Winter Activities
Experience Vail in wintertime and discover a winter wonderland like no other. The valley’s seemingly endless outdoor adventures and activities – ranging from skiing and snowshoeing to sleigh rides and ice skating – offer something for guests of all ages. For more information, visit the event calendar.
Outdoor Adventures
Ski and Snowboard Schools
Vail and nearby Beaver Creek’s world-renowned ski and snowboard school programs offer unparalleled instruction in alpine skiing, snowboarding, children's lessons and adaptive techniques. With more than 1,300 professional instructors, many of whom come from international destinations, Vail and Beaver Creek’s programs provide the most rewarding instructional experiences in the world.
Adventure Ridge
Adventure Ridge, situated high atop Vail Mountain, is a year-round, day-and-night activity center offering exciting activities for adults and kids of all ages. To experience this high-elevation playground, ride the Eagle Bahn gondola (rides are free after 2 p.m.) up to Adventure Ridge and enjoy snowshoeing, snow biking, ice skating, tubing, snowmobiling, laser tag and more.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing
Enjoy cross-country skiing, telemark skiing and snowshoeing on the Nordic trails found throughout the Vail Valley. McCoy Park at Beaver Creek features a superb, 32-kilometer track system complete with skating lanes, snowshoe trails and amazing Rocky Mountain views. Vail offers sunset tours, gourmet lunch tours and backcountry tours departing from Golden Peak. And the Vail Nordic Center offers a groomed track. Both Vail and Beaver Creek offer instruction, equipment rental and retail shops.
Race Clinics
Improve your racing abilities with our NASTAR race clinics, offering personalized gate training and video analysis at both Vail and Beaver Creek. Clinics are run by professional racers and race coaches. Pricing is based on the number of participants.
Backcountry Tours
Escape to the pristine Rocky Mountain backcountry on a ski and snowboard or snowshoe tour and enjoy untracked snow, quiet glades and breathtaking mountain views. Guides will lead you to wherever the snow is best – often in the national forest above 10,000 feet.
Dog Sledding
Experience the thrill of dog sledding, in which a sled pulled by a team of dogs whisks you through the beautiful winter landscape of the White River National Forest. Each sled can accommodate up to two adults. Trips include transportation, blankets and a hot cocoa break.
Snowmobiling
Guided tours range from a one-hour trip through the scenic backcountry at the base of the mountains to a full-day excursion exploring the powder stashes and high ridges above 10,000 feet. For the more experienced rider who prefers a self-guided trip, snowmobile rentals are also available.
Sleigh Rides
Experience an unforgettable evening sleigh through the snow-covered meadows and forests of the Vail Valley. Interested in dinner as well? Take a Snowcat-drawn sleigh ride up Beaver Creek Mountain and enjoy an elegant dinner at AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Beano's Cabin or Zach's Cabin.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Cuddle up under a warm blanket and enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Vail Village and past some of the resort’s premier residences.
Ice Skating
Take a spin around the Alderhof Ice Rink, located in the heart of Vail Square. The rink is open daily throughout the winter. Ice skates are available for rent.
Hot-Air Ballooning
Skim the tree tops for a bird's-eye view of the spectacular, snowcapped Colorado Rocky Mountains. For the best views, depart around 6 a.m. and watch the sun rise above the peaks.
Indoor Indulgences
Athletic Clubs and Spa Treatments
The Vail Valley features superb athletic clubs and spas offering everything from intense aerobic workouts and yoga classes to rejuvenating massages and facials.
Colorado Ski Museum
Visit this one-of-a-kind museum and learn about the rich and colorful history of skiing in Colorado.
