Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, Vail Mountain has plenty to offer during the winter months. From epic back bowls to endless groomed runs, there’s no shortage of skiing fun here!
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Vail that’s different from the traditional skiing experience, try snowmobiling. It’s a great way to see 360-degree views and explore the backcountry wilderness.
1. Snowmobiling
Whether you’re a skier or not, Vail Mountian has plenty of winter fun activities for you to enjoy. Regardless of your skill level, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in Vail.
Snowmobiling is an excellent way to get out in the great outdoors and see some of Colorado’s incredible mountain vistas. You can find a wide range of guided tours and self-guided options throughout the area, from beginner to expert levels, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
It’s also a great activity for families with young children as well as those who are looking for an exciting adventure! Take a snowmobile tour with a guide that will help you find the perfect route and provide tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Another Vail Mountain winter activity is to visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. The museum is a must-see if you’re a fan of these sports and has all sorts of fascinating exhibits.
The museum is free to enter and open year-round. The exhibits include historical ski wear and equipment, the famous 10th Mountain Division who trained in the Rocky Mountains during World War II, and other ski-related items from throughout history.
You can also enjoy a day of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with a certified guide. You’ll learn about the local ecosystems, wildlife and history while enjoying a wonderful workout.
For a more extreme ride, you can book a trip on a high-performance snowmobile at historic Camp Hale. This full-day or half-day tour takes you through miles of powder fields at 12,500 feet in altitude. All tours include transportation, a professional guide, snowmobile, boots and helmet.
2. Hot Springs
The mineral-rich waters of hot springs have been used to heal and relax for thousands of years. The practice is believed to be beneficial for a variety of ailments, and it has recently become more popular as wellness tourism has grown in popularity.
These geothermal pools are a unique part of the natural world, and they’re found around the globe. In some places, the water may gain heat from volcanic activity, while in others, it’s formed when water seeps deep into the Earth and tries to circulate back up.
Some are too hot to get in, while others are so acidic they can cause severe burns or even kill. If you’re in a hot spring, make sure to stick to approved and posted safety measures.
There are also a few rustic hot springs that require more effort to access, and these are often more enjoyable because you’re surrounded by nature while soaking in them. I’m a huge fan of finding these kind of natural springs because they offer a true escape from the everyday, and they’re an excellent way to spend time in nature while relaxing.
When I was a kid, my dad took me to the hot springs in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, and it remains one of my favorite places to soak. The springs are buried inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome, and you can visit them in either summer or winter.
The water contains minerals that can help improve circulation in the body, and some of these minerals can also be helpful for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The high silica content in the hot springs can smooth and soften dry, rough skin, while the sulfur in the springs may help reduce itchy skin.
3. Ski Biking
If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the winter wonderland in Vail, you might consider ski biking as one of your options. This is a new winter sport that has become popular in Europe and is becoming more common in the United States. It can be a great way to get out and enjoy the scenery in a fun, easy-to-learn way.
It’s also much less strenuous on your body and is a great workout. It’s also a good option for people who aren’t comfortable with snowboarding or skiing as it’s an easy sport to learn.
Many ski resorts allow ski bikes to be ridden on their lifts and it’s not a problem as long as you follow the rules of the particular resort. Chairlifts are the easiest to ride with your top tube and saddle placed on the chair and the front ski on the footrest, while gondolas require you to place your bike on a tow bar behind the seat.
There are 150+ ski areas in the United States that allow ski bikes. Notables include Vail Group Resorts (Vail, Park City, Northstar, Heavenly), as well as Tahoe’s Kirkwood, Sierra at Tahoe and Tahoe Donner.
Ski biking is a great way to explore the slopes and see some of the best parts of the mountain. It’s a good choice for kids and adults alike, and it can be a fun way to introduce your family to the sport of skiing.
The winter weather in Vail can be chilly, so it’s important to be prepared with the proper clothes and equipment. You’ll want to pack a heavy coat, gloves and hat. It’s a good idea to bring some insulated shoes too.
4. Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
Vail Mountain is a popular place for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a great spot for other winter activities, including tubing down the hill. The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster in Lionshead Village is a popular attraction for families.
The mountain coaster is an exhilarating ride that combines alpine and coaster elements for a fun experience that all can enjoy. This coaster stretches over 3,400 feet and can reach speeds of up to 25 mph.
It’s an exciting way to spend time in the mountains while giving you a chance to get a glimpse of the beautiful views that the area has to offer. It’s a perfect way to remember your time in the mountains and is something that you can enjoy on repeat trips down the slopes.
A few resorts in Colorado have alpine coasters, which are basically go-karts attached to rails that wend their way along the ski slopes. It’s a thrilling, exhilarating activity that’s sure to make you feel like a kid again!
These rides are typically low-to-the-ground, and they follow a zig zag spiraling path down the mountain. Generally, they’re not a dangerous ride, but there are some precautions that you should take to ensure your safety while riding one.
Riders in the mountain coaster carts are able to control their speed with manual hand brakes, which help slow them down if they want to. They also have guard rails that are set up to protect them from falling off the track or getting hurt by other riders. This makes the ride a great family-friendly activity, and it can be enjoyed by anyone who’s tall enough to ride alone or with someone else.
5. Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of the most fun Vail Mountian Winter Activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends while getting some exercise. It also offers a number of key health benefits, including improving joint flexibility and strengthening your core.
There are a number of rinks around town to choose from, so you can find one that is right for you and your group. Whether you prefer an outdoor rink in the middle of the village or a full-size indoor arena, Vail has something for every taste and ability level.
The Solaris Plaza in Vail Village is a popular ice rink that hosts special ice skating performances around the holidays. You can also try a different style of ice skating by visiting the Arrabelle Square Ice Rink or Dobson Ice Arena, which are both open year-round.
If you’re new to ice skating, start by practicing on the outside edge of the rink to get used to the ice friction and feel comfortable with your balance on it. After that, you can head over to the center and skate on the rink itself.
Another way to improve your ice skating skills is to join a local hockey team and practice with them on the ice. This will help you build up your skills and learn the best techniques to do so.
You can also sign up for an ice skating lesson, which can be a great way to improve your skills and become more comfortable on the ice. You’ll have more success if you can go at it with a professional who will be able to give you tips and tricks that you can use on your own.