Whether you’re in town for the holidays or just want to get out and enjoy some winter fun, Vail has plenty of great winter activities.
If you’re looking for a fun family activity, try ice skating at one of the rinks in Lionshead Village or Dobson Area. It’s a fun way to spend the day and perfect for families with small children.
Skiing
The Vail Mountain Resort is home to some of the best skiing in the country. With more than 5,000 skiable acres, it offers plenty of variety. Its most popular runs are groomed daily. There are also two terrain parks for snowboarders and skiers who want to get a little crazy on the slopes.
A few of the most famous runs include Riva Ridge, which measures four miles and is a great run for both experts and beginners. Other top-notch runs include the seven legendary back bowls, 127 on the front side and Blue Sky Basin.
Another popular activity is heli-skiing. This involves a helicopter dropping you off in the unpatrolled areas of the mountains, allowing you to explore more of the mountain’s backcountry terrain.
Whether you’re new to skiing or a die-hard veteran, you can get some instruction in the slopes at the Vail Spa Ski and Snowboard School. They have a wide variety of lessons, from beginner to advanced and will make sure that you have fun while learning how to ski or snowboard.
Cross-country skiing is a great way to burn calories in the winter as well. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of Colorado and the surrounding area.
Other activities you can try while in Vail are ice skating, sledding and snow tubing. These all offer a different spin on the classic winter fun and are sure to be a hit with everyone in your group.
Ice Skating
Vail is a winter wonderland, and one of the best things to do there during the winter is to take a spin on the ice. There are several rinks in town, including the Alderhof Ice Rink at Lionshead Village next to The Arrabelle in Vail Square and Solaris Ice Rink in the center of Vail Village with spectacular panoramic views of Vail ski mountain.
Ice skating is a popular and accessible sport that can offer a range of health benefits, including improving balance, strengthening leg muscles and developing nimble footwork. It is also a great social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
Whether you are an experienced skater or a beginner, it is important to be aware of safety while ice skating. It is not uncommon for people to fall through the ice into the water underneath, which can cause serious injuries.
To stay safe, ensure that you are wearing the appropriate gear. For beginners, it is recommended to wear a pair of skates that fit well and have a comfortable and secure grip. You should also use a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.
If you are a more experienced skater, you can try out some of the many indoor ice skating rinks in the Vail area. Dobson Ice Arena is one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado’s Western Slope and features public skating, private lessons, hockey, bumper-cars and more. At 35,000 square feet, it’s the perfect spot to get your fix of ice.
Sledding
A winter day spent sledding on a hill is the perfect way to spend time with your family and enjoy the great outdoors. While some people may be hesitant to try sledding, there are many ways to make the experience safe and enjoyable.
Sledding is a popular activity for families in Vail and around the world, and it’s an easy way to bond with your kids in the snow. Just make sure to follow a few important safety tips before you hit the slopes!
First, find a spot that is free from hazards. Avoid hills that end near ponds, trees, fences, or other obstacles. Secondly, choose a sledding area where your kids can slide down one at a time.
Lastly, always wear a helmet while sledding. Sledding injuries are common among children, and helmets can save lives.
Sleds come in all shapes and sizes, from simple plastic sleds to elaborate bobsleds that can be used for Olympic-level racing. There are even backcountry sleds that can be used to perform stunts off jumps and cliffs.
Sleds can be made from wood, metal, or plastic, and they typically have runners attached to them. Sleds with runners have a wider surface area that allows them to travel more quickly through the snow than sleds without runners. However, sleds with runners are more difficult to control on icy surfaces. Runner sleds are also more expensive and harder to find, so make sure you pick one that’s right for you.
Ski Biking
Vail is known for its fantastic ski resorts, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. There are plenty of other fun winter snow activities that you can enjoy in the Vail Valley during your ski vacation.
If you are looking for an alternative way to have fun on the slopes this winter, ski biking may be a good option for you. This is a newer sport that has caught on in popularity and is a great option for people of all ages.
It combines mountain biking with skiing, and allows you to stand or sit while riding. As a result, it is much easier on the body and provides a more balanced workout.
There are different types of ski bike, and the one you ride depends on your ability. If you are a beginner, a Type II ski bike might be the best choice for you.
The Type II bike is a more stable design than the traditional ski bike, with a long base and skis that are angled forward for balance. However, it does not offer the same stability side to side as a traditional ski, so speed and forward movement are key to creating a solid ride.
You can learn to ride a Type II ski bike through a few simple progressions. These include:
While it is a challenging activity, it can be fun and exciting. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced rider, it is important to follow safety rules and guidelines and wear the appropriate equipment.
Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
Vail is known as one of America’s top ski resorts, but it’s also a fantastic mountain town to visit in the summer. With a wide range of activities, including snowshoeing and winter bike riding, there’s something for everyone in the family.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster at Epic Discovery atop Vail Mountain. This thrilling ride takes you 3,400 feet down the mountain along the natural landscape, and then brings you back to where you started.
This is a newer attraction in the Summit County area, and it’s a popular choice with kids. The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is a raised alpine coaster, and it’s driver-controlled so riders can control their own speed on the descent.
The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is just one of the many family-friendly attractions at Epic Discovery atop Vail Mountain. There are ziplines for both kids and adults, adventure courses, mini-golf, a climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and even summer inner tubing.
It is important to note that this mountain coaster requires a gondola ticket. You can purchase tickets at the Lionshead Village or Vail Village ticket offices.
You can also get a pass for the whole day that includes the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, as well as ziplines, an adventure course and mini-golf. There are also Pioneer Packs and a-la-carte packages that include all of these activities, and if you’re looking to save, you can book online.
Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is a fun winter activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s similar to sledding but a little bit different because it involves riding down a slope with a tube, rather than dragging your arms behind you. It’s also much safer because you don’t have to worry about breaking a stick or a rock, as you do with sleds.
Vail Mountain’s Adventure Ridge has a tubing hill that offers a lot of fun for families with children. There are several lanes and a surface “magic carpet” lift that whisks riders back up to the top of the hill.
For young tubers, there is a Little Tikes Tubing Hill for children under 42 inches tall that has a smaller lane with an area for them to play in the snow. Kids under 12 must be accompanied on the large hill by an adult.
The hill also has a snack bar so you can stop and get something to eat while you’re enjoying your tubing session. It’s a good idea to reserve your tickets ahead of time online so you don’t have to wait in line!
Another winter activity that is popular in the Vail area is snowshoeing. This is a great way to get exercise and explore what most people don’t see, like wildlife in the mountains. There are many trails in the area that you can walk on.