The Vail Valley has SO much to offer all winter long. Most likely skiing and snowboarding the epic terrain at Vail and Beaver Creek is your #1 favorite winter excursion here (it sure is ours!), but here are some other fun ideas for on/off the mountain. From family adventures, to romantic sleigh rides, there are many opportunities to bundle up and have a great time in the Vail Valley all winter long.

Ski Biking — That’s right, ski BIKING. Vail offers Vail Mountain night tours starting at 5:00 and 5:30pm. You must be 10 years old or older and be an intermediate to advanced ski or snowboard level. For more info visit: Vail Ski Bike Rentals

Sleigh Rides and Hot Chocolate- It’s exactly what you imagine, cuddling up under blankets in the back of a sleigh with your friends and family and heading out into the snow-covered eve. Bearcat Stables in Edwards and 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott both have private ranch land in the Valley that allow you and your family to explore the mountains outside of Vail from the comfort and warmth of full sized horseback drawn sleds with hot chocolate in hand. Head out for an afternoon sunset sleigh ride after a day on the slopes or a longer nighttime ride that includes a home cooked dinner in front of a cozy fire at the private cabin on the ranch.  

Sledding – We LOVE to take our kids out for a sledding day. Here’s a great link to some of the best sledding hills in the Valley offered by Insider Families: Sledding in the Vail Valley

Snowshoeing — If you love hiking then snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the mountains in the winter. Check out Vail’s daily guided tours here: Snowshoe Vail And Beaver Creek offers a fun snowshoe race series every winter. Fun for the whole family, with a meal after each race and prizes and drawings for fun giveaways. There are many backcountry trails to snowshoe all throughout the Vail Valley, and shops rent snow shoes and poles. Be sure to let someone know where you’re going, as no one wants to go missing in the backcountry!

Snowmobiling — Let the engine do the climbing! Snowmobile through Colorado’s winter wonderland with amazing views, endless trails and open spaces. Nova Guides offers rides through in Camp Hale reaching elevation up to 12,500 feet. They offer guided tours or you can even rent your own! Sage Outdoor Adventures takes you off the grid in the back country with miles of trails and beautiful views!

Fly-Fishing — There is something so peaceful about being on and near the rivers of Colorado. Be careful, it’s addicting! Vail Valley Anglers and Minturn Anglers offer short day trips, float trips, and ice fishing. You can fish in both winter and summer!

Après-Ski Vail – Après-ski is French for “after ski” and it can be likened to happy hour after work.  Aside from its world-class skiing, the second biggest attraction to Vail is the town itself, with its European-style architecture, its fountains and statues and amazing art galleries, its live entertainment and its beautiful valley views. Vail Après will take place daily at 3 p.m. throughout the season with simultaneous bell ringing throughout Vail Village, Lionshead and on Vail Mountain to signify the beginning of après-ski. Explore the town’s creek-side stone walkways, enjoy a warming coffee or hot chocolate, skate on one of three ice rinks, and fully enjoy the special place that for 50 years has been the town of Vail. The opportunities for amazing photos and even better memories are countless, all for having simply come. It is, after all, Like No Place On Earth. 

Catch a Show – The Vail Valley has some amazing live entertainment in the winter. Be sure to check out the line up at Beaver Creek’s Vilar Performing Arts Center. They offer opportunities for live comedians, Broadway touring shows, live music from classical to rock & roll and much more all season long in one of the most intimate acoustically defined spaces you can imagine.

Spa Day – The Vail Valley is home to some of the best spas in the world. Looking for a relaxing spa day with massage, facial, mani-pedi, salon treatment and more? Here are a few of our favorite locations to spend the day in luxury: Allegria Spa – Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek; Sonnenalp Spa– Sonnenalp Resort, Vail; Spa Anjali – The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, Avon; The Four Seasons Spa – The Four Seasons Resort, Vail;

Ski or Snowboard – You most likely are visiting, or MOVED here, because of Vail and Beaver Creek. Reach out to us to find out our favorite runs no matter what your skill levels are!