Just because you’re in a ski town, doesn’t mean the only there is to do is ski. Not by a long shot.

In fact, ask any local about things to do in Aspen and you’ll hear a laundry list of off-the-hill activities.

This winter, we have to say a few of our favorites are bunched together at the Aspen Recreation Center, or ARC (located on Maroon Creek Road, just before you reach Aspen Highlands).

Dubbed “Aspen’s Winter Wonderland” by city recreation officials, it really is a winter wonderland out there with four distinctly different, but equally fun activities: sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The sledding happens on the aptly named “Whoa Nelly!” sledding hill. Hang on to your hats, because it can be wild ride down this slope, whether it’s a powder day or an afternoon when local kids have created dips and jumps just for you. (Sled rentals are available at the ARC front desk; bring your own ride and it’s FREE.)

At the bottom of “Whoa Nelly!” you’ll find the new ice skating “pond.” An outdoor, homegrown rink, the pond is picture-perfect with twinkling lights, snowbanks on the sides and a low-key atmosphere. Of course in true Aspen-style, the ice is nice as the indoor rink’s Zamboni drives on out to smooth the surface daily. (Skate rentals are available at the Lewis Ice Arena, in the basement of the ARC; bring your own skates and it’s FREE.)

Looking for a more aerobic endeavor? Make a loop (or two) on one of three new showshoe trails, or put on your skinny skis for a nordic-skiing adventure on one of many of trails that twist and turn around the ARC. Both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in Aspen, and they both start right at the ARC. (Trail access is FREE.)

And when you’re done with all that outdoor fun, head on into the ARC. There you can swim — there’s a lap pool, wading pool, lazy river, water features, water slide, hot tub steam room and sauna. Or, try rock climbing on the 35-foot climbing tower — with 3,100 square feet of climbing surface, there is a route for climbers of all ages and abilities. (ARC admission includes swimming, climbing, indoor ice skating and access to the fitness/weight room and fitness classes.)

So, as you can see, there’s plenty of fun to be found off-the-hill in Aspen, and this is just one small slice of it. Just give it a try!