What to Do in Vail in Winter When You’re Not Skiing

Vail, Colorado, is a winter wonderland that attracts visitors from around the globe. While it’s renowned for its world-class skiing, it offers a host of other activities for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and memorable experiences. Vail is one of the best Colorado ski towns for families, whether you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, savoring gourmet cuisine, or simply enjoying the beautiful snow-draped scenery. Here is our guide to the top activities to enjoy in Vail in winter when you’re not skiing, from sleigh rides to nordic trails, ice skating to spas.

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Round-Up of Top Activities in Vail in Winter

• Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
• Explore the Vail Nordic Center
• Take a Sleigh Ride
• Ice Skate in Vail Village
• Indulge at Vail’s Spas
• Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
• Dine with a View: Mountaintop and Village Restaurants
• Shop and Enjoy Après-Ski in Vail Village
• Experience the Thrill of Tubing
• Where to Stay in Vail in Winter
• Getting to Vail in Winter

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1. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride

Riding one of Vail’s gondolas is a must-do activity, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. There are two primary gondolas to choose from: Gondola One, which departs from Vail Village, and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which starts in Lionshead Village. Both gondolas take you to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views, perfect for snapping incredible photos.

At the top of Gondola One, explore the stunning scenery at Mid-Vail and enjoy dining at The 10th, a sophisticated alpine restaurant named for the 10th Mountain Division. At the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, visit Eagle’s Nest, where you can enjoy grab and go food items at Simba’s Café or bar service at Bistro Fourteen, named after the views of 14,000 foot+ Mount of the Holy Cross. Normally, you could try your hand at tubing or snowshoeing at Adventure Ridge. Unfortunately, Adventure Ridge is closed for the 2024-2025 season.

2. Explore the Vail Nordic Center

For a tranquil winter experience, the Vail Nordic Center offers an exceptional alternative to downhill skiing. Located just minutes from Vail Village, this center boasts 10.5 miles of immaculately groomed trails designed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, the Nordic Center is a perfect spot to explore Vail’s quieter, snow-covered landscapes at your own pace.

If you are a beginner, sign up for a lesson with Vail Nordic. They offer both private lessons as well as scheduled group lessons on the very gentle beginner trails. Experienced cross country skiers can take the next level clinics and can enjoy the more challenging trails. There is free parking, and rental equipment is available on site, making this an easy and convenient experience. As a bonus, there are nice locker rooms to shower and change after your skiing. Warm up afterward in the cozy lodge (the golf pro shop in summer), which features a shop for gear and a café for light refreshments.

As an alternative, Beaver Creek Nordic Center is also available. Our feeling is that this is less suited to beginners, and takes more effort to get to. The nordic area is accessed by a chair lift. It is a beautiful ski area, and we’d recommend this for those a bit more experienced.

3. Take a Sleigh Ride

A sleigh ride through Vail’s snow-blanketed landscapes is a magical way to embrace the winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking for a romantic outing or a fun family experience, a horse-drawn sleigh ride offers a serene and picturesque adventure. Snuggle under warm blankets, listen to the rhythmic sound of horses’ hooves crunching in the snow, and soak in the charm of this quintessential winter activity. Popular options include:

• 4 Eagle Ranch, which offers dinner and a sleigh ride. You’ll glide through open fields to reach a classic ranch dinner with western entertainment;
• Bearcat Stables, offers a 30 minute sleigh ride only option and a sleigh ride with 4 course dinner. It is easy to arrange for a buy-out to ensure a private sleigh ride experience.

4. Ice Skate in Vail Village

Ice skating in Vail is a quintessential winter activity that adds a touch of magic to your alpine getaway. Vail offers two picturesque outdoor ice rinks:

• Arrabelle Ice Rink in Lionshead Village;
• Solaris Plaza Ice Rink in Vail Village.

Both rinks are surrounded by twinkling lights, charming shops, and cozy restaurants, making them the perfect setting for a family outing, a romantic evening, or a fun break from the slopes. The Arrabelle Ice Rink features a festive atmosphere in the heart of Lionshead, while the Solaris Plaza Ice Rink offers a more expansive space and a vibrant village vibe. Skate rentals are available at both locations, and visitors of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Dobson Ice Arena in Lionshead offers a year-round indoor alternative.

5. Indulge at Vail’s Spas

After a day on the slopes or exploring the snowy trails, treat yourself to ultimate relaxation at one of Vail’s luxurious spas. Top recommendations are:

• RockResorts Spa at The Lodge at Vail offers a luxurious experience with alpine-inspired treatments, a couples massage room, large fitness complex, and serene relaxation lounges.
• Spa at the Four Seasons Resort is another standout, featuring custom massages, facials, and access to a renovated sanctuary.
• Well & Being Spa at The Hythe provides a unique experience in Lionshead, with access to a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room, in addition to other spa services.
• RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle pampers guests with an eco-conscious luxury experience,

6. Enjoy Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Winter hiking and snowshoeing in Vail provide a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the snow-covered mountains.

• Gore Valley Trail is a top choice for an easy and convenient hike or snowshoe. This normally paved path winds alongside Gore Creek, offering a gentle route perfect for beginners or a quick outing.
• Booth Falls Trail is a moderately challenging 4 mile round trip hike to a stunning waterfall. This does have a challenging climb, and should only be done in winter with equipment appropriate to the trail conditions.

Always check trail and avalanche conditions before exploring wilderness trails.

7. Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame

The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame is located in the heart of Vail Village at the Vail Transportation Center. It’s a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the museum’s operations. Inside, you’ll find exhibits celebrating the history and evolution of skiing and snowboarding.

Highlights include vintage ski gear, an exhibit on the 10th Mountain Division’s pivotal role in World War II and the development of the ski industry, and a Hall of Fame honoring legendary athletes and pioneers. The museum also features a gift shop with unique memorabilia, perfect for snow-loving friends and family.

Pro Tip: If you are staying outside of Vail and just coming to visit the museum, you can park at the transportation center for up to an hour for free.

8. Dine with a View: Mountaintop and Village Restaurants

Vail has no shortage of excellent restaurants. You’ll find 5 Michelin star restaurants in and around Vail (including Avon and Beaver Creek). There are plenty of family friendly options too for those seeking a more casual experience.

Mountaintop Dining:

• The 10th: Located at Mid-Vail, The 10th offers modern alpine cuisine with panoramic mountain views. Accessible via Gondola One. Be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Village Dining:

• Sweet Basil: A Vail institution with a Michelin star, offering innovative American cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Mountain Standard: Known for its wood-fired cooking and rustic ambiance along Gore Creek. 
• Alpenrose: Delivers an authentic German-Austrian dining experience with fresh-baked pretzels and hearty dishes. 

9. Shop and Enjoy Après-Ski in Vail Village

Vail Village is not just a hub for skiing—it’s also a premier destination for shopping and après-ski fun. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with an array of boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor gear stores. This makes it the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and artwork, high-end ski apparel and gear, or handcrafted jewelry.

A few of our favorite stops include:

• Perch for chic women’s fashion;
• Betty Ford Alpine Garden’s Gift Shop (in Vail Village, not at the gardens): a non-profit store selling unique local and alpine-inspired gifts;
• Vail Village Arts, with its exceptional contemporary art.

After shopping, unwind with Vail’s legendary après-ski scene. Popular spots include:

• The Red Lion, a classic spot with live music and a lively atmosphere, to sip cocktails or get a bight to eat;
• The Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons Resort offers modern mountain cuisine in an intimate setting. This is a popular spot for après-ski, with its beautiful mountain backdrop;
• Garfinkel’s in Lionshead Village offers a much more casual sports bar experience, a great place for a cold beer with mountain views.

10. Experience the Thrill of Tubing

Tubing is an exciting winter activity that’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. While Adventure Ridge, located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, is closed for the 2024-2025 season, there’s still a fantastic option to enjoy tubing near Vail. Sage Outdoor Adventures, located in Vail Valley, offers an unforgettable tubing experience. Here, snowmobiles tow you to the top of the hill, making it effortless to enjoy multiple runs. You can choose between two sledding hills: a gentle 150-yard ‘green’ beginner run, or an exhilarating 300-yard  ‘blue’ run, for a fast-paced ride full of thrills. Be sure to bundle up, as the crisp mountain air adds an extra layer of excitement to this must-try activity.

Plan Your Escape to Vail in Winter

Vail is more than a ski resort. From snowshoe hikes to sleigh rides and cozy evenings by the fire, Vail delivers a perfect winter getaway. Be sure to plan ahead, as winter is peak season, and accommodations and activities fill up quickly. Looking to combine this with other nearby ski destinations? Breckenridge is another popular option for both ski and non-ski activities in winter. For those who enjoy being further off the beaten path, explore our recommendations for your winter adventure in Crested Butte. If you’re not sure which Colorado ski town to pick, take our bonus quiz to determine your best Colorado ski destination!

Where to Stay in Vail in Winter

Vail offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler, from moderate stays to high-end luxury lodges. It is hard to come up with a truly budget option in Vail. For this, you are better off looking in the town of Avon or at the Bunkhouse with dormitory rooms in Minturn. While prices in Vail are high, be on the lookout for great deals mid-week during non-holiday weeks. For example, try finding deals for mid-week in January, excluding the 1st week of the month and right around Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (typically mid-month).

Getting to Vail in Winter

Vail is conveniently located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, making it accessible for travelers coming from near and far.

Once in Vail, there is free in-town bus service that can take you from one end of town to the other..

Ready to experience Vail this winter? Pack your warmest gear and prepare for a snowy escape you’ll never forget!

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