Vail is known for its world-class skiing, but that’s not all it has to offer. The town offers plenty of other exciting Vail Mountian Winter Activities to keep everyone entertained during their vacation.
Snowshoeing is a fun, easy activity for families that’s also an educational way to explore Vail’s aspen forest. Walking Mountains Science Center on Vail Mountain offers hour-long free guided educational snowshoe tours daily at 2 p.m.
Gondola Ride
The Gondola Ride is one of the best ways to experience Vail Mountain’s scenic views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic nighttime ride or you want to enjoy world class dining and other mountain activities, the gondolas are a great way to spend time on the mountain.
You’ll have a great time aboard the gondolas, but don’t worry, they’re designed so you can sit back and relax! During your ride, your gondolier will guide you to the various sights and buildings in the area. If you’re lucky, your gondolier will also give you some local insights into the history of Venice!
There are many different gondola rides to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some are more focused on sites like the Doge’s Palace or Rialto Bridge, while others are designed to take you through more of the city. You can also book private outings, which are the most cost-effective option.
Aside from being a great way to see the beautiful landscape, the gondolas are also fun for families. They’re easy to navigate and you can even get on and off at multiple stations. They’re also wheelchair friendly, so there’s no need to worry about a loved one who may have mobility issues.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, check out their sleigh rides and snowmobiling tours. These are some of the most popular winter activities in the Vail area, so be sure to plan a trip for your family.
While it’s not the most inexpensive option, the gondola ride is definitely worth it! You’ll be able to take in the stunning views while enjoying your favorite beverage. If you’re in the mood for a romantic evening, you can even book a ride after 7:00 pm.
Adventure Ridge
Adventure Ridge, a ski-in, ski-out winter wonderland on Vail Mountain is perfect for those looking to do something fun with the family in winter. This gondola accessed snow park features snow tubing, ski biking and an alpine coaster as well as a Nature Discovery Center and “Skeology” where guests learn about snow science.
Located at Eagle’s Nest, the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead, Adventure Ridge offers afternoon and nighttime skiing, snow tubing and family dining options. Guided ski bike tours down Vail Mountain, a kids snowmobile track and a slippery slope of rip-roaring tubing lanes make for an endless day of fun on the mountain.
For a more adventurous, off-mountain experience, explore Vail’s backcountry by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Whether you’re a novice or expert, these guided tours will take you off the beaten path and to some of the most beautiful spots in Vail Valley.
If you prefer a more easy, educational walk, join the Walking Mountains Science Center for hour long free snowshoeing tours geared toward youth over 10 years old. This narrated tour will help participants identify animal tracks and discover the quiet as they go off the beaten path on Vail Mountain.
Finally, if you want to experience the thrill of snowmobiling while learning about the history of Vail Mountain, try a ride with Nova Guides. This popular Vail area tour takes riders on a journey of backcountry adventure through the White River National Forest, climbing to awe-inspiring mountain vistas and diving into powder-filled bowls and meadows.
With more average snowfall than many North American ski destinations, Vail is a winter wonderland. The resort receives more than 350 inches of snow each year and is renowned for its endless outdoor winter activities, including:
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a form of winter sports that involves equipping skates to your feet in order to glide over ice. The sport has several different branches, including figure skating, speed skating and recreational skating.
Ice skates are usually made of plastic, metal or fiberglass with a wooden or rubber blade and an elongated handle that helps you propel yourself over the ice. Skating is a popular leisure activity in Vail Mountain, with rinks at the Alderhof and Solaris in Lionshead Village, and the Dobson Ice Arena in the center of Vail.
There are five main disciplines in ice skating: figure, synchronized, speed, hockey and bandy. Traditionally, figure skating was the most competitive of the disciplines and it is still very popular today.
Athletes are judged on their skill, transitions and performance. In international competitions, judging has been done by the International Skating Union (ISU) since 2004, using a judging system that has checks and balances to prevent cheating. The ISU judging system is based on five components: level of difficulty, the skater’s skill in transition, performance, choreography and interpretation.
Generally, there are two programs for competitions: the short program and the free skate. Each program is a combination of elements and moves such as spins, jumps, lifts and throws.
The most common jumps in the short program are loop, axel and pirouette. Each of these jumps has a set number of rotations in the air and a specific landing position.
Modern ice skates are made of carbon fibre and other materials to make them lighter. Some also use a cushioning material to help with jump landings and provide more support for the ankle and knee.
Ice Bumper Cars
While winter might seem like a time to stay in and cozy up, there are some fun ways to get out and explore. You can visit quaint mountain towns, take an ice castle tour in Dillon, or go on dog sledding in Silverthorne.
One of the most popular ways to get around Vail is by car, but you can also use the free shuttle buses to get to different attractions and activities. They run on a regular schedule during the winter so you can get where you need to go quickly and safely.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the snow this year, check out Vail’s newest winter activity: Ice Bumper Cars! This new attraction is available for a limited amount of sessions during the weekdays and weekends, and it’s open to individuals over seven (or who are at least 42 inches tall).
The cars feature two joysticks on the driver’s seat that allow riders to steer forward, backward, left and right. Upon letting go of the joysticks, the vehicle will stop.
Traditional bumper cars are directly connected to a power source, which can cause electric shocks and accidents. This can affect the user’s safety and experience.
Unlike traditional bumper cars, ice bumper cars are driven by batteries and are separated from the fixed power source. This greatly improves the safety factor and avoids electric spark accidents.
Additionally, ice bumper cars are more responsive and exciting than traditional bumper cars. This is because the smooth surface of the ice and low resistance provide a large displacement during collisions and rotation and steering effects.
Bumper cars are a great way to spend a day at the rink, and they’re perfect for families with children. They’re a lot of fun, but they also require some skill. If you’re unsure about how to drive an ice bumper car, you can sign up online before heading to the rink.
Hot Cocoa
A cup of hot cocoa is a delicious treat and a perfect way to relax after a long day of skiing. This warm chocolatey beverage is also known to improve blood flow and cardiovascular health.
It’s high in antioxidants that fight heart disease, cancer and aging! It is also rich in flavanols, a group of plant compounds that help reduce stress and anxiety.
Researchers in Sweden found that people who drink a cup of chocolate daily reduce their cortisol levels by up to 50 percent. This can help you stay calm and focused on the activities you are doing while also reducing your risk of developing a chronic disease, such as Alzheimer’s.
Taking hot cocoa regularly is also good for your teeth. It helps prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel and keeping your mouth clean.
Scientists have found that the husk of cocoa beans has antibacterial properties that can fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. This makes it a great alternative to fluoride.
The same antioxidants in cocoa can also protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, making it an excellent addition to your sunscreen.
It’s also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time. And it contains magnesium, which is known to promote a healthy heart and lower blood pressure.
However, it is important to avoid overly sweet mixes and syrups, as they are typically packed with sugar. Ideally, you should make your own, or at least choose a quality product that is not overly processed. This will give you the most benefits of the antioxidants in cocoa, and it will be healthier for your body.