A winter vacation in Vail can be a fun experience with many activities available. Whether you are looking for a new adventure or are just seeking a change of scenery, there are plenty of things to do in winter that you will enjoy!
A great way to get your adrenaline pumping in the winter is to take a ride on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster. This is a raised alpine coaster that winds down the mountain and offers amazing views of Vail Mountain and surrounding areas!
1. Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
Vail Mountain is famous for its pristine slopes, breathtaking scenery, and access to some of the best winter activities in the world. But for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, it’s now also home to the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster. Located at Epic Discovery, this 3,400-foot long alpine roller coaster combines the thrills of a mountain coaster with the exhilaration of an alpine ride.
This attraction is one of the most popular attractions at Epic Discovery, which is also home to more exciting adrenaline-filled activities like ziplines, adventure courses, climbing walls, and mini golf. If you want to experience all of these activities, purchase the Epic Discovery Adventure Pass.
The pass will allow you to ride the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster three times, as well as unlimited use on all other activities that you meet restrictions for: Little Eagle Kids Zipline, Bungee Trampoline, Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, Marmot Mini Kid’s Tubing Hill, Eagle’s Nest Tubing, and Gore Creek Mini Golf. Alternatively, you can also purchase an a la carte ticket and just select what activities you want to do.
To ride the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, you must be at least 54 inches tall (without shoes) and have a driver who is at least 16 years old. If your child does not meet these height requirements, you can buy a ride-along ticket for $122.
Once on the mountain coaster, the track follows the natural contours of the mountain and takes riders through several 360 degree loops and twists. It reaches speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, but there is also a mellow downhill section where you can relax and enjoy the views.
During this downhill section, the carts have a manual brake so that you can control your speed. The total time for the entire ride is about 7 minutes.
The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is part of Epic Discovery at Vail Resorts. You can purchase a ticket for a single ride or you can take advantage of the $75 Forest Flyer and Brews package. Whether you choose to go solo or as a group, you will be sure to have an unforgettable time.
2. Ice Skating
Vail is a winter wonderland with plenty of activities for everyone, regardless of your level of skiing or snowboarding. If you are looking to get a little more out of your ski vacation in Vail then there are plenty of fun things to do in the mountains, including ice skating!
There are three scenic outdoor ice skating rinks in the Vail Valley. One is located at Solaris in Vail Village, another is a popular rink in the Lionshead village next to the Arrabelle hotel, and a third is Dobson Ice Arena.
The outdoor rink at Solaris is a great option for beginners and intermediate skaters. It offers a beautiful setting and is not too crowded. Skate rentals are available at the rink or you can bring your own skates and go for free.
If you are looking for a more challenging ice skating experience, then consider the Dobson Ice Arena. This ice rink is located in the heart of Vail, on West Meadow Drive across from the Vail Library and is one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities in the Colorado mountains. It is open year-round for hockey, figure skating and broomball. It also hosts many other events.
For a more family-friendly ice skating experience, try Black Family in Beaver Creek. This ice rink is set in the heart of the village and is an ideal spot for a day with the kids. It is usually open during the daytime and offers a great view of the slopes.
You can also head to Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain for an incredible outdoor ice skating experience. This ice rink is surrounded by glowing fire pits and boasts views of the mountains.
In addition to ice skating, the town of Vail offers other exciting winter activities that will keep you busy all throughout your trip. If you are a fan of ice bumper cars then you should check out Dobson Ice Arena, which has these crazy colorful sled-like cars on the ice.
You can also go snowmobiling in the White River National Forest. There are tours for all ages and skill levels. The tours are led by experienced guides and you can customize your tour according to your preferences and interests. Some tours include transportation and hot beverages. The sled rides are only available in the morning and afternoon, so booking early is recommended!
3. Sledding
Vail Mountain is one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, and the winter season at Vail is a time of celebration and excitement. This year, the resort is celebrating 60 years of classic energy and emotion by embracing its pioneering spirit and taking a modern look at what the next sixty years will bring to the fabled ski resort.
While many people think of Vail as a winter sports destination, there are actually a number of outdoor activities you can enjoy during your visit to this resort town. There is something for everyone, from guided snowshoeing and snowmobiling to tubing and ice skating!
For families looking to take advantage of the snowy wonderland, sledding is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the mountain. There are a number of sled rentals in the area, and many hotels offer complimentary sleds for guests to borrow.
Another great option is a day of skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Depending on your skill level, you can choose to go for an advanced experience on Blue Sky Basin or try your hand at beginner terrain at Eagle’s Nest.
After a long day of skiing, take advantage of the warm pools and hot tubs in Vail’s hotels. Whether you are a thrill seeker or just want to relax and unwind, these hot tubs provide a fun and relaxing experience that will help you get the most out of your visit.
You can also head up to the gondolas and catch breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from atop the ski slopes. The gondolas run every hour, and the ride up to them is an incredible experience.
There are two gondolas to choose from: Gondola One leaves from Vail Village, while the Eagle Bahn departs from Lionshead. Both gondolas ascend to a height of about 10,000 feet and provide stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
If you’re interested in a more unique experience, you can try ski biking. This is a unique experience that takes place at night and offers you the chance to explore the mountain without feeling sore the next day!
4. Ski Biking
Skiing is one of the most popular activities in Vail Mountian, but there are so many other things to do while on a winter vacation. There are guided snowshoeing and snowmobile adventures, ski biking, tubing and ice skating!
When it comes to ski skiing, Vail Mountain offers world-class terrain for every skill level. It’s a favorite destination among skiers and snowboarders from all over the world who come to enjoy the extensive terrain, including seven limitless Back Bowls.
To make the most of your time at Vail, it’s important to plan out your day. For example, if you’re a beginner skier or a family with young children, book an instructor-led lesson to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding. You can also choose to sign up for an intermediate or advanced ski and snowboard class, which will help you gain confidence on the slopes and have a more enjoyable experience.
For those who have some experience on the slopes but want to try something new, consider taking a skiing bike tour. Originally developed in the 1850s in Europe, ski biking allows riders to navigate mountains by pedaling downhill with their skis on. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to see the mountain, while also helping to improve your ski or board technique!
Another great option is to take a gondola ride and walk around the top of the mountain. You’ll get amazing views from the gondola, as well as an opportunity to stop in restaurants and shop for souvenirs!
There are lots of great shops in the village that sell everything from winter wear to outdoor gear and equipment. You’ll find a variety of boutiques and art galleries, too. Some of our favorites include Kemo Sabe for custom-made hats, the Golden Bear for handmade jewelry, Gallery 166 for contemporary artwork and Rocket Fizz for kids’ toys and treats!
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, Vail Mountian offers a ski biking tour from Adventure Ridge. The trail takes you up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Vail Mountain and is well-marked. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and costs $95 per person. It’s a great activity for families and groups of friends.