trailborn Highlands fits winter travel exactly the way it should: warm, easy, close to everything, and comfortable without fuss. You’re minutes from skating at the park, a short drive from tubing hills, and right next to the shops and restaurants that make Highlands feel so welcoming in colder months.

Rooms are cozy and contemporary, designed for rest after a chilly day outdoors. Our amenities and shared spaces feel friendly and relaxed. They’re the kind of spot where you can warm up, regroup, and plan tomorrow’s adventure. And with the Highlands Supper Club close at hand, you don’t have to venture far for a good meal.

It’s the perfect home base for exploring Highlands in winter, whether you’re here for festive events, outdoor activities, or simply the mountain stillness. For visitors looking to continue their holiday inspiration, Trailborn’s Highlands Christmas Guide pairs perfectly with this winter itinerary.

Winter in Highlands brings simple joys: ice skating under the lights, tubing with the whole family, quiet scenic walks, warm meals, and evenings spent unwinding indoors. The town feels calm and beautifully seasonal, making it a wonderful place for a winter escape.

Stay at Trailborn Highlands to enjoy all of it with ease: cozy rooms, a walkable location, and the comfort of having a warm, welcoming space to return to each night. Plan your visit and make the most of winter in the mountains.