Endless Recreation
Vail Winter Activities
Vail is a winter wonderland, receiving more average snowfall than most North American ski destinations at about 350 inches per year and enjoying 300 days per year of warm sunshine. All winter long locals and visitors can take part in Vail’s endless recreation from alpine skiing to snowboarding, sleigh rides to dog sledding, snowmobiling to snowshoeing.
Vail is the best place for a Colorado winter vacation
Vail is famous for outdoor winter adventure. In addition to skiing and riding the famous Vail Mountain, there is so much to experience; try Adventure Ridge snow tubing or ski biking, Nordic skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding or a horse drawn sleigh ride.
Daytime winter temperatures can be in the low teens, with averages in the 20’s and 30’s. Rocky Mountain sunshine is the norm, so bring sunscreen. When night falls, bundle up. Vail’s evening temperatures are almost always below 30 degrees.
Connect with our Concierge to book your Vail Activities
Ski & Snowboarding
The premier mountain destination, Vail is consistently ranked, raved, and revered as the epicenter of skiing and snowboarding in North America. Spanning more than seven miles with over 5,200 acres of multi-faceted terrain, there really is no comparison.
Ski and board enthusiasts come from all over the world to experience Vail, Colorado’s massive network of trails and high-speed lifts, Blue Sky Basin’s rugged terrain, and the famous Back Bowls.
Vail winter is ideal for snowboarders, who love the four terrain parks. There’s a 400 ft long Superpipe with 18 ft walls. There’s also a Quarter-pipe and 25 Tabletops. Don’t miss the 50 plus Rails and 12 Log Slides.
Vail Spa guests receive a discount.
Click to reserve your gear or call 888-295-9797
Snowshoe & Cross Country Skiing
Need a day off the slopes? Take a backcountry snowshoe or cross-country ski tour in the beautiful White River National Forest, or learn new skills like Telemark. Free your heel and free your mind! Learn new on-mountain skills or improve your current abilities. Workshops, small group and private lessons are available with half or full day lesson options.
Or for all abilities try snowshoeing. Energetic guides will take you into the surrounding wilderness as you learn about the Colorado history, wildlife and natural surroundings. Tours generally include snowshoes, boots (adult sizes only) and poles.
Ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates, schedules and details!
Vail Ski & Snowboard School
Vail Ski and Snowboard School is consistently rated one of the top 10 ski schools in the country. The school offers a variety of programs that provide tools for technique and education of the mountain experience.
Participants of all ages are sure to get the most out of their winter vacation on the slopes.
Vail instructors understand that having fun is paramount to learning to ski and snowboard.
Ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates, schedules and details!
Snowmobiling
Whether you are an expert snowmobiler or have no experience at all, everyone will enjoy this unique way to see Vail’s backcountry. With countless miles of groomed trails, you and your family can escape the crowds and enjoy beautiful landscape and unbelievable views. Create lifelong memories by participating in a mini, half-day, or full-day tour. Unguided tours are also available.
Ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates, schedules and details!
Adventure Ridge at Top of Vail Mountain
Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Lionshead), Adventure Ridge offers afternoon winter fun! From tubing to snowshoeing to ski biking, Adventure Ridge has an abundance of activities that will appeal to the whole family.
Snow Tubing
Head to the top of Vail Mountain to Adventure Ridge and enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you fly downhill on a tube! No more trudging uphill after a ride down – an easy access surface lift will bring you back to the top. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult and all tubers must be at least 36 inches tall.
Ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates, schedules and details!
And So Much More
Ice Skating
Visit the outdoor skating rink surrounded by glowing firepits at Vail Square in Lionshead Village. Dobson Ice Arena offers indoor skating year-round.
Sleigh Rides
4-Eagle Ranch in Wolcott offers a variety of sleigh rides that will be sure to create lasting memories. Sleigh ride dinners allow your family to experience Colorado the way it used to be! Crisp mountain air, clear night skies, and a warm mug of cider by the fireplace await you. Private sleigh rides also available.
Bearcat Stables
Located 20 minutes west of Vail in the Squaw Creek Valley of Cordillera, Bearcat Stables invites you to enjoy the pristine Rocky Mountains on one of their beautiful sleigh rides. Enjoy a hot drink and the sound of sleigh bells as you ride under the night sky. Finish the sleigh ride with a cozy fireside dinner in their original homesteader cabin! Shorter and private sleigh rides are also available.
Dog Sledding
A dog sledding tour is a family favorite allowing you to break away from the crowds and travel through untouched meadows and forests of Aspen and Pine.