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; 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.

Go here for event calendar.

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Connect with our Concierge to book your Vail Activities

Ski & Snowboard

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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Nature Discovery Center

Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead you'll find winter fun (and learning!) with activities that will appeal to the whole family.

The Nature Discovery Center is open Wednesday - Saturday 10am-3:30pm. Learn about the natural world surrounding Vail. Free for all ages.

Free Naturalist Guided Snowshoe Tours
Travel by snowshoes on an educational tour through the forests atop Vail Mountain. Come prepared to spend an hour and a half outside in the winter weather with snow pants, warm hats, gloves, sunglasses and sturdy boots. Snowshoes are provided. Ages 10 and up. Registration required at walkingmountains.org 

Ask your Vail Spa concierge for rates, schedules and details!

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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.

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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.