Vail is known as the world-famous skiing destination, and while it’s definitely worth hitting the slopes here, there are a ton of other fun things to do in the winter.
For example, you can snowshoe around the Betty Ford Alpine Garden. It’s free and a great way to get out and explore in the mountains!
Snowshoeing
If you’re a hiker or runner looking to get some exercise in the winter, snowshoeing can be a great choice. It’s also an inexpensive way to spend time outside, since it doesn’t require the same equipment as other winter sports.
It’s not difficult to learn how to use snowshoes, and you can find guided tours to help you get started. If you’re new to snowshoeing, start off by taking a shorter, more easy trail until you get comfortable with the movement. Then, as you progress, you can choose a longer, more challenging trail.
In addition to the pristine trails at Vail and Beaver Creek, there are plenty of snow-covered hiking paths in the area. You can snowshoe around the Gore Range, or take a hike through the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness.
For beginners, you can try a walking tour on the Nature Discovery Center’s snowshoe trails, which are free and meet at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. These hour-long walks are an excellent way to explore the forests of Vail Mountain and learn about mountain ecology and animal adaptations in the cold.
A sporty alternative to hiking, snowshoeing is also a good option for fitness enthusiasts looking for something more intense. It’s a more challenging activity than walking, and the increased resistance makes it an excellent cardiovascular workout for runners and athletes.
Snowshoeing in Vail is a fun and social outdoor activity that anyone can enjoy. You can get away from it all with a guided snowshoeing tour or join friends and family on a day out of the mountains.
You can also sign up for lessons, whether you’re new to snowshoeing or a seasoned expert. These private and small group classes are available in half-day or full-day formats.
While snowshoeing is an excellent activity for exercise, you can also find a few activities in the area that are specifically designed for children and families. For example, the Walking Mountains offers free, hour-long snowshoe walks that teach children about mountain ecology and animals, while Earthkeepers preschool programs allow young children to explore the winter forest while learning about the natural world.
Tubing
Winter tubing is a fun and exhilarating way to spend an afternoon or evening while in Vail. It’s a great activity for families, couples, or groups of friends who want to get out and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
Unlike snowshoeing and skiing, winter tubing doesn’t require a lot of skill and is an ideal activity for kids. All you need is to hold onto an inner tube that’s fastened to the ground, and the tube will speed down a slope.
You should wear light, comfortable clothes for winter tubing, but keep in mind that you will sweat a lot, especially if the temperature is low. The temperature in Colorado is generally a lot colder than other parts of the country, so you’ll want to be prepared with plenty of layers of clothing.
Tubing and rafting are both water sports that are enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. While both involve floating on a river, rafting is more adventurous and can be done on wider rivers with larger rapids.
The main difference between the two is that tubing involves riding an inflated, single-person inner tube, while rafting usually involves riding an inflatable raft that can accommodate multiple people at once. Additionally, tubing is more relaxing and can be done on narrow rivers with a slow flow of water, while rafting requires navigating the rapids of a larger river.
When choosing a destination for tubing, it’s important to research the water flow rate of the river you want to go to. It’s also important to find out if you need a permit or a license to use the river. This will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re new to the sport, it’s a good idea to ask a local to help you with your tubing adventure. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the area and the risks involved.
You’ll want to take a helmet with you when going on a tubing trip, and you should always make sure that you have a life jacket on. You should also be aware of some dangers of tubing, including tubes flipping over and getting caught in a rapid or other obstacle.
Ice Skating
Winter in Vail is the perfect time to go ice skating. From the small outdoor rinks to larger indoor options, there are plenty of options for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
If you have never ice skated before or are a beginner, it is a good idea to take a basic skating class before heading out on the ice. These classes teach you the proper way to move on the ice, how to fall properly and how to avoid injury.
Once you are familiar with the basics of ice skating, it is time to try some new moves and skills. There are hundreds of drills that can be used to practice different aspects of a skater’s routine, including stops, spins and jumps. Professionals often use these drills while learning a new move to help improve their performance and ensure that they do not injure themselves during practice sessions.
A few of the most popular ice skating sports include short track speed skaters, ice cross downhill and figure skating. These sports require specialized shoes and training to learn the techniques and rules of skating, as well as a certain level of coordination and strength.
Skating is a great activity for children, as it encourages teamwork and coordination, while also building balance and muscle control. It can also be a wonderful family activity as long as you stay safe and follow the rules of the rink.
The ice rinks in Vail are not only a fun way to spend an evening, but they also offer incredible views of the mountain and ski slopes. The Solaris ice rink in Vail Village is a popular destination for families and is open daily throughout the winter. The Alderhof ice rink in Lionshead is a smaller outdoor rink and can be a pleasant place to skate for the entire family.
Another great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Vail is to snowshoe or snowmobile with your family. The White River National Forest has plenty of snowmobiling trails for families to explore.
There are several ice skating rinks in the Vail area, but some of the most popular are located in Vail and Beaver Creek. One of the most beautiful and popular is the outdoor Solaris rink in Vail Village, where you can lace up and slide beneath the twinkling lights. If you are looking for a bigger ice rink, the Dobson Ice Arena is just a couple minutes away and offers public skating and figure skate and hockey lessons and events.
Dog Sledding
The Vail Valley is famous for its world class skiing, but there are plenty of fun winter snow activities you can enjoy without skis or snowboards. One of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences is dog sledding.
There are several dog sledding operations near the Vail area, including Alpine Adventures in Leadville and Mountain Mushers in Wolcott. Both offer hands-on dog sledding tours, where participants will drive the dogs and ride in the sled.
A 6-mile trip takes about 1 hour and is available to up to six people at a time, depending on the group’s weight. Tours typically stop and switch drivers and riders, so that every participant has a chance to take part in the experience.
In addition to the thrill of riding in a sled, you’ll also get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape as the sleds glide over it. You may even be able to spot bears, elk, or other wildlife along the way.
Another fun winter activity to do in the Vail area is ice fishing. There are several ice fishing locations throughout the region, including Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area and Sylvan Lake.
Many of these ice fishing excursions include guides and a range of equipment. They also often offer a break for hot cocoa and snacks.
You can also visit a local sledding hill, like Booth Creek Park in West Vail or Gore Creek Trail in East Vail. Sled rides are a great way to spend a day with the kids and get some exercise as well.
Unlike skis, a sled can be pulled by a person or animal, so it doesn’t need to be driven, making it perfect for families with young children. It’s important to keep in mind that dog sleds are not suitable for all people, so be sure to consult a professional before you try it.
Some tours, such as the ones at Monarch Dog Sled Rides in Salida, take you on a challenging journey through the backcountry. The team of eight to 14 Alaskan huskies will lead you through trails that twist and turn through the snow-covered forest.