Vail Mountain is famous for skiing, but there’s a lot more to do during the winter. Take a spin on the ice rink in Vail Square, go to Kris Kringle Market for last-minute gifts, or visit WhoVail, an oversized Whoville gingerbread house.
The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum is also a fun destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of skiing and snowboarding. Exhibits include Winter Olympic memorabilia and ski artifacts.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the most popular Vail Mountian Winter Activities, and it can be a fun way to spend time with your family. The mountains here offer everything from soft powder to hard, fast terrain. You can find a variety of runs for all levels of skiers, including the legendary Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin.
Another great way to experience the winter landscape is by snowshoeing. There are plenty of trails in the area, and you can even rent snowshoes if you need them!
If you are a beginner, there are plenty of guides and instructors to help you learn the basics. You can also rent a snowmobile to explore the backcountry, and many companies will pick you up from your accommodation and supply all of the equipment.
There is something for everyone in skiing, and it is the most common Vail Mountian Winter Activity. You can find a wide range of ski runs, from the Front Side on the northern aspect to the natural terrain that mimics a backcountry experience in Blue Sky Basin.
Tubing
Tubing is a great way to get outside during winter and stay active. It doesn’t require much strength and balance, and it’s easy for people of all ages to enjoy.
The key is to choose a good tubing spot and be aware of the weather. This will determine the water temperature and whether it’s a safe time to go.
It’s also important to make sure the area has a good tubing safety policy. If you’re going with a large group, it’s a good idea to check this before you head out so that everyone will be comfortable.
One of the most important things to remember while tubing is that you must not go into any water that’s too deep. This can be very dangerous and can lead to injuries.
Another tip to keep in mind is that you should always have a buddy to help guide you on the tube. This will help to ensure that you don’t end up getting stranded or drifting off of the river.
Snow tubing is becoming increasingly popular and can be a lot of fun. It’s not quite as hard to navigate as sledding, but it is still a little bit of work. Some locations have movable sidewalks or a magic carpet that will help you and your tube get back up the hill!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and explore the winter landscape of Vail without requiring any skiing skills. There are numerous mapped trails in and around the area to enjoy solo or join a guided tour if you wish.
The Nordic Center in East Vail offers 10 km of scenic trails to escape into nature and is the perfect place to try out snowshoeing for the first time! A full-service shop is on-site to provide rental equipment and tips and advice for all your adventures.
For those looking to take it a little further afield, the Beaver Creek Nordic Center can be accessed via the Strawberry Park lift (Chair 12) and has 32 km of beautiful snowshoeing trails. There is also the 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail that offers horseback riding, sleigh rides and dinners.
For a more educational adventure, head to the Walking Mountains Science Center where naturalists offer free daily snowshoe tours that explore the high alpine habitat of Vail Mountain and teach visitors about local ecology. They meet outside the Nature Discovery Center atop the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead at 11:00 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a great way to enjoy the winter weather and the snowy alpine scenery while in Vail. There are several ice rinks in Vail, and all of them are open during the winter season.
Originally from Scandinavia, ice skating is a fun sport that requires great balance and skill. It is often used in competitive sports like ice hockey and figure skating.
While beginners may struggle to stay upright on a slippery ice surface, experienced skaters can easily navigate their way across the ice with good technique. They also use blades to increase friction between the ice and their boots, which increases speed and control.
In the world of ice skating, there are many different types of drills that you can practice in order to become better at your skills. These drills will help you improve your spins, jumps and other maneuvers on the ice.
There are several ice skating rinks in the area, so check out the map below to find one near you. Some of them are operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), while others are privately-owned.
Sledding
If you’re looking to spend some time in the snow during your Vail Mountian Winter Activities, sledding is a great option. It’s a lot of fun and can be done with the whole family. There are plenty of sledding hills throughout the area and some hotels even have loaner sleds for guests to use.
If you are a bit more adventurous, you can also snowshoe in the mountains around Vail. There are several trails to choose from that range in difficulty and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Another unique winter activity that can be done in Vail is ski biking. This is for more advanced or intermediate skiers and snowboarders that are comfortable with blues and blacks.
Ice Climbing is another rad activity that can be done in the mountains of Colorado. Cascading waterfalls and trickling flow from the snow melt make for excellent ice climbing opportunities in the winter.
There are also plenty of other things to do in the mountains during the winter such as sleigh rides and dog sledding. You can book these activities far in advance due to their limited availability.
Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
If you are looking for a fun way to experience the winter beauty of Vail Mountain, the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is an activity that your entire family will enjoy. It’s a raised alpine coaster that takes you through the forests on a rollercoaster-like ride and offers stunning views of the mountain during your descent.
This is a great family activity that kids will love because it’s similar to a sledding adventure but with lots of safety features in place so you can relax and enjoy the view. Plus, the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is located in Adventure Ridge so it’s easy to access on a day trip from Vail Village or Lionshead Village.
This year-round mountain coaster drops 430 vertical feet at a max grade of 11 percent and is open both in the summer and winter. It is located near the American Flyer lift and is one of North America’s longest alpine coasters.
Ice Bumper Cars
Ice bumper cars are an exciting Winter activity that are available at a number of locations throughout Colorado. They use an electric motor to turn two wheels beneath the car, and these wheels feature special rubber tires that allow riders to slide across the ice as they bump into each other.
They’re also surrounded by large PVC air tubes that absorb impact from collisions, so riders are protected as they ride on the ice. These vehicles are a fun addition to any rink and a great way to get people out on the ice to enjoy the cold weather and snowy landscape of Colorado.
This activity is perfect for families with kids who are interested in trying something new during their vacation. It’s a memorable way for families to bond and have fun together.
There are several ice rinks in the area, so finding a spot that’s right for you and your family is easy. There are even places to rent ice skates, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a day on the slopes or simply want a calming break from the cold, hot springs are one of the best Vail Mountian Winter Activities. They are not only beautiful but they also have many wellness benefits.
These geothermal waters are naturally heated from within the Earth, bubbling to the surface through a variety of cracks and fissures. They may be surrounded by mountains, forests or deserts, and many are in awe-inspiring natural settings.
Bathing in mineral hot springs is great for the mind and body, thanks to a variety of health-boosting minerals in the water. These include sodium bicarbonate and calcium, which help with good circulation.
There are also plenty of spas in Vail, where you can get a massage and a soak to feel your best again. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon or a whole day after skiing or sledding!
For something a little more rugged, head north of Vail to Radium Hot Springs. These hot springs require a bit of a hike to get to, but the views are incredible and it’s an experience not to be missed.