Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Texas
Though Texas is rarely associated with snowy slopes and ski resorts, the state offers surprising pockets for winter adventurers looking to trade the desert heat for frosty fun. Far west of the sprawling cities, the Davis Mountains State Park, located about two hours north of El Paso, invites visitors to explore a unique high-elevation landscape where the crisp winter air enlivens hiking trails like the Skyline Drive Trail. This moderate loop trail offers around two miles of rugged, rocky terrain with occasional patches of frost in colder months, making for a brisk but rewarding trek. The park’s elevation, nearing 5,000 feet, means that during rare winter storms, visitors might glimpse light snow dusting the junipers and pines, creating a striking contrast against the arid surroundings. The Davis Mountains stand apart for their isolation and clear night skies, which in winter become a pristine canvas for stargazing after a day of invigorating hikes.
Heading east near the border town of Alpine, visitors find the Mount Locke Observatory, part of the McDonald Observatory complex, about a 15-minute drive from the city center. While not a skiing destination, the observatory provides a magical winter experience with its stargazing programs and nighttime tours. The cooler winter months bring clearer skies, and the observatory’s high-altitude location helps minimize atmospheric disturbances, offering some of the best celestial views in Texas. Guests can learn about the stars and planets through guided telescope sessions, making a cozy, educational escape from the city’s bustle that pairs beautifully with a stay in nearby alpine cabins and lodges.
For those truly seeking winter sports within Texas, the small town of Ski Apache in the Davis Mountains is the closest approximation, although the actual Ski Apache resort is across the border in New Mexico. However, for a proper snowboarding or skiing fix within driving distance of Texas, enthusiasts often head to the Cloudcroft area, just over the border but less than a four-hour drive from El Paso. In winter, Cloudcroft’s ski trails and beginner-friendly slopes become a playground for families and novices. While Texas itself lacks large ski resorts, the nearby Lincoln National Forest offers trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing that adventurous Texans can enjoy during snow-rich winters. These excursions offer a striking contrast to Texas’s typically warm reputation and highlight the diversity of landscapes accessible within a short drive.
Returning into Texas proper, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg, about 90 minutes west of Austin, is known for its massive pink granite dome rather than snow sports, but winter brings a delightful chill that transforms the vibrant pink rock into a cooler climbing destination. While you won’t find ski lifts here, the Summit Trail offers a vigorous 1.8-mile round trip to the top of the rock, where winter’s cool air rewards hikers with expansive views of the Texas Hill Country. The lack of summer heat during this season makes the climb more enjoyable and less taxing. Enchanted Rock’s geological formation, one of the largest batholiths in the U.S., stands out as a natural monument, drawing visitors who want to combine physical activity with scenic tranquility in the mild winter months.
In the Texas Panhandle, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, roughly 30 minutes from the city, offers an intriguing winter experience for those who want rugged outdoor activities without snow. The park’s 800-foot-deep canyon walls create a dramatic landscape where winter’s low sun casts long shadows on the colorful rock formations. Although skiing is not an option here, exploring the Lighthouse Trail—a 6.4-mile round-trip hike to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation—is perfect in the cooler months. The crisp air and reduced heat make this otherwise punishing trail more accessible, and the canyon’s unique geology and wildlife sightings set the scene for memorable winter hikes. Afterward, cozy cabins nestled within the park offer a comfortable retreat, emphasizing the region’s blend of adventure and rustic charm.
Closer to the east Texas piney woods, the town of Jefferson, about three hours northeast of Dallas, shines as a historic winter getaway. Jefferson’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming bed-and-breakfast inns provide a warm contrast to the chilly season. While not a skiing destination, the town offers a different kind of winter adventure: the annual Candlelight Tour of Homes and its nearby Cypress Bayou, where visitors can take guided boat tours through misty, ancient cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. These tours showcase the region’s unique swamp ecosystem and wildlife, offering a tranquil, nature-filled retreat. The cozy inns with fireplaces and period furnishings underscore the town’s inviting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking comfort and history amid winter landscapes.
Finally, for a genuine cabin experience in Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about 1.5 hours east of El Paso, offers a wilderness retreat amid some of the highest peaks in the state. The park’s Guadalupe Peak Trail—Texas’s highest summit at 8,750 feet—presents a challenging but rewarding winter hike. Cold January or February mornings might bring frost or even light snow, transforming the rugged desert mountain terrain into a stunning winter tableau. The park’s remote backcountry cabins and campsites provide a rare opportunity to unplug fully and experience some of Texas’s most dramatic natural beauty in solitude. This region’s stark contrast of desert and mountain makes it a unique winter destination, combining adventure with the comfort of isolated cabin stays.
Texas may not be the first place you think of for winter sports, but its blend of high desert mountains, striking rock formations, and charming historic towns create varied winter adventures. From the star-studded skies of the Davis Mountains to the rugged canyons of Palo Duro and the frosty summits of Guadalupe, the Lone Star State invites visitors to explore its cooler side. Cozy cabins nestled in these diverse landscapes complete the picture, offering warmth and respite after days filled with fresh, crisp air and endless outdoor discovery.