20 Exciting Things To Do In Vail, Colorado In The Winter & Spring (besides skiing!)

Come winter, Vail is a magical place to be. With over 5,000 skiable acres — including their legendary back bowls — this is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States.

Even if you’re not so keen on skiing, there’s tons of things to do in Vail come winter!

I’ve lived in the Denver area most of my life and love visiting the mountains during winter even though I don’t ski!

Below I’ve included the best things to do in Vail, Colorado during winter, aside from skiing!

The Best Things To Do In Vail, Colorado In Winter

Ice Skating 

Is there anything more charming than an outdoor skate rink in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? I think not. The Vail Square Ice Rink in Lionshead and Solaris Plaza Skating in Vail Village are great options if you wish to lace up the skates and spend an afternoon (or evening) on the ice!

There’s also the much larger indoor rink, Dobson Ice Arena, conveniently located in Lionshead Village. Dobson Ice Arena is currently closed for extensive renovation during the 2025-2026 season.

Even if you don’t care to skate, both outdoor ice rinks are a great place to grab a hot chocolate and enjoy some people watching.

For more details, check out Vail Ice Skating Rinks: Everything To Know.

Vail Yeti Hockey Game

Speaking of the Dobson Ice Area, consider catching a Vail Yeti hockey game during your visit! The semi-pro hockey club plays December through March, with most games at home. Tickets are cheap and the venue serves cold beers and stadium snacks. It’s one of the best things to do in Vail with the family during winter.

Vail Village & Lionshead Village

Vail Village and Lionshead are the two main areas for restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Here you’ll find cobblestone pedestrian streets and Bavarian-style architecture. 

Whether or not you plan to dine and shop here, the area is definitely worth walking around. 

The charming, European-inspired architecture is unique within the United States. Vail was developed in the 1960’s by World War II veteran, Pete Siebert. The area reminded him of the Alps and thus a European-inspired ski town was born. Most Colorado ski towns are much older, originating as mining settlements, and have architecture that reflect so. 

Vail Village Vs. Lionshead Village

Vail Village is a bit larger and therefore offers more variety in terms of dining and entertainment. Lionshead is smaller but will wow you with colorful buildings and stunning architecture. 

Vail Village and Lionshead are separated by less than a mile, and connected by Vail’s free public transportation, making it easy to navigate between the two.

Shopping

If you enjoy shopping you’ll love it here! Both Lionshead and Vail Village have a variety of shops, mostly on the high end. Whether you’re looking for boutique clothing stores, brand new ski gear, home decor, or art galleries — you’ll find some great options here.

Hot Chocolate & Sweets In Vail

Looking to warm up with some sweet treats while shopping and exploring the villages? There are tons to choose from. Some favorites are:

• Rimini Gelato & Chocolate 
• Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory
• Joe’s Famous Deli
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Gorsuch Ski Café

Want to go all out on a cup of hot chocolate? Check out the Four Season’s not-so-average cup of cocoa.

Snowshoe Or Cross-Country Ski 

Snowshoeing is a fantastic alternative for those who aren’t avid skiers or snowboarders, or simply don’t want to pay the hefty lift ticket fees.  

Vail has snowshoeing routes throughout both resorts, within and surrounding town, and along backcountry trails. This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the mountain wilderness, with quite a bit more peace and quiet than you’ll find on the busy ski slopes.  

You can traverse many of these trails with cross-country skis as well if you find that to be more your speed.  Vail has trails for all skill levels, and again, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, not people.

The Vail Nordic Center offers daily groomed tracks for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other activities.

Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are easily found around Vail, just about any shop renting out skis and snowboards will have them. There’s also options to have ski gear delivered if that’s more your speed.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are stunning alpine botanic collections dedicated to the conservation of high mountain plants and habitat. 

At 8,200 feet above sea level this is one of the most beautiful and distinguished high altitude botanical gardens in the world. The numerous gardens contain thousands of plants, including over 500 varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. 

The outdoor walking paths are open even in winter or check out the greenhouse for a glimpse at some of their rarest plants on display year-round. Their ‘alpine’ greenhouse is a cold greenhouse, mimicking the surrounding environment.

Fun Fact: The gardens were named after former First Lady Betty Ford, the Ford’s were regular visitors to Vail and had a home in nearby Beaver Creek.

You don’t want to miss out on this unique site during your winter in Vail! The gardens are open dawn to dusk and free to all visitors.

Attend A Winter Festival In Vail

Winter in Vail has an unmatched energy, and there’s no shortage of exciting festivals and celebrations to go with that! Below are a few of the town’s most popular winter events:

• Vail Winterfest
• Illuminated Ice Installation
• Vail Snow Days 
• Powabunga Music Festival

Keep an eye on Discover Vail for an up-to-date list of festivals and events in the area.  

Spa Day In Vail

With ample outdoor activities to try in Vail you’ll soon be craving some rest and relaxation! 

Luckily, there’s plenty of excellent spas in the area. Spend a relaxing afternoon (or full day) pampering yourself with a deep tissue massage, full body wrap, facial, or some quiet sauna time.

There are many great spas to choose from in Vail, among the most popular are:

• RockResorts Spa at the Arrabelle
• The Sonnenalp Spa
• Bloom Spa at The Sebastian 
• Four Seasons Vail Spa

Hot Springs Near Vail

If you prefer to recharge in nature consider a day trip to Glenwood Springs. Just an hour from Vail the town has a variety of springs to choose from including Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.  

It’s a little bit of a trip but it’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in the area no matter the time of year! You can find more information at Best Hot Springs Near Vail, Colorado.

Après Ski 

I may not ski but I am well versed in après ski!

Après ski is a French term which literally means “after ski.” In today’s slang it means social activities (usually drinks) after skiing, and yes, non-skiers can join. In fact they’re usually the ones to kick off après.

My favorite place to grab a drink is right at the base of the mountain. There’s pretty views, good vibes, and you’ve got a prime view of all the ski action. For the best spots you’ll want to check out Garfinkel’s at the base of Eagle Bahn Gondola Lionshead or, at the base of Gondola One in Vail Village, Los Amigos or Express Lift.

Tip: There’s also restaurants at the top of the mountain worth grabbing a drink at such as The 10th!

The nice part about Vail is the villages are right next to the ski resort so there’s tons of nearby restaurants with excellent après, many with live music, fire pits, and expansive patio seating! There are so many good options in addition to the ones listed above, some of the most-loved are:

• Pepi’s
• Vendetta’s
• The George
• Bart and Yeti’s
• The Red Lion

Ride The Gondola 

Just as non-skiers can après they can also ride the gondola in Vail! Enjoy breathtaking views from the gondola as you’re whisked up 10,000 feet above sea level.

Following the scenic gondola ride enjoy restaurants and the incredible views you can only get from the top of the mountain. Just stay out of the way of skiers and wear proper shoes, you’ll be walking in snow.

The gondola requires a fee for most of the day but is free after 3:30 pm.

Wondering how to fit this into an itinerary? Check out my Vail, Colorado Winter Weekend Itinerary.

Adventure Ridge Vail

Atop the Eagle Bahn gondola you’ll find Adventure Ridge, Vail Resorts family fun center perched on a snowy mountaintop. They have snow tubing hills, ski bikes, snowmobiles, snowshoeing trails, even a bistro for a cup of cider or hot chocolate. 

Adventure Ridge is open afternoons and evenings throughout winter. Without a doubt, this is one of Vail’s most family friendly attractions, plus the views are absolutely stellar. 

While you’re here be sure to also check out Nature Discovery Center!

Snowmobiling 

Check out Vail’s epic vista views and backcountry wilderness by taking your group on a snowmobiling tour around the area. 

Several companies provide tours here and I couldn’t recommend the experience more, this is a great way to explore Vail’s incredible scenery. Vail has miles of groomed trails and natural bowls to explore, this will be an experience you’re sure to not forget!

Interested in sleigh rides or dog sledding instead? Check out 4 Eagle Ranch or Bearcat Stables.

Public Art Pieces In Vail

The town of Vail has an impressive public art collection with over 65 works ranging from painting, sculptures, murals, even special playground components. 

Check out this walkable map of Vail Village and Lionshead, which is a great resource for uncovering Vail’s abundant public art.

Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame

Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame, formerly the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, is an ode to the history of various snow sports throughout time.

The museum has all sorts of varied exhibits. Learn about ski fashion, the 10th Mountain Division who famously trained in the Colorado Rockies during WWII, and the history of Colorado ski towns! This is a great spot to warm up and learn about the history of snow-related winter sports.

The museum is open year-round and offers free admission for all.

Fat Biking

The Vail Valley has some incredible mountain biking trails popular in the summer months but did you know you can bike here in winter too?

Fat biking is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires which allow for extra traction and grip, perfect for biking in the snow!

The Vail Nordic Center — which is the Vail Golf Course in summer — has groomed trails specifically for fat tire snow bikes making this a great place to learn if you’re new to the sport. There are also a number of trails around Vail and in nearby Avon and Eagle as well!

Things To Do In Vail, Colorado At Night

• Bowling at Bol
• Axe Throwing at the Grand Hyatt
• Vail Brewing Company 
• Vilar Performing Arts Center 
• Wine tasting at Root & Flower 
• Live music at Shakedown Bar
• Relax at your hotel or rental’s hot tub
• Whiskey tasting at Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Company

As you can see there’s tons of fun stuff to do in Vail, Colorado in winter, aside from just skiing! I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and enjoy your time in the beautiful Rocky Mountains!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Vail and Colorado guides below or head on over to Vail Resorts!

More Information For Your Winter Vacation In Vail, Colorado:

• Winter Weekend Itinerary: Vail, Colorado
• One Day Winter Itinerary: Vail, Colorado
• Vail Ice Skating Rinks: Everything To Know
• Best Hotels In Vail, Colorado
• Top Hot Springs Near Vail, Colorado
• Christmas Things To Do In Vail, Colorado
• What To Wear In Colorado In Winter (For Mountain Towns & Ski Trips)
• All Vail, Colorado Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Top Spring Break Destinations In Colorado
• Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (how to plan your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides