Vail Mountain is a winter wonderland with sweeping snow-covered peaks. It is also home to many winter activities ranging from skiing to snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Learn about the history of snow sports at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum & Hall of Fame. The museum is free and open year-round.
Skiing
Skiing is a winter sport that involves moving over snow with a pair of long, flat runners called skis. It can be a recreational activity or competitive event. There are a number of disciplines of skiing, including Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle.
Aside from the actual skiing, there are many other things to do in and around Vail during the winter that will appeal to people of all ages. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite winter activities to enjoy in the area.
The Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame is an excellent place to learn about the history of skiing, as well as other snow sports in the region. There are a lot of interesting exhibits here, and it’s free to visit!
You can also try out a few of the other great winter activities that Vail has to offer, including snowshoeing. This is a fun and relaxing way to get out in nature while taking in the beautiful views.
Another wonderful activity is skiing in the backcountry. You can take advantage of the vast amount of trails that are located outside of the resort’s boundaries and not regulated by the ski area. This is a popular activity for both families and groups of friends.
There are several different tours that can be taken to explore the mountains, but you’ll want to make sure that you are accompanied by an experienced guide. They’ll be able to give you tips and tricks on how to avoid getting stuck in the snow, as well as other valuable information.
Alternatively, you can rent a sled from your hotel and head out to a local sledding hill for a good time! It’s a fun and active way to spend the day, and you can even have a hot cocoa to warm you up.
If you want to see a bit more of the area, you can head out on a snowmobile tour. There are a few guides in the area that offer these adventures.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, there are also some great ice bumper cars that you can try out during your winter vacation to Vail. This is a great way to have some fun with the kids, and it’s also a really fun experience for adults!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great activity for those who don’t like to ski or want to avoid the steep slopes. This sport is growing fast as more and more people are looking for something that is safe and less physically demanding than skiing or snowboarding.
The sport is a lot of fun and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, fitness levels and physical abilities. It also has a shorter learning curve than other winter sports and can be much more affordable.
There are many different types of snowshoes that can be purchased, depending on your needs and what type of trail you want to explore. You’ll need a pair of walking poles for safety and stability, as well as an avalanche kit to help you stay safe in case there is an avalanche.
You’ll also need some winter gear to keep you warm and comfortable while snowshoeing. You’ll need a breathable base layer, gaiters to keep the snow out of your shoes and wool socks.
For beginners, the best way to start snowshoeing is by doing short, easy walks on flat terrain. This will give you a feel for the sport and allow you to see how it feels. Once you’re confident in your ability, you can move on to more challenging routes.
If you’re looking to explore the backcountry, you can visit one of Vail’s many full-service nordic centers where they can rent you a set of cross-country skis and snowshoes. They’re also a good place to learn the ropes of this winter sport as they will teach you how to use your equipment and safely navigate backcountry terrain.
Some of the top snowshoeing destinations in the Colorado mountains are located in and around Vail, so you can easily find a route that suits your interests and fitness level. For example, the Gore Range to the east and the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness to the north both offer a wide variety of snowshoeing options.
To get started with this winter sport, be sure to check the weather before you leave on your trip. You’ll want to be prepared with warm clothing, a light backpack or pack for your gear, snowshoes, a shovel and a probe.
Snowmobiling
If you love the idea of skiing and snowboarding in Vail but don’t want to spend all day in the snow, snowmobiling is a perfect alternative. It is an exhilarating activity, and a great way to explore the backcountry.
If this is your first time on a snowmobile, we recommend taking a guided tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. There are many guided snowmobiling companies based in Vail that offer tours of the snowy White River National Forest.
Another great option is to rent a snowmobile and take a trip to the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area in the White River National Forest. It is a half-hour drive from Vail and offers 50 miles of groomed trails with seemingly endless play areas and powder fields.
There are a number of places in Vail that offer guided snowmobiling trips, including Nova Guides and Sage Outdoor Adventures. These companies offer 360 views, miles of open meadows and beautiful trails in the mountains that reach elevation up to 12,500 feet.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there is something for everyone on a guided snowmobiling tour. They will provide you with a professional snowmobile, helmet, and a safety vest.
They also offer lunch, snacks and beverages. All of their guided snowmobiling tours are led by certified and experienced guides who are experts at navigating Colorado’s backcountry.
This is the perfect activity for couples, families, or groups who are looking for an adrenaline-pumping, backcountry adventure! The tours offer the chance to explore areas that are typically off limits, as well as to ride through some of the best powder in the country.
The snowmobiling tours are a must do on your visit to Vail!
If you’re in town for a few days, be sure to check out the ice skating rinks in Vail. There are two charming rinks that are open to the public, and you can purchase an inexpensive sled at one of these locations.
The ice rinks are also a great place to watch the holiday lights and Christmas decorations. The ice rinks are open until 3:30 p.m. and are free.
Ski Biking
Ski biking is a fun way to enjoy the slopes without putting on your skis. These bikes use a similar technique to skiing, but are easier on your knees and back. They also have a low center of gravity and allow for better balance.
You can rent these bikes from the Vail Nordic Center and explore the trails. These trails are great for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. They are also a great way to get your blood pumping and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
There are three main types of ski bikes. The classic has two skis that attach to the bike and a saddle. The second style has a single ski that attaches to the rear of the bike. The third type has a set of foot skis that you can use with your ski or snowboard boots.
If you are a new ski biker, it is important to practice on an easy slope before heading to the more challenging slopes. This will help you learn how to ride the bike properly and avoid common mistakes.
Another great thing about skiing is that you can go out on the mountain with your family or friends and have a great time. Adventure Ridge offers snow tubing or ski biking, and there are many other winter activities available to try if you want to stay on the mountain.
A great option if you are looking for a new activity is to try snowshoeing, which can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. The Vail Nordic Center has a number of trails that are suitable for winter recreation, and you can rent a variety of different types of snowshoes.
Ice skating is also a rad outdoor activity that you can do in the Vail Valley, especially if you want to get your cardio on. There are a few spots in the area that have ice rinks, and you can rent ice skates to skate at them.
There are also a few hiking trails in the area that offer gorgeous mountain views. One of them is the Gore Creek Trail. This trail is popular with hikers during the summer, but it is a beautiful walk in the winter as well.