If you are visiting the beautiful Vail Mountains during the winter months, there are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty. You can go on Snowmobiling tours, snowshoeing, or even dog sledding!
Dog sledding
Dog sledding at Vail Mountain is an excellent winter activity for the whole family. This type of adventure is available in many major ski towns across Colorado. In fact, there are several outfitters in the state that offer dog sledding tours.
There are three main types of tours. First, there is the short dog sled ride, which is a fun way to experience dog sledding without committing to a full day’s trip. Second, there is the full dog sled tour, which is a more comprehensive experience. A third type is the snowmobile sleigh tour. Each offers a unique experience.
The Short Dog Sled Ride is a 50-minute sled ride that is great for beginners. It takes riders on a 2-mile trail that winds through open meadows.
One of the more impressive dog sledding experiences is the Full Immersion Dog Sledding Experience. This experience is a fully immersive experience, incorporating a variety of elements, such as a ride through the backcountry, time playing with the dogs, and even the chance to drive a dog sled.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are also several guided dog sledding operations in the Vail Valley. These tours operate multiple times a day depending on the snow conditions.
When booking, remember that the winter season is limited. Most dog sled tours only offer a couple of weeks of availability, and the cost of food and care for the animals can be expensive. However, the experience is well worth the cost.
Another unique way to experience dog sledding is the snowmobile sleigh tour. Guests will be driven through a scenic snowy trail with Engineer Mountain views. They will also have the opportunity to take action shots of the dog sledders.
Of course, there are many other winter activities to choose from in Vail. Snowboarding, sleigh rides, and alpine skiing are all great ways to enjoy the season. And if you are looking for a more active winter activity, there are plenty of hiking trails to check out. No matter what you choose, the fun is sure to be a hit. With hundreds of days of sunshine a year, you are sure to have a wonderful vacation in Vail!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Vail Mountains. It is a quiet, focused activity that has been proven to help lower stress, improve mental clarity, and reduce blood pressure.
Guided snowshoe tours are available for all ages. These tours provide all equipment, including walking poles and snowshoes. They are a great way to learn about the environment, wildlife, and winter ecology.
For those who prefer to explore on their own, there are many places to rent snowshoes in Vail. Some locations include Christy Sports, the Beaver Creek Nordic Center, and the Vail Ski Tech.
There are also numerous guided and unguided snowshoe tours offered by various companies. You can book a tour or custom plan your own adventure on days of your choice.
A guide will take you on an educational journey through the White River National Forest and the surrounding mountain areas. During the winter, many nonprofit organizations maintain networks of trails.
Walking Mountain offers guided and naturalist-led snowshoe excursions, which take you on a guided journey through the snow, snow science, and the subnivean environment. Tours are available for ages 10 and up, and meet at the Nature Discovery Center in Lionshead.
The Betty Ford Alpine Garden is open year-round and features waterfalls, colorful flower beds, and streams. On a snowshoe tour, you will also discover the unique plants that hibernate when the ground freezes.
Another great option is the Walking Mountains Science Center, which offers daily guided tours at 2 pm. These tours take place in the White River National Forest and explore the secrets of the Colorado snowpack, winter plants, and animal adaptations.
If you don’t want to hike or ski, you can enjoy tubing. Tubing is ideal for children ages 42 inches and taller. However, tubers under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Other Vail winter activities include alpine skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and sleigh rides. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, spend a relaxing day with the family, or go on an adventure, there is something for everyone in this beautiful mountain town.
Snowmobiling tours
Snowmobiling tours are a great way to experience the backcountry in Vail / Beaver Creek. These adventures offer visitors the chance to get off the beaten path and explore some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery.
There are three types of guided snowmobile tours in the Vail / Beaver Creek area. They range in length from one hour to a full day. You can also opt for an unguided tour. Some tours even provide children the opportunity to ride as a passenger on their tours.
The Top of the Rockies Tour is the most popular excursion. This tour offers travelers an amazing view of four mountain ranges in the Vail / Beaver Creek area. It also includes a stop at a scenic mountain vista.
Other options include the Tigiwon Snowmobile Tour, which includes 50 miles of groomed trails, starting at 8,000 feet. Visitors will enjoy the majestic views of the Back Bowls of Vail, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges.
For an even more exciting adventure, the High Adventure Tour is a popular choice. Taking place on a private mountain, this full-day excursion provides a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains. While this tour is not for the inexperienced, it is a good choice for riders with a reasonable level of experience.
Another option for novices and experts is the Performance Tour. The Performance Tour includes a variety of perks, including scenic mountain views, Rocky Mountain scenery, and top-of-the-line equipment.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find a Vail / Beaver Creek snowmobiling tour that suits your style. Whether you’re looking for a full-day excursion or a one-hour tour, you’ll have plenty of fun.
In order to take advantage of this activity, you’ll need to dress in winter clothing and bring along a warm jacket, hat, and gloves. Additionally, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license.
All participants are required to sign a Release Waiver before heading out on the trail. A helmet is recommended for extra protection.
Guests can also bring their own gear, such as skis, boots, and insulated coats. However, tour operators may require you to use their own.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a botanical garden in Vail, Colorado. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Located at 8,200 feet above sea level, the Gardens offer amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. There are waterfalls, streams, high-elevation plants, and manicured flowerbeds.
The gardens are free to visit. However, there is a small fee to participate in a guided hike. In addition, you can buy a ticket to attend a musical performance or dance festival. Self-guided tours are also available.
Visitors can leave donations to support the Gardens’ conservation efforts. The Gardens also offer many educational programs for children.
Tours are offered three times a week during the summer, and two tours a week during the winter. Guided snowshoe excursions are also available for $5.
There are 19 different gardens that are located throughout the complex. Most are handicap accessible. A museum and gift shop are also located on site. During the summer, there are float trips, yoga classes, and food celebrations. Throughout the winter, you can enjoy skiing, ice skating, and rafting.
Guests can find an array of alpine wildflowers. You can also learn about the history of the garden and the plants’ provenance. Also, the Gardens facilitate seed exchange with rock-garden societies around the world.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has an Education Center and gift shop. This is a wonderful place to begin your tour. It features a green roof, a passive solar design, and video and hands-on activities for kids. The Education Center will eventually serve as a home for the Gardens’ management.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are a tranquil oasis that offers stunning views of the mountains. The gardens feature a Japanese garden, a meditation area, and a variety of high-elevation plants. Some of the areas are wheelchair accessible.
While you are at the Gardens, you will also be able to see the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, which is named after the former president of the United States. During the summer, the Amphitheater plays host to many musical performances. Other special events include the Vail Jazz Festival and the Burton U.S. Open.