Fun Vail Activities Off the Slopes

Vail, More Than Just Skiing

Vail offers endless amounts of fun — even off the slopes!

Bol- You may have a bowling alley in your hometown, but we guarantee it’s nothing like this. Bol is one of Vail’s newer attractions and features a full service kitchen and 10 lanes. It’s fun for the whole family, even the adults don’t feel left out, with a 60 foot bar and wine cellar offering over 400 bottles of the best Vail has to offer. Day or night, no matter what the weather is, Bol is guaranteed to entertain the youngest up to the oldest in your family. 

Cinebistro- Want to catch dinner and a movie? Why not do it at the same time! While most movie theaters that are set up for dining are geared for adults only, CineBistro is perfect for family members of all ages. Located in the one of Vail’s newest complexes, the Solaris Plaza, you’re a short bus ride away from Lionshead Village, where you can grab a bite to eat and entertain the whole family after a long day on or off the slopes. 

Fly-Fishing — If you’re looking for crisp mountain air and the peaceful sound of rivers flowing, Fly fishing is the perfect way to enjoy Colorado's nature. Vail Valley Anglers and Minturn Anglers offer short day trips, float trips, and ice fishing. You can fish in both winter and summer in Vail!

Ice-Skating- What Winter Wonderland vacation is complete without ice skating? Only steps from your lodging here in Lionshead, the Vail Square ice skating rink is set up so everyone in the family can slip and slide under the stars, with a manageable size that’s perfect for beginners, old or young. For the more dedicated skaters, Dobson Ice Rink, is just a couple minutes down the road and is open to the public for both figure skating and ice hockey, offering open skate and Stick and Puck/Drop In ice hockey sessions. If you’re lucky, you can catch a Yeti’s game, Vail’s semi-pro ice hockey team. You don’t even need to be a hockey fan to enjoy the fast paced action on the ice. Tickets are extremely affordable, allowing you to watch some of the best up and coming players in the country. 

Horseback Riding- Don’t get fooled into thinking that horseback riding is a summer only activity. Here in the Vail Valley, horseback riding is one of the best kept secrets for exploring the beauty and serenity of the area. Sage Outfitters has a 6,000 acre private ranch, 10 miles, that is open only to their guests, winter and summer, while 4 Eagle Ranch has their own 1,200 acre private playground just outside of Edwards.

Mountain Coaster — A coaster for the whole family (3 years old and up). Hop on this fast and winding coaster as you ride down 3,400 feet with spectacular views of Vail's surrounding mountains. Open in both winter and summer.

Scenic Gondola Rides- 10th or Eagles nest- The gondolas aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders at Vail! Whether you’re riding up to enjoy world class dining or explore all the nighttime mountain activities Vail has to offer, the gondolas here at Vail offer so much more. You don’t even need to have a destination, the gondolas by themselves provide stunning views everyone in the family can enjoy. Scenic gondola rides are especially wonderful for both the youngest and oldest members of your family, who aren’t able to partake in the other activities. A gondola ride also provides great opportunities for those with special needs or mobility restrictions to enjoy the beauty of the Vail Valley. With heated cars and Wi-Fi in both the Eagle Bahn in Lionshead and The One in Vail Village, everyone is guaranteed to be comfortable as they take in the beauty of the Vail Valley from above the ground. 

Ski Biking — Offered on Vail Mountain for night tours starting at 5pm. Explore Vail Mountain without feeling sore the next day, this is also a great way to catch the sunset!

Sleigh Rides and Hot Chocolate- Nothing lets you enjoy the snowy mountains like being snuggled up in blankets on the back of a sleigh with your family. Bearcat Stables in Edwards and 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott both have private ranch land in the Valley that allow you and your family to explore the mountains outside of Vail from the comfort and warmth of full sized horseback drawn sleds with hot chocolate in hand. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon sunset sleigh ride after a day on the slopes or a longer nighttime ride that includes a home cooked dinner in front of a cozy fire at the private cabin on the ranch.  

Snowshoeing — If you love hiking then snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the mountains in the winter. Vail offers daily guided tours at the top of Vail Mountains forests with scenic views. The tours are educational and offer information on winter ecology and animal adaptations for daytime and nocturnal animals. 

Snowmobiling — Give your legs a break from skiing; Snowmobile through Colorado's winter wonderland with 360 views, miles of trails, and open fields! Nova Guides offers 360 views with miles of meadows to ride through in Camp Hale reaching elevation up to 12,500 feet. They offer guided tours or you can even rent your own! Sage Outdoor Adventures takes you off the grid in the back country with miles of trails and beautiful views!

Tubing — Snow tubing in Vail is great for all ages. Tube with the whole family and you don’t have to worry about hiking back up; there's carpet to transport you to the top. Sit back, relax, and enjoy views of Vail Valley as you slide down Vail Mountain.