If you don’t ski or are looking to have fun in the winter, Vail has plenty of activities for you to try. These exciting fun winter snow activities will make your vacation one to remember!
Ice Skating is a popular activity that is free and available year-round at the Dobson Ice Arena. You can even ride an ice bumper car that uses One Wheel technology.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating in Vail is an awesome Vail Mountian Winter Activity for families or friends looking for a fun and wholesome way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There are a few outdoor rinks to choose from and some indoor ice skating facilities to check out as well!
For the best ice skating experience, we recommend visiting one of Vail’s Bavarian-inspired outdoor rinks located in Lionshead Village. The Alderhof or Black Family rinks are great for families and feature an enchanting setting that’s just steps away from a handful of great restaurants. They’re also a fun place to splurge and try on a pair of custom-made skates.
In addition to ice skating, there are several other Vail Mountian Winter Activities you can enjoy in the snowy mountains. From snowshoeing and snowmobiling to tubing and fat tire biking, you can easily find something for the whole family.
Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities for families who want to explore the beautiful Colorado landscapes in the snowy mountains. These tours are guided and offer scenic views of the mountains and forests.
When you’re done exploring, a stop at the ice skating rink is a great way to end a day of adventure. The rinks in Vail Square and Lionshead Village are small and easy to navigate, offering a casual yet fun experience.
Alternatively, you can head to the Dobson Ice Arena for a more full-size ice rink. Open year-round, this large rink offers public skating, private lessons, hockey, bumper-cars, and special events such as concerts.
The Dobson Ice Arena is a great option for families who want to spend time ice skating together, as it’s an affordable option and features public skate sessions for all ages. You can also rent a skate for just $3, or buy a ticket that includes admission and rental.
There are also a few other options in the area for ice skating, including Solaris Rink in Vail Village and Alderhof in Lionshead. Both rinks have an enchanting setting and are perfect for an evening of ice skating under the stars!
Sledding
Sledding is another great way to enjoy the snowy landscapes of Vail besides skiing. Sledding is a fun activity for the entire family and there are several sledding areas around town to choose from. Some of these include Booth Creek Park in Vail Village and Gore Creek Trail in East Vail.
Sled racing is also a popular winter activity in the Vail Valley that requires minimal effort to participate and gives you a rush of adrenaline while riding downhill on the sled. There are several sled race events held throughout the winter and they often attract a lot of attention.
Taking a sled downhill is not for the faint of heart as you will need to be at least 48 inches tall to ride. You can also pre-register to take part in this adventure by visiting the Dobson Ice Arena online.
If you’re looking for something more extreme and adventurous, then a snowmobiling tour is a must do. You can explore the mountain in 360 degrees and travel through miles of open fields on this exciting activity.
There are several companies in the Vail area that offer tours including Nova Guides, Sage Outdoor Adventures and Bearcat Stables. Each company offers a different experience.
One of the best things about sledding is that you can sled downhill with your family and friends without worrying about hiking back up. You can even enjoy the snow tubing hill if you want to get a thrill with your kids.
Another activity to consider is a sleigh ride. This is a fun and romantic way to enjoy the mountain views in Vail. There are plenty of sleigh ride companies in the area, but we recommend 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail or Bearcat Stables.
You can even try horseback riding in the winter, too! If you’re interested in taking a ride with your family and friends, then we recommend 4 Eagle Ranch or Bearcat Stables.
The mountain also has a Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster which you can take in the forest on this raised alpine coaster while cruising down the mountain! You can check it out on your next visit to Vail.
Ski Biking
Ski biking, also known as skibobbing, is a fun and unique way to experience the slopes at Vail. They are popular at ski resorts around the world, and you can rent a bike with skis in the winter at the Nordic Center near Vail.
Ski bikes are a great alternative to skiing or snowboarding, and they are an excellent way to get some cardio in during your vacation. They also provide a more balanced workout than either of these sports and are easier on your knees, back and arms.
It takes a bit of practice to master this sport, but it’s a lot easier and more enjoyable than traditional mountain biking. As with regular biking, balance is important, and riding a ski bike requires the use of both hands and feet to control the direction of your speed and turn.
You can choose from several different styles of bike, including a type that uses a three-point stance. These bikes are much more stable and can be used in steeper terrain than other types of ski bikes.
While you can rent a bike in Vail, it’s also a good idea to bring your own bike if you have one. Most ski bike rentals have a staff instructor who can help you learn how to ride safely, and most offer helmets too.
Once you’re comfortable with your skills, it’s a great way to see the mountains in a new way and get some exercise at the same time. The Vail Valley is home to a huge number of mountain trails, so you can easily find a trail to suit your skill level.
The best part about this activity is that it’s a lot of fun for everyone! You can ride with friends, families, and even your pets.
There are many areas where you can rent a ski bike and get instruction from a local. Most places have a restaurant as well, so you can warm up after your adventure with a meal.
If you’re a beginner, it may take a few runs before you’re ready to ride downhill, but it’s very fun and exhilarating. Plus, you’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains on all sides!
Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
Vail is a destination that attracts families who love the outdoors, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers. This includes the new Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, which is an anchor attraction at Epic Discovery atop Vail Mountain.
A fun and exciting way to spend the day, this raised alpine coaster winds its way 3,400 feet down the mountain through the trees, following the natural contours of the mountain landscape. It features an average 11 percent downhill grade allowing the carts to reach a maximum speed of 25 mph.
It’s a bit like the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Copper but with zigs, zags, dips, and 360 degree turns to keep riders on their toes. There are also manual hand brakes to let you slow down your speed if you’d prefer a mellow ride through the woods.
You can enjoy the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster on your own or with a companion, but it’s advisable to go with someone who is at least 54 inches tall. You can also get a tandem pass for smaller children.
Another unique Vail Mountian Winter activity is snow tubing. Located in Adventure Ridge, this stadium-sized hill is enjoyed by kids of all ages and is a fun alternative to skiing or snowboarding.
After a day on the slopes, you can take a break from the cold and head to this snow park to enjoy a day of fun tubing down a snow packed lane with music playing and a magic carpet ride to whisk you back up the mountain. It’s a must-try for the entire family.
There are a variety of Vail mountain attractions that kids will enjoy, including the Imagination Station in the Lionshead Parking Structure and a snow maze. There are also several free ski tours for beginners.
To enjoy the fun of the mountain without all of the hassles of driving a car, there are shuttle buses to the various attractions in town. During the winter, Vail has a fleet of primarily hybrid-electric buses that make frequent runs to different points around town.