Vail Activities

The range of other things to do in Vail Valley is endless. Examples of Vail activities include dog sledding, horse riding, tobogganing, sleigh rides, cross country skiing and ice skating.

Family Activities Vail

Vail Adventure Ridge near Eagles Nest (at the top of the Eagle Bahn) is the center for family fun, and is open from 2pm to 9pm, 5 days a week (970-476-9090). There are activities for the kids, the whole family, and those that still think they are kids. Snow tubing, mini snowmobiles, free snowshoe tours, Nature Discovery Centre in a yurt, bungee harnessed trampolines and snow biking are all available. Access to Adventure Ridge on the Eagle Bahn gondola is free.

If looking for something completely different (and scary!), those 14 years or older can try snow biking at night time. Armed only with a snow bike and a headlamp, you can travel all the way to the village at Lionshead in the dark. Take some friends and have a hoot. Yee har!!

Vail Cat Skiing

Snowcat skiing is one of the ultimate activities for a powder hound. Fresh powder turns and you get to save all your energy going down the hill, not skinning up it!

One of the cheapest cat skiing operations in North America is not far away at Ski Cooper, 29 miles south of Vail. Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours has a similar size terrain to Copper Mountain or Breckenridge ski resort and you only have to share the fresh powder with 11 other riders.

Vail Powder Guides offer cat skiing on Vail Pass.

Keystone cat skiing is not far away either. The Keystone Adventure Tours also provide great value for money cat skiing.

Or Jones Pass Guides offer some epic cat skiing at Jones Pass, which is just over an hour drive away. 

Leisure Activities Vail

There is an ice rink in the heart of the Lionshead /Arrabelle complex. This is a very satisfying place to sit and partake in a spectator sport. Watching novice skaters fall over and hurt themselves can provide hours of entertainment. It also makes any pain you feel from flogging your body all day skiing or snowboarding go away immediately. The resort has even kindly placed several gas log fireplaces around the rink to ensure all the rubber neckers don’t get cold!

Adventure Activities

Snowmobile rentals are available at Vail Pass.

Relaxation

At least eight day spas exist within the Vail Resort, with those at Arrabelle, The Lodge and The Hythe being a few examples. Each offers extensive spa treatments and services.

Glenwood Springs (an hour from Vail) has a Hot Springs complex with various pools. This is worth a visit if you’re looking for something different to do, and are in need of some inexpensive relaxation.