If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Vail has plenty of amazing things to do besides hitting the slopes.
Hiking is a great way to explore the area and see the mountains up close! A snowshoeing tour is also a great option.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the Vail Mountian Winter Activities that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. You can go for a ski-to-the-top experience, or enjoy the scenery and wildlife while gliding down the slopes. You can also take a class to learn how to ski and snowboard.
Snowmobiling is another great option for those who want to get out in nature and have fun while burning some calories. There are a number of guided tours in the area that offer 360 degree views and miles of open meadows to ride through.
If you’re interested in a more intimate experience, there are a few companies that offer horseback sleigh rides around Vail and the surrounding mountains. These are great for families and provide a unique opportunity to bond together while experiencing the beauty of the snowy mountains.
For a more casual night out, head to a local brewery or grab a drink at a lively dive bar. Some of these establishments will even have live music or fire pits.
A good place to start is the George, a favorite amongst ski instructors and visitors alike. The George serves up cheap drinks in a lively dive bar atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can try the Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons for inspired craft cocktails and live music. Afterwards, you can hang by the fire pit or take in the view of the Mount of the Holy Cross.
You can also take a sleigh ride out into the mountains outside of Vail to see some of the best scenery in Colorado. Some of the private ranches in the area offer horseback sleigh rides with hot chocolate to help you de-stress after a day on the slopes.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an enjoyable activity that lets you get away from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes and get into the great outdoors. You can find snowshoe rentals and guided tours at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek, as well as a variety of other places in the area.
The mountains of Vail are perfect for snowshoeing and a variety of routes are available to visitors. You can hike or explore off-trail and go for a long distance adventure, or choose a shorter, more mellow day trip.
Although snowshoes are more flexible than hiking boots, it is still important to follow proper stance and stride techniques to avoid straining your hips or groin muscles. Be sure to walk with your feet parallel and wide and use as little of a ‘crossover’ stride as possible.
Many people have a hard time with snowshoeing, so it is important to start slowly and build up to longer trips as your fitness level increases. It is also important to stay hydrated and take breaks along the way so that you don’t overexert yourself.
If you have never done snowshoeing before, a local guide can help you decide on the best route for your level of experience and skill set. These guides are knowledgeable and can assist you with navigating snowy terrain, avoiding dangerous areas, and helping you stay safe and secure.
Snowshoeing is a great activity for beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is a great way to enjoy the mountains in winter and is a far more affordable alternative to skiing in this area.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling can be a great activity to try with kids. It is a fun way to get out and explore the Colorado mountains.
There are several companies in Vail that offer guided tours of the White River National Forest. You will be able to enjoy 360 views and miles of open meadows as you ride through the wilderness.
Another popular winter sport is skiing and snowboarding. Skiing is a popular outdoor activity in Vail and Beaver Creek, but it isn’t for everyone! If you’re unable to ski due to a bad knee or pregnancy, you can still get out and experience the beauty of Colorado by trying snowshoeing, tubing or ice skating.
Sledding is also a good option for families with kids. There are plenty of sledding hills throughout the area, so you should be able to find one near your hotel.
If you are interested in ice skating, there are several rinks in Vail that are open during the winter. You can rent ice skates from Deca + Bol, or you can purchase your own.
Snowmobiling is also an excellent way to get out and explore the beautiful backcountry of Vail. There are several snowmobile companies in the area, so you will be able to find one that fits your budget and interests.
You can also try riding a fat tire bike instead of skiing on the mountain. Fat tires are designed to handle the snow and not slip as easily. There are 13k (8 miles) of groomed trails around the Nordic Center in Vail that you can ride on.
Regardless of your choice of activities, make sure to pack lots of warm clothes and a winter coat as well as hats, gloves and boots. You’ll be glad you did!
Tubing
If you are looking for something to do in Vail during the winter, tubing is one of the best options. It is fun and easy to do with your family and friends, and it is also a great way to get in some exercise while having fun!
Tubing is a recreational activity that involves floating in a river on an inflated inner tube. This is a fun way to spend time on the water and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
The best part about tubing is that it is very safe. However, it is still a good idea to make sure that you are wearing proper safety equipment and that you know how to swim before you go out on a tube.
Some people who are not seasoned swimmers can drown while tubing, so it is important to wear a life jacket. You should also keep in mind that the currents in a river can be unpredictable and strong. This can cause your tube to flip over and you may not be able to swim back to shore.
Generally, it is safer to go tubing on a river that has low to moderately-flowing waters and no rapids. However, this is not always possible, and it is important to do your research before you decide on a river that you want to use for your tubing experience.
Another alternative is towed tubing, which involves using a motor boat to tow the tube riders through the water. This is less dangerous than inner tube tubing, but it is still a risky activity.
If you are not a seasoned swimmer, it is always best to go towed tubing in a group, so that someone can help you if something goes wrong. This is especially important in case the river has a lot of rapids and rough patches.
Ice Skating
One of the best Vail Mountian Winter Activities for the whole family is ice skating. There are charming outdoor rinks in both Vail and Lionshead Village, as well as an indoor year-round rink at Dobson Ice Arena.
If you’re new to ice skating, it’s probably best to sign up for a beginner’s class or hire a private instructor before hitting the ice. This will help you learn the basics and avoid potential injuries.
There are many health benefits to ice skating as well, such as improving joint flexibility and strengthening the muscles around the ankles. You’ll also burn more calories in a shorter amount of time because of the fast, brisk movements required to skate.
For more serious skaters, there are a number of hockey and figure skating clubs in town that compete throughout the winter. You can also find public skating sessions at Dobson Ice Arena, where you can practice your moves and hone your skills on the ice.
When you’re skating, your balance is a crucial factor, so it’s important to practice proper technique. You should also point your toes inward, which will slow you down while allowing you to glide more easily. This will prevent you from running into the side of the rink, or falling and hurting yourself.
Another benefit of ice skating is that it helps improve cardiovascular health. It can be a good form of exercise for people who have limited or no physical activity during the rest of the year.
If you’re looking to get in some cardio workout during your Vail vacation, ice skating is the way to go. It’s a fun activity that you can do with the entire family and is great for your overall wellness!