Are you looking for exciting activities in Vail in winter?
Whilst it may be popular as one of the finest skiing destinations in the world, Vail, Colorado, has so much more to offer – especially during wintertime.
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In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the resort’s very best attractions and experiences.
Go Ice-Skating
There are several spots for ice-skating in Vail, each rink with its own unique character. The Vail Square Ice Rink is located just west of the main village in Lionshead Village, both of which are connected by a free shuttle.
Surrounded by cute shops and good restaurants, the small outdoor rink is open daily throughout winter. For panoramic views of Vail ski mountain as you glide across the ice, check out the Solaris Ice Rink at the center of Vail Village.
But if you prefer an indoor option, visit the Dobson Ice Arena, one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorado’s Western Slope. In addition to ice-skating, it also offers bumper cars and hockey.
Ski The Slopes
Skiing the massive mountain here is exhilarating and the most popular of all the Vail winter activities. There are three main sections – The Front Side, The Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin.
The Front Side on the northern aspect has all kinds of terrain and locals will tell you that it has the best powder. The Back Bowls make up more than half of the skiable acres, with wide-open basins and an interesting mixture of cliffs, forests, gullies, and creeks.
Blue Sky Basin is great for steep skiing and has three high-speed lifts. A one-day lift ticket at Vail in winter will cost you around $200 and there are plenty of places to rent gear, so you don’t need to bring it with you.
Enjoy A Scenic Gondola Ride
A wonderful way to enjoy the scenery of Vail in winter is to take a ride in one of its gondolas. There are two to choose from.
Gondola One leaves from Vail Village and Eagle Bahn leaves from Lionshead, both ascending 10,000 feet up the mountain.
The beauty of the landscape opens up beneath you and gives you the opportunity to take breathtaking photos of the Sawatch Range, the Gore Range, and Mount of the Holy Cross.
Gondola Two is the newest and most comfortable of the two, with LED lighting, heated seats, and Wi-Fi, whereas Eagle Bahn gives you some of the best views of Vail’s back bowls.
Staying in Vail?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Vail, Colorado.
Best budget hotel: Eagle Point resort
Best mid-range hotel: Tivoli Lodge
Best luxury hotel: Four Seasons Resort Vail
Ride In A Sleigh
What better way to take in the stunning scenery around you than by traveling through Vail’s alpine forests on a sleigh? It’s even more fun when wrapped up snugly and enjoying a hot chocolate en route!
There are various packages available so you can tailor the experience just the way you like it. Both 4 Eagle Ranch and Bearcat Stables offer sleigh rides followed by dinner, with Bearcat Stables offering an après option too.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available from late November to Mid March.
Go Snowmobiling
To really get your blood pumping, one of the best things to do in Vail besides skiing is to escape into the backcountry on a snowmobile.
You don’t need to be an expert – there are trails to suit all levels and expert guides available to help you make the most of your experience.
Most of the companies offering snowmobiling trips will collect you from your accommodation and many will include things like helmets, snowsuits, and boots if you don’t have your own.
Snowmobiling is not just exciting, but it’s also a great way to explore the beautiful terrain at your own pace.
Pamper Yourself On A Spa Day
After indulging in some of the more energetic Vail winter activities, a day at the spa is just what you need to unwind and ease those aches and pains!
Almost all of Vail’s hotels offer spa facilities and many will include massage therapy services, which feel particularly good after a day on the slopes.
You’ll also find a variety of skin treatments on offer, which are the perfect antidote to the challenging climate.
Visit Vail Village
Exploring the beautiful Vail Village feels a little like walking through a Christmas card! The architecture here was inspired by European ski resorts, with chalet-style buildings, pedestrian-friendly cobblestoned streets, and views of snowcapped mountain peaks in all directions.
Despite its quaint appearance, there are world-class shops here, including the flagship Lululemon store and Gorsuch, with its luxury ski-wear.
You’ll also find some excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants – especially the elegant Lancelot steakhouse in the heart of the village. And there is a vibrant nightlife to enjoy here, too, with lounges, breweries, bars, and plenty of live music.
Buckle Up For A Ride On The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
It may sound like something from a theme park, but this is not your typical rollercoaster ride. Instead, this thrilling adventure takes you 3,400 feet down the natural contours of the mountain then brings you back to the level you started.
Best of all, you can customize your ride to suit your particular level of thrill tolerance! Each individual car of the coaster is controlled by the driver, so you can glide at a more leisurely pace to take in the sights or pelt along at full speed to get your adrenaline pumping.
The surrounding views are beautiful and include the Mount of the Holy Cross, Beaver Creek, the lower range, and plenty of local wildlife.
The coaster is located at the Epic Discovery adventure center and the driver of each car needs to be at least 16 years old.
Explore The Ice Castles In Dillon
Just a 35-minute drive from Vail, the small town of Dillon is home to this beautiful manmade attraction. Each Ice Castle is created by an architect who places icicles one by one in their chosen design, then sprays them with water.
They constantly repeat this process over a 2 month period until the Castles reach the size they require. These vast structures can be seen from the outside as you drive through town and they are so dense that they look blue from a distance.
But you really need to walk inside to see them properly, and the experience is nothing short of magical! Rainbow-colored lighting beautifully sets off the carved sculptures, walls, and archways and there are lots of different rooms to explore, each with its own unique features.
Be sure to book online in advance as this can be a very busy attraction and try to visit during the daylight hours to get some truly memorable pics!
Try Snowshoeing And Get Off The Beaten Track
One of the best things to do in Vail in winter is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the parts that many people just won’t get to see!
If you want to go it alone there are lots of mapped trails to enjoy, or you might prefer to join a guided tour.
Both the Vail Nordic Center and the Eagle Ranch Golf Course Nordic and Snowshoe Center can rent you the equipment and maps you need for solo exploration, whilst The Nature Discovery Center offers guided snowshoe tours.
These are well worth joining if you have the time, as they are a great way to learn more about the wildlife and plants in the area.
Try Ice Fishing
One of the most unique activities to do in Vail in winter is to try your hand at ice fishing. It’s an incredibly serene and enjoyable experience, made all the better by the picturesque landscape all around you.
The best spots are at the Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area and Sylvan Lake, with winter fishing trips available if you need a guide.
These will include equipment such as your rod, reel, and flies, and you’ll have the extra benefits of perks like food and an ice fishing hut to keep you warm.
Enjoy The Après Ski
This may be one of the most popular things to do in Vail in winter and the fun culture surrounding it is worth experiencing, even if you haven’t actually done any skiing!
There are numerous spots to enjoy great beer, food, and conversation, with the Red Lion overlooking Vail’s pedestrian walkway one of the best.
You can also get a great hand-crafted beer at Vail Brewing Co, enjoy live music at Shakedown Bar, and indulge in traditional Austrian fare at Pepi’s. For some of the best views of the slopes, check out Garfinkel’s at the foot of Lionshead Village.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Vail In Winter
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Vail in winter has inspired you and helped you plan your itinerary. There are lots of magical experiences awaiting you – so wrap up warm and enjoy every moment of your visit to this exciting resort.
It’s worth mentioning that Vail is also known to be a good destination to elope in Colorado.
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