13 Wonderful Things to Do in Vail, Colorado Besides Ski

Snowmobiling through backcountry is one of the most memorable things to do in Vail, Colorado - particularly if you don't like to ski.

Vail, Colorado is a winter-lover’s paradise. It’s heaven for skiers and snowboarders alike, but is it worth making the trip to the mountains in winter if it’s not your thing? I’ve created this guide featuring the best things to do in Vail besides ski to help inspire and inform your winter trip to the mountains. After spending the entire winter season here, I’ve tried more than my fair share of winter activities in Vail and can confidently say that the magic of the mountains is not confined to the slopes.

Vail is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places on the planet. The O.G. of ski resorts in the U.S., Vail was founded in the 1960’s by a group of World War II vets. After falling in love with the classic ski resorts of Europe, they brought the tradition back home to the States and set the bar for all other US ski resorts to follow.

Today Vail remains one of the top ski destinations in North America, and its wide-open runs and infamous Back Bowls attract visitors from all over the world.

A bluebird day on the slopes at Vail Mountain, Colorado

A bluebird day on the slopes of Vail

But let’s say you’ve come all the way to the Vail Valley in the winter, and for whatever reason, you’re not hitting the slopes this year.

Perhaps you have bad knee, or maybe you find yourself in Vail while pregnant – congrats! Or it’s as simple as hurling yourself down a mountain at high speeds just isn’t your idea of a good time.

Whatever the reason, fear not – there are so many incredible things to do in Vail besides ski where you can still experience the beauty and spirit of the mountains.

Vail Village at twilight

Twilight in Vail Village

I’ll also preface this post by stating that I love to ski. I skied more than 50 days last season, but no matter how much you love the sport it’s tough to do it every day. It takes a toll on your body, and even the most avid skiers and snowboarders need to take a day off from the slopes from time to time.

So curl up with a blanket and cup of hot cocoa, and read on for the amazing things to do in Vail besides ski. You’ve been warned: you may be inspired to book a flight!

13 Wonderful Things to Do in Vail Besides Ski

1. Go Snowmobiling

There’s just something about being in the mountains that instills a sense of adventure, don’t you agree?

Get outdoors and experience the striking, wide-open landscape of the Rocky Mountains on a snowmobiling adventure. Other than skiing, snowmobiling is one of the most adrenaline-boosting and memorable things to do in Vail.

Snowmobiling tour with Nova Guides from Vail, Colorado

The snowmobile outfit from Nova Guides

I’ll be honest – initially I was a little scared to go snowmobiling, but the excursion ended up being one of the highlights of our winter season.

Book a half or full-day snowmobiling trip through an outfitter like Nova Guides. Not only will they pick you up at your hotel in Vail, they’ll show you the ropes on the snowmobiles then guide you through miles of pristine Colorado back country you won’t likely see any other way.

Snowmobiling through back country near Vail is one of the best winter activities to do in Vail - other than skiing, of course.

Snowmobiling through Colorado backcountry

2. Indulge in a Spa Day

The best way to relax (and warm up!) in Vail is to treat yourself to a day at the spa. Whether you’re sore from skiing, acclimating to the altitude or just looking for an excuse to chill out, the spa is just what the doctor ordered. Bonus: massages somehow feel even better at high altitudes.

Make a whole day out of it and arrive to the spa at least an hour prior to your treatment so you can take full advantage of the amenities.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Snuggle up in a robe and slippers, sip tea by the fire, or even use the gym – if you’re into that whole ‘working out on vacation’ thing. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and use the hot tub to loosen up your muscles before or after your treatment.

While most hotels in Vail have spa facilities of some level, here are my top picks for where to check in for a day of relaxation…

The outdoor pool and hot tub at the Four Seasons is one of the best spas in Vail

The dreamy pool at the Four Seasons Vail

The Best Spas in Vail

The Four Seasons Vail – My top pick for the ultimate luxury spa experience in Vail, head to the Four Seasons Vail for a splurge-worthy array of massages, facials and treatments. Don’t miss the hot cocoa bar by the pool at 4 p.m. daily.

The Lodge at Vail – For an amazing spa atmosphere with excellent massages and a slope-side pool, head to the Lodge at Vail. Fun fact: Back in the day, President Gerald Ford owned his first vacation home in the Vail Valley here.

The Sonnenalp Hotel – For European-inspired spa facilities with a friendlier price tag than the Four Seasons, look to the Sonnenalp Spa. Fighting the altitude? Head here for the only oxygen bar in Vail Village.

Relaxing at the pool at the spa at the Lodge at Vail, Colorado

The Lodge at Vail’s private pool is exclusive to spa guests

3. Have Dinner in a Cabin

If you’re not going to ski, what’s the next best thing? Dinner on the ski slope, of course!

For a splurge-worthy culinary experience with the best view on the mountain, head to dinner at one of the area’s cabin restaurants like Game Creek. Perched at the top of one of Vail’s infamous Back Bowls, Game Creek offers incredible views with a memorable dining experience to go with it.

A snowy evening at Game Creek Cabin in Vail, overlooking the Game Creek Bowl

The Game Creek Cabin overlooking the Vail Back Bowls

Formerly an uber-exclusive social club, Game Creek is open for dinner by reservation only and is one of the essential things to do in Vail.

The trip up to the cabin is half the fun – the evening kicks off with a ride up the gondola to the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint. Be sure to bring your camera – this is a great place to snap those perfect golden hour sunset photos.

Next, you’ll ride in a snow cat – typically reserved only for grooming the ski slopes – to the cabin for dinner.

A memorable ride in the snow cat up to Game Creek, the best place to enjoy a cabin dinner in Vail, Colorado.

The winner for most unique ride to dinner is… the snowcat!

While the multi-course prix-fix menu may give you some sticker shock at first, the unique, locally inspired creations plus the ambiance make it worth the splurge.

Pro tip: While reservations for most restaurants in Vail can be made upon arrival, I’d recommend snagging this one well in advance as tables fill up fast. Request the first seating so you’ll have daylight for your ride up the mountain, and ask for a table by the window so you can catch the sunset.

Looking for the ultimate luxury accommodation in Vail? Rent the Game Creek Chalet, the neighboring cabin to the dinner club, for a cool $1,800 per night. Allegedly the Obama family stayed here last season, so it’s bound to be nice.

Vintage ski gear decorates the interior at Game Creek cabin in Vail, Colorado

Vintage ski gear decorates the interior at Game Creek

4. Explore Vail Village

If you’re wondering what to do in Vail while your travel buddies are hitting the slopes, spend the day wandering through the iconic Vail Village and neighboring Lionshead Village.

Inspired by the European ski towns Vail’s founders fell in love with during their time abroad, both villages feels like something out of a Christmas card.

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Wander through the shops, art galleries, and restaurants, go ice skating on the Vail Village center rink, see a movie at Cinebistro or even try your hand at bowling at bol.

Shopping in Vail Village is one of the best things to do in Vail other than skiing.

The shops at Vail Village

Shoppers, rejoice – there’s a little something for everyone here. You’ll find designer Western ware, boutique ski shops and even a flagship Lululemon featuring all of the winter athleisure you didn’t know you needed.

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, drop into Mountain Standard for lunch – don’t miss the El Diablo sandwich.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for hotels in Vail

The ice skating rink at the heart of Vail Village, Colorado

The ice skating rink at the heart of Vail Village

5. Après ski

Contrary to its name, skiing is not required to participate in my favorite mountain pastime of après ski. Whether you’ve hit the slopes or not, Vail has a happy hour culture that makes it worth the trip to the mountains alone, even if you’re not skiing.

Soak in the golden hour with live music, cheap-ish drinks and that laid-back mountain ambiance that’s so unique to winter mountains. I could write an entire blog post devoted to the best après ski in Vail, but for now here are my top picks…

Enjoying a slope-side Bloody Mary by Gondola One in Vail, Colorado.

A Bloody Mary with a view at the Express Lift Bar by Gondola One

The Best Après Ski in Vail

Garfinkel’s – This Vail icon at the foot of Lionshead Village is après ski at its finest. Snag a seat outside at Garfinkel’s for cheap craft beer, yummy bar bites and a prime view of the slopes. On a sunny day, there’s no better place to be.

Pepi’s – The namesake of the skiing legend that helped found Vail, Pepi’s is perfect for live music and cozy Austrian-fare like pretzels with mustard, cheese and of course… Beer. Located in the heart of Vail Village just steps away from Gondola One, you can’t miss it.

Garfinkel's in Lionshead Village is one of the best places for après ski in Vail.

Garfinkel’s in Lionshead Village is one of the best places for après ski in Vail

The George – A favorite amongst ski instructors and visitors alike, the George serves up cheap drinks in a lively dive bar atmosphere. It’s a breath of fresh air from some of Vail’s more formal establishments.

The Remedy Bar – Head to the lobby bar at the Four Seasons – the Remedy – for inspired craft cocktails and live music. Hang by the fire pit and take in the view of the mountains and the steamy pool below.

The Remedy at the Four Season pours some of the best apres ski in Vail, Colorado

The Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons

6. Go Snowshoeing

No list of what to do in Vail besides skiing is complete without mentioning the time-honored winter tradition of snowshoeing. This is a great way to take in the scenery of the mountains, learn about the wildlife and get some exercise while you’re at it.

For an active experience up on the mountain, check out Vail’s Walking Mountains Science Center that offers tours daily at 2 p.m. Did I mention it’s free? Something that can’t be said about – well, most anything in Vail.

Alternatively, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offers daily snowshoeing tours of the renown landscape at the foot of the mountain. Bonus: you’ll learn about the President and First Lady’s presence in the Vail Valley.

7. Take a Ride in the Gondola

To take in the sweeping views from Vail’s ski slopes without actually having to fly down them, take a gondola ride up the mountain.

Another one of the rare free things to do in Vail, the Eagle Bahn Gondola is open at no charge to non-skiers after 3:30 pm. Have a drink or even dinner up at Bistro Fourteen and take in the view of the Mount of the Holy Cross. On a sunny day you can see for miles.

Fun fact: The first gondola in the United States was here in Vail, imported all the way from Europe!

Taking in the views of the Gore Range from the gondola in Vail, Colorado
Enjoying the view of the ski slopes from the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Vail, Colorado.

A twilight ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola

8. Brewery-Hop

Colorado is home to one of the best craft beer scenes in the United States. While you’ll find local brews served everywhere in town, head to one of the breweries to sample it straight from the source.

Here are a few to check out:

Craft Breweries near Vail

9. Go Snow Tubing

Both the young and young at heart will enjoy snow tubing at Adventure Ridge at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola.

Vail’s snow tubing and adventure park is one of the best things to do in Vail for families, particularly if the kids are feeling a little worn out from ski school. Adventure Ridge not only offers snow tubing, but also ski biking (yep, that’s a thing!) and even a roller coaster on top of the mountain.

Taking in the views of the Mount of the Holy Cross in Vail, Colorado

Golden hour overlooking the Mount of the Holy Cross from the Eagle’s Nest

10. Explore Minturn

If you’re spending a weekend in Vail, I’d recommend visiting the neighboring town of Minturn. The historic mining and railroad town is a refreshing contrast from bustling Vail Village and is lovely to visit either during the day time or in the evening.

Head to the iconic Minturn Country Club for dinner where you’ll cook your own steak on the grill. Don’t miss the Minturn Saloon, the legendary bar where John Wayne himself used to hang out.

Fun fact: The Minturn Mile, Vail’s legendary (and disclaimer: not exactly legal) back country ski run starts from Vail’s back gate and finishes here in Minturn.

Sunrise Cafe serving up the best brunch in town, a snowy evening in Minturn

11. Visit the Ice Castles

Channel your inner Elsa and live out a real-life Frozen fantasy at Colorado’s Ice Castles, located in the neighboring town of Dillon a half hour’s drive from Vail.

Every winter artists construct the attraction from thousands of icicles and LED lights for an immersive, winter wonderland experience.

While we didn’t make it to the ice castles this past year, you can bet I’ll be back to experience the Dillon ice castles for myself this season.

12. Check out Beaver Creek

If you’re looking to explore more of the Vail Valley, head over to the neighboring ski resort of Beaver Creek, about a 20 minute’s drive from Vail.

The Dickens-worthy Beaver Creek village offers a fun change-up of atmosphere from Vail that equally embodies the mountain lifestyle.

Relaxing by the fire in the picturesque  Beaver Creek Village, a great outing if you're looking for things to do in Vail other than ski.

Warming up by the fire pit in Beaver Creek Village

13. Learn to Ski

I know, I know… This article is about what you should do in Vail besides ski, but this is my last-ditch effort for you to give skiing or snowboarding a try.

The Vail Ski & Snowboard School draws in some of the world’s best ski instructors, and they guarantee you’ll enjoy it or promise your money back. While the mountain looks intimidating at first, it’s one of the best places in the world to learn to ski or snowboard.

And if you hate it, you can blame me!

A bluebird day skiing Vail's famous Back Bowls

A bluebird day on Vail’s famous Back Bowls

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this guide on what to do in Vail other than ski! If you’re dressed warmly and have a sense of adventure, then the magic of the mountains are by no means confined to the slopes.

What’s your favorite winter activity? If there’s anything I missed here, I’d love to hear about it!

Cheers,

Meredith

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Comments

  1. Brian J Moore says

    Stumbled upon this gem of an article highlighting things to do in Vail, Colorado beyond skiing, and I’m thoroughly impressed! The suggestions are diverse and cater to every taste, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. As someone who loves exploring beyond the slopes, this list is a goldmine of inspiration. Thanks to the author for shedding light on the countless wonders Vail has to offer beyond its renowned ski resorts!

  2. Angie Lester says

    We are taking our first trip to Colorado (Vail) in February. I love that you have some history here as well as suggestions. I have a feeling this trip is going to be as lovely and exciting as the pics! Thanks for sharing!

  3. Emily says

    Ugh these pics are all to die for!!! I want to move to Colorado asap!!! 💙💙💙 such a good list! There’s definitely a few things on here I didn’t even think of 😀

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