Vail Mountain Winter Activities

Vail Mountain is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. However, there is much more to this amazing ski resort than just skis and boards.

Bring your whole family for some winter fun! From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, here are some great ideas for you and your kids!

1. Skiing

Vail Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in North America by total acres. The vast slopes of this resort offer a variety of terrain that will appeal to every skier or snowboarder’s preference. The mountain features 127 runs on the Front Side, seven back bowls and natural terrain in Blue Sky Basin that mimics a backcountry skiing experience.

For those looking to learn how to ski, the Vail Ski and Snowboard School offers instruction for beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders. They are consistently rated among the top 10 ski schools in the country and offer an extensive curriculum for students of all ages.

If you’re a beginner, it is a good idea to get lessons before you go skiiing, as it will help you learn how to control your speed and prevent injuries from falling. There are many different types of skiing and snowboarding courses that can be arranged in the area, ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates and schedules!

Another popular winter activity is snowshoeing. There are many local companies that offer this experience and guides will take you through the beautiful mountains to explore and learn about the history of Colorado and its wildlife.

There are also ice climbing opportunities in Vail. Cascading waterfalls and trickling water from snow melt make for awesome ice climbing opportunities in the area!

The gondola at Adventure Ridge is one of the best ways to take in the views of Vail from atop the mountain. It also has snow tubing hills, a bistro and other fun family activities. It is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the kids, but remember to book your tickets in advance.

2. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a popular sport and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to get in shape during the winter months and to explore areas that might be crowded in the summer.

The best way to get started is to look for established trails that are accessible to the public. These may be in your local forest, park or along a river valley. If unsure where to go, ask your snowshoe rental shop, mountain guide or tourist information for advice.

Regardless of where you choose to go, be sure to wear warm clothes. This can include a layer of thick socks and warm, waterproof clothing.

You might also want to consider bringing a hat, gloves and insulated boots. This will help to keep you warm and dry and prevent blisters on your hands and feet.

If you’re new to snowshoeing, it’s best to stay with a group. This will make it easier to break new ground and avoid getting fatigued. It’s also helpful to take turns pushing through the freshly fallen snow so that one person doesn’t have to lift their weight too high.

Another tip is to keep an eye out for animal tracks. These can help you navigate your way back if you become lost on a trail.

A final tip is to follow Leave No Trace principles when snowshoeing. This includes avoiding snowshoeing on ski tracks and trails. This will keep the trails smooth for skiers and ensure that you don’t contaminate the surface with snowshoer puddles or other debris.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational and unique experience in Vail, consider snowshoeing tours. These will give you a chance to learn about the mountain ecology and animals. They’re a perfect way to explore the outdoors in the winter and will give you a glimpse into Vail’s rich history and natural beauty.

3. Ice Fishing

Winter is an ideal time to enjoy all of the pristine outdoor activities that Vail has to offer. The area boasts more average snowfall than any other North American ski destination and enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year, making the perfect place to indulge in some fun, wintery activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and snowmobiling.

One of the most unique things to do in winter in Vail is ice fishing, a great way to get out and enjoy a cold day on a frozen lake or river. The sport of ice fishing is a centuries-old activity that began as a means of securing food for people living in areas with limited access to fresh water.

Today, ice fishing is mainly a recreational activity. It has evolved into a sport that is very popular across northern Europe and parts of North America.

In North America, ice fishers usually use a small rod with a jig or lure to attract the fish. They also use tip-ups that are wooden devices with bait and hooks that raise in the water when a fish is caught.

Another method is to use a spear that is used in conjunction with a light fishing rod. This is a very dangerous method as it can be very easy for a person to fall in the water and break their arm, leg or head.

Before you go ice fishing, make sure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight. If it isn’t, consider going ice fishing on a lower altitude reservoir with an ice fisherman guide or renting an ice shanty to protect you from the weather.

If you’re looking for a more traditional type of ice fishing trip, the company Vail Valley Anglers offers winter trips to several lakes and streams in Vail. They include the equipment you need to fish, plus a cozy ice fishing hut to keep you warm.

4. Snowmobiling

If you want to experience the backcountry in the winter, snowmobiling is a great way to go. You can rent a snowmobile from a number of places around Vail or book a guided tour. These tours are a fantastic way to see the mountain scenery, explore snowy areas and enjoy the amazing views of the Colorado wilderness.

A snowmobile tour is a great adventure for the whole family. It is fun for all ages and can be enjoyed in either a morning or afternoon tour. All you need is transportation, professional guides and a snowmobile, as well as a helmet.

Another activity that is sure to bring smiles on the face is a tubing session. Eagle’s Nest Tubing is located on top of Lionshead and offers an exciting tubing experience for the whole family.

Dog sledding is also another great winter activity that can be found in the area. There are several different companies that offer dog sledding tours in the Vail Valley. You can also check out 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail for horseback rides and sleigh rides.

If you want to get out of the mountains, a fat bike ride is another popular choice! Through the Vail Nordic Center, you can rent a fat bike that comes equipped with extra wide tires and superior snow traction.

The best part is that you can explore the mountain scenery and take in the breathtaking views all while having a good time! This is the perfect alternative to skiing and a great way to get exercise in the winter.

Vail has some of the most beautiful ski terrain in the world. It’s also known for a thriving apres ski scene that’s perfect for families to relax and bond after a day on the slopes.

5. Sledding

The mountain town of Vail is known for its endless skiing and legendary Back Bowls, but it’s also home to many fun activities off the slopes. From sleigh rides and snowshoeing to ice skating and snow tubing, you’re sure to find something to keep you and your family entertained this winter.

Sledding is a fun winter activity for the entire family to enjoy. There are several sledding hills around the area and many Vail hotels offer loaner sleds for their guests to use.

If you’re planning on going sledding with your kids, make sure to practice the basics first. For starters, make sure everyone sits face-forward on their sleds and never go down the hill head-first.

It’s also a good idea to teach your kids to bail off the sled if they get it moving too fast or are heading for an obstacle such as a tree. This is important because a serious head injury can occur from falling off the sled and hitting an object.

Some sledding hills can be located in and around Vail including one near Booth Creek Park in East Vail, and others along the Gore Creek Trail in West Vail. Some even include an ice rink.

Sleds can be purchased at a variety of different stores and are typically made from strong vinyl material. There are also inflatable sleds called “snow tubes” that are available as well.

Sleds are a great way to experience the thrill of skiing without the worry of getting hurt on skis. You can buy sleds with metal runners or those that use a wooden frame. The latter is generally considered safer and easier to control than the former.