Vail in winter is far more than lift lines and groomers. The mountain is enormous, but so is everything around it: cabin dinners reached by sleigh, snowmobiles at the Continental Divide, three ice rinks, Nordic trails on a golf course and spas built for sore legs. This list works for the expert who wants the Back Bowls at nine and for the non-skier who wants none of it.
Our curated ranking, cross-checked with live Google ratings, puts first what makes a Vail winter unforgettable, then what fills the rest of a week beautifully. Vail opens for the 2026–27 season on November 13 and Beaver Creek on November 25.
The Vail Moments Index
The 20 best things to do in Vail, curated.
A curated list, cross-checked with the MICHELIN Guide where it applies. Beside each one, its rating on Google Maps, live, and a tap to Tripadvisor to compare. Prefer the crowd's view? Sort by Google rating.
20 things to do
- 01
Vail's Back Bowls
On the slopes · On Vail Mountain
Seven miles of open bowls on the back side of the mountain, at their best on a bluebird morning after a storm. Start early and follow the sun from east to west. Our ski guide has the plan.
- Adventure
- Experts
- Powder days
02
Photo: www.TwoGuysAndTruck.com A&A Alliance Moving Inc · Google Blue Sky Basin
On the slopes · On Vail Mountain
Glades and natural terrain beyond the Back Bowls, with Belle's Camp for a fireside lunch. Give it most of a day; the trip out and back is part of the adventure, and free mountain tours show the way.
- Adventure
- Experts
- Tree skiing
03
Photo: Maya & Leo · Google Skiing Beaver Creek
On the slopes · On Beaver Creek Mountain
Corduroy, short lift lines and a polished village at the base. Families do well in McCoy Park, the protected beginner and family terrain at the top of the mountain.
- Families
- Beginners
- Groomers
04
Photo: Eagle's Nest at the Ritz-Carlton by InvitedHome · Google Gondola One and Eagle's Nest
Off the slopes · On Vail Mountain
Non-skiers can ride the gondolas for mountaintop views and lunch. Snow tubing at Eagle's Nest has run in recent winters; check the day's schedule before going up.
- Non-skiers
- Families
- Views
05
Photo: ALI A · Google Free guided snowshoe tours with Walking Mountains
Off the slopes · On Vail Mountain
Naturalists lead free snowshoe walks from the Nature Discovery Center at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, with snowshoes provided. You'll need a gondola ticket or pass to reach the start.
- Free
- Families
- Non-skiers
- 06
Snowmobiling at Camp Hale with Nova Guides
Off the slopes · Valley-wide
Guided rides toward the Continental Divide across the high valley where the 10th Mountain Division trained. Camp Hale is a drive south of Minturn; dress for real cold.
- Adventure
- Groups
- Non-skiers
07
Photo: Vail Nordic Center · Google Vail Nordic Center
Off the slopes · East Vail
Groomed classic and skate trails on the Vail Golf Club, with ski, snowshoe and fat-bike rentals. A calm half-day when you've had enough of lifts.
- Non-skiers
- Wellness
- Good value
08
Photo: Amanda Mattheis · Google Beaver Creek Nordic Center and McCoy Park
Off the slopes · On Beaver Creek Mountain
High-altitude Nordic and snowshoe trails at the top of Beaver Creek, reached by chairlift. The Gore Range views are the reward.
- Non-skiers
- Families
- Views
09
Photo: Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame · Google Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame
Off the slopes · Vail Village
The story of the 10th Mountain Division and Colorado skiing, above the Vail Village transportation center. Admission to the exhibits is free; give it an hour on a storm day.
- Free
- Non-skiers
- Families
10
Photo: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens · Google Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in winter
Off the slopes · Golden Peak
The gardens stay open dawn to dusk through the winter, with a holiday market and occasional guided snowshoe walks. Free, and a peaceful stroll from Vail Village.
- Free
- Non-skiers
- Couples
11
Photo: Suman trusted · Google Solaris Plaza Ice Rink
Off the slopes · Vail Village
An outdoor rink in the center of Vail Village, open afternoons and evenings through the season. Skates and tickets are next door.
- Families
- Evenings
- Non-skiers
12
Photo: Katelyn Inman · Google Dobson Ice Arena
Off the slopes · Lionshead
Vail's indoor arena, with public skating and hockey. The reliable choice when the weather is too rough for the outdoor rinks; check the session calendar.
- Families
- Non-skiers
13
Photo: Beano's Cabin · Google Beano's Cabin sleigh dinner
Evenings · On Beaver Creek Mountain
An open-air sleigh to a log cabin on Beaver Creek Mountain and a long dinner by the fire. Dress warmly and reserve early for the holidays.
- Couples
- Evenings
- Groups
14
Photo: sophie song · Google Allie's Cabin sleigh dinner
Evenings · On Beaver Creek Mountain
A shorter sleigh ride to dinner in an aspen grove above the village. A gentle first cabin night for families with younger children.
- Families
- Couples
- Evenings
15
Photo: Katy Jo Caringer · Google Bearcat Stables sleigh rides
Evenings · Edwards
Horse-drawn sleighs in the hills above Edwards, from a short afternoon ride with s'mores to an evening ride to a cabin dinner. Reservations required.
- Families
- Couples
- Evenings
- 16
4 Eagle Ranch sleigh ride and dinner
Evenings · Valley-wide
A working ranch in Wolcott, west of Vail, where draft horses pull the sleigh before a ranch dinner. Plan who's driving: it's a dark country road home.
- Families
- Groups
- Evenings
17
Photo: Ramiro romo · Google Vilar Performing Arts Center
Evenings · Beaver Creek
An intimate theater beneath the Beaver Creek plaza with concerts, comedy and family shows all winter. Every seat is close to the stage.
- Evenings
- Couples
- Non-skiers
18
Photo: The Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail · Google The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Vail
Wellness · Vail Village
Rated Four-Star by Forbes Travel Guide, with a heated outdoor pool and a deep menu of recovery treatments. Book a late-afternoon slot after skiing.
- Wellness
- Couples
19
Photo: Sonnenalp Spa · Google Sonnenalp Spa
Wellness · Vail Village
A European-style spa with an outdoor whirlpool and a quiet relaxation room, open to non-guests by appointment.
- Wellness
- Couples
- 20
Allegria Spa at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Wellness · Beaver Creek
A large spa at the Beaver Creek base, ideal for a rest day. Arrive early to enjoy the relaxation areas before your treatment.
- Wellness
- Couples
Good to know
Opening days. Vail opens November 13 and Beaver Creek November 25 for the 2026–27 season. Several on-mountain dinners and bars open later, into December.
Altitude. Vail's base sits around 8,100 feet. The CDC notes that altitude illness can affect unacclimatized visitors sleeping around 8,000 feet, and advises skipping alcohol for the first 48 hours.
Storm days. When the Back Bowls are closed by wind, the museum, the indoor rink, a spa or a cabin dinner save the day.
Moving around. Sleigh rides in Edwards and Wolcott and snowmobiling at Camp Hale are drives, and the roads are dark and snowy at night, so plan the driving before you book. See what's coming up in the events calendar, and book your airport transfer before the holiday weeks fill. Visiting in July instead? Here's Vail in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What can non-skiers do in Vail in winter?
Ride the gondolas for lunch with a view, join a free snowshoe tour, skate at Solaris or Dobson, visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum, go snowmobiling at Camp Hale, take a sleigh-ride dinner or book a spa day.
When does Vail open for the 2026–27 season?
Vail opens November 13, 2026, and Beaver Creek opens November 25, 2026.
How do you get to Beano's Cabin?
By open-air sleigh from Beaver Creek. Dinner reservations are required.
Is the Colorado Snowsports Museum free?
Yes. Admission to the exhibits is free. It sits above the Vail Village transportation center.
Where can I go ice skating in Vail?
Outdoors at Solaris Plaza in Vail Village and at the Arrabelle in Lionshead, or indoors at Dobson Ice Arena.