A Guide to Winter Activities in Vail

While world-famous for skiing, Vail is more than “just” a ski town – it’s a winter destination with endless possibilities for all kinds of travelers. From unparalleled slopes and cozy après-ski experiences to sleigh rides and ice skating and plenty of hot cocoa in between, there are an endless number of winter activities in Vail.

World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding in Vail

Vail is home to legendary skiing and snowboarding. With a diversity of terrain that caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned skiers, it’s easy to see how Vail’s skiing and snowboarding became so popular. There are over 5,300 acres of terrain to explore in Vail, including the famous Back Bowls, three terrain parks, and nearly 200 trails.

Vail’s state-of-the-art facilities match the caliber of the slopes and trails. With the convenience of easy equipment rentals and high-speed lifts, adventurers don’t have to waste valuable ski time on logistics. Whether you prefer to rent your equipment at your destination for easier travel or want to try out different gear, you can count on a seamless rental process in Vail – some rental spots even offer delivery.

Need to gain some confidence before your first time on the slopes, or brush up on your skills ahead of a thrilling run? There are ski schools right here in Vail with seasoned instructors standing by to help you get the best out of your winter trip to this picturesque area.

More Winter Activities in Vail

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Those seeking a more tranquil connection with nature should explore Vail’s snowshoeing and cross-country trails:

• Teaching Loop, an easy trail great for getting a feel for your ski equipment and building confidence
• Sunburst Loop, another relatively low-key trail with a moderate hill for convenient practice runs
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offers easy-paced snowshoe explorations, either with a guide or on your own
• Nature Discovery Center snowshoe tours include free one-hour tours and longer tours that lead deeper into White River National Forest

Snowmobiling Adventures

Looking for more excitement? High-speed snowmobile tours in Vail might be the answer. Shred through White River National Forest on a snowmobile tour with one of these local providers:

• Vail Backcountry Tours offers two hour and half day tours, plus private tours
• Nova Guides offers two hour, half day, and full day snowmobile tours around Vail
• Beaver Creek Tours and Rentals gives guests access to over 50 miles of groomed trails and 55,000 acres of high-alpine terrain
• Rocky Mountain Adventures Rentals combines thrilling snowmobile rides and story-telling with experienced local guides who can lead you to some of the best views in Vail

Ice Skating in the Village

Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get close and hold hands or scoping out the perfect place to pop the question, the ice rinks in Vail offer a fun and romantic winter experience. The Alderhof Ice Rink in Lionshead Village is a popular après-ski destination, located at Arrabelle at Vail Square. Skaters enjoy stunning views of the European-style ski village surrounding the rink and Vail Mountain rising nearby. Another popular ice rink in Vail is located in Vail Village: Solaris Ice Rink. Surrounded by the iconic peaks of Vail Mountain, skaters of all skill levels can enjoy gliding across the ice.

Heading to one of the ice rinks in Vail? Keep these tips in mind:

• Both ice rinks listed above offer skate rentals of all sizes and skate assist devices
• Dress for comfort and safety with layers, both to keep you warm and protect your skin if you fall on the ice
• Most beginner skaters prefer indoor ice skating for smoother ice and more predictable conditions
• Don’t be afraid to fall – everyone hits the ice sometimes, even the professionals!

Après-Ski Experiences in Vail

Mountain Lodges and Spas

Luxury lodges and spas are a classic après-ski activity in Vail. These luxury mountain lodges and spas are the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after adrenaline-fueled outdoor fun.

RockResort Spa at The Arrabelle

RockResort Spa at The Arrabelle is a luxurious, 10,000-square-foot spa in Vail. This Vail spa treats guests to state-of-the-art esthetician and body treatment areas, massage rooms, wet rooms with Vichy and Swiss showers, a couples’ treatment room, fitness center, full-service nail salon, and separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with thoughtful amenities.

RockResort Spa at The Lodge at Vail

Dedicated to a distinctly-Colorado feel that blends intimacy and elegance with rustic touches and spa treatments just as relaxing as the atmosphere, RockResort Spa at The Lodge at Vail is hailed as one of the top spas in Vail. This spa is home to 11 treatment rooms, including a couples’ treatment room. RockResort Spa at The Lodge at Vail also features a large fitness complex with high-class equipment and a movement studio for activities like yoga and Pilates.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

This newly renovated spa in Vail is a champion of relaxation and tranquility. Showcasing 13 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, rejuvenated hot tub, a cool plunge, modernized lounges and dressing rooms, and relaxation spaces, this Vail spa is the key to an elevated experience. From massages and facials to signature rituals and salon services, the spa can accommodate a wide range of desires and relaxation styles.

Fireside Dining

Another popular winter activity in Vail is fireside dining – think cozy, crackling fires paired with alpine cuisine.

Slope Room

Slope Room is a sophisticated yet cozy bar and restaurant in Vail. With a focus on sustainable, local ingredients in uncomplicated but delicious dishes, the menu offers an alpine dining experience that is only enhanced by the atmosphere. High ceilings and tall windows blend with intimate table settings and a stunning fireplace to deliver a fireside dining experience you’ll only find in Vail.

Ridge + River

Vail’s newest restaurant, Ridge + River, boasts an incredible dining experience with regionally sourced ingredients and unparalleled views of Vail Mountain’s famous slopes. The imaginative menu and large range of local brews and wines taste even better seated at a table beside the fireplace, looking out at the skier-dotted slopes. This brand new restaurant in Vail is just 10 minutes from Eagle Point Resort!

Swiss Chalet

This restaurant in Vail offers authentic regional favorites, like decadent fondues and steak tartare, in a quaint and comfortable setting. Don’t let the cozy atmosphere fool you – the dishes at Swiss Chalet are otherworldly, with select ingredients imported from Switzerland for a truly authentic experience. Settle into a cozy table by the fireplace for a delicious fireside dining experience in Vail.

Family-Friendly Winter Fun in Vail

Vail’s Adventure Ridge

Adventure Ridge (known as Epic Discovery in the summer season) is Vail’s hottest destination in the cold weather, a snow park that offers snow tubing, snow biking, kid-friendly activities, and more. The Scenic Gondola at Vail’s Adventure Ridge is free for children accompanied by an adult who purchase a ticket, giving the whole family access to the best views of Vail.

Note: Adventure Ridge was closed for the winter season in 2023 into 2024. Opening dates for Adventure Ridge 2025 have yet to be announced.

Sleigh Rides and Hot Cocoa

Whether you’re seeking out family bonding or a romantic experience for two, sleigh rides and hot cocoa in Vail is the answer. The magical moment experts at 4 Eagle Ranch offer a horse-drawn sleigh ride to visit a historical cabin where the open-hearth fireplace and rustic decor create the perfect backdrop for a tasty meal complemented by local whiskey and s’mores. Bearcat Stables offers après-ski sleigh rides that include happy hour drink specials and s’mores kits, plus longer excursions that blend fascinating history and mouth watering meals with the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a sparkling winter wonderland.

Vail Snow Play Areas

Vail Village is a great place to visit to play in the snow with your family. Ford Park hosts multiple slides, fort hideouts, climbing features, and other elements that make an awesome “arena” for your snowball fight!

Pirate Ship Park in Vail Village is another great place to play in the snow, a huge pirate ship surrounded by plenty of flat ground to collect snow for your snowmen and snowballs. While you can seek out a specific place to play in the snow in Vail, the truth is that this sparkly winter fun is everywhere – and anytime is a good time for a snowball fight.

Vail’s Winter Festivals and Special Events

Vail Snow Days 2024

Vail Snow Days signals the start of the winter season in Vail with an extended weekend of music, snow sport demos and competitions, and entertainment. Guests can count on après-ski parties, live concerts from renowned artists in a variety of venues from intimate and unplugged to large outdoor celebrations, and more winter fun and camaraderie, both on the slopes and at the shows.

Holiday Festivities

Vail’s magic is enhanced during the holiday season with tree lightings, fireside dining, tons of festive decorations, ice skating shows and public ice rinks, parades, and a fireworks display.

Vail Opening Day 2024: November 15, 2024

Vail Village Tree Lighting: December 15, 2024 at 5 pm

Ice Skating Shows at Arrabelle Ice Rink: December 22 and 29, 2024 at 5 pm

Vail Ice Skating Spectacular at Dobson Ice Rink: December 22 and 23, 2024 at 6:30 pm

10th Annual Mountain Legacy Parade in Vail Village: December 27, 2024 at 6 pm

Vail Ski & Snowboard Competitions

As such a popular winter sport destination with a wide range of terrain to utilize, Vail hosts several ski and snowboard competitions that draw locals and visitors.

Beaver Creek Birds of Prey Ski World Cup: December 6 – 15, 2024

Men’s Downhill at Red Tail Stadium: December 6, 2024 at 11 am

Men’s Super G at Red Tail Stadium: December 7, 2024 at 10:30 am

Men’s Giant Slalom at Red Tail Stadium: December 8, 2024 at 10 am

Women’s Downhill at Red Tail Stadium: December 14, 2024 at 11 am

Women’s Super G at Red Tail Stadium: December 15, 2024 at 11 am

Planning Your Winter Trip to Vail

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vail for optimum ski conditions is January and February, when the area receives a high volume of snow – around 54 inches in January and 47 in February – that seems to refresh the trails after a busy pre-holiday season. This is also a quieter time to visit Vail, as the holiday season just weeks before is one of the most popular times to visit.

Travel Tips

Many visitors get to Vail with a direct flight via Eagle County Regional Airport, and then rent a car or hire a shuttle service to get into Vail about 40 minutes away. You can also fly into Denver International Airport and drive the remainder of the way to Vail, which is about two hours.

Once you get to Vail, good news: Vail Village is incredibly walkable, designed with pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways. It’s easy to stroll through the streets to shop, scope out dining options, and enjoy the magic of the village.

Where to Stay

Next to Gore Creek on Vail’s western edge, Eagle Point Resort pairs proximity to Vail Village with thoughtful amenities and opportunities to unwind in nature. This Vacation Escapes property is an easy choice when looking for where to stay in Vail – from the quiet setting and affordable rates to heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, Eagle Point Resort offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation near Vail.