Home to one of America’s largest and most storied ski resorts, the small Colorado town of Vail has plenty more strings to its bow than its famous snowy slopes.
The scenic environs of Whiter River National Forest (Photo: Rachel Kramer via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Set at the base of Vail Mountain, the town attracts huge numbers of visitors each year who come here with the primary aim of propelling themselves down its imposing pistes at fast speeds. But for those who aren’t so keen on the thrills and spills of skiing, there’s a whole lot more to enjoy in and around the town, including alternative winter sports, a thriving cultural scene, and several areas of natural beauty. Here are 10 ways to spend your time in Vail other than skiing.
Explore a spectacular National Forest
In a country blessed with areas of outstanding beauty, White River National Forest is up there with the very best. Said to be the most visited National Forest anywhere in the country, this vast expanse spans over 2.3 million acres of verdant land in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is filled breath-taking scenery along with tons of opportunities for outdoor adventure – not to mention the town of Vail itself. It is also here that Vail Ski Resort can be found, but for non-skiers it’s the hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and horse riding trails, plus opportunities for snowmobile (see below) and snow tubing excursions, fishing, hunting and plenty more besides that are the main attractions.
Hit the waters on a rafting adventure
Extending along the fringes of Vail and far beyond, the Upper Colorado River is a sight to behold from any vantage point, but there’s nothing to compare with being thrust along its waters during a rafting adventure. There are a number of local companies offering white water rafting excursions, with long stretches of the river ideal for first-timers owing to their relatively gentle rapids. Along the way, your guide will point out native wildlife as you soak up the spectacular views of narrow canyons, pasturelands and hot springs. Tours include full safety tutorials, so you can enjoy the experience with full peace of mind.
You can book a white water rafting tour at Viator
(Photo: Colorado Adventure Guides / Courtesy Viator)
Try your hand at a snowy adventure sport
For adrenaline-junkies, one of the most popular alternatives to skiing in Vail is snowmobiling, which can be enjoyed either independently or on a guided tour. The latter involves being transported directly from Vail deep into the White River National Forest (see above) where you’ll embark on a truly enthralling experience, soaring across the snow aboard a state-of-the-art snowmobile as you soak up the vistas all around you. All equipment, including boots, suits, helmets and your professional guide, are included in the tour price.
Traverse the landscape on a snowmobile
If you’re visiting the town with people whose opinions are split on the merits of skiing, one option is to divide and conquer. At the top of Vail Ski Resort’s Eagle Bahn Gondola, you’ll find Adventure Ridge, an action-packed attraction teeming with fun-filled activities which can be enjoyed while the skiing bods among your party go off and do their skiing thing. Those leftover can pick from such amusements as a mountain rollercoaster hurtling some 3,400 feet around the mountain, an artificial climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, a tubing hill and a zipline, while for less energetic pursuit there’s also a mini golf course.
Get immersed in an icy winter wonderland
Each winter, Vail becomes the site for a captivating ice-themed attraction that combines the thrills of a playground with the craftsmanship of a true work of art. Located in the town of Dillon, a short drive from Vail, Ice Castles comprises thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists and illuminated by LED lights, creating a true visual spectacle. Visitors can perch on frozen thrones, crawl through ice-carved tunnels, and hurtle down icy slides, all serving to deliver lasting memories. Just remember to wrap up warm…
Explore a museum dedicated to winter sports in Colorado
Colorado’s rich winter sports heritage is celebrated at the Colorado Snowsports Museum, which features an impressive collection of displays and artefacts that chart the history of the state’s prestigious sporting endeavours. Among them are exhibits on ski fashion, the growth of snowboarding, and the storied 10th Mountain Division, a U.S. Army division comprising troops trained in the Colorado mountains for action during WWII. The museum is also home to a Hall of Fame, into which new athletes are inducted each year.
231 South Frontage Road East / Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Artefacts on display at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame (Photo: Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame)
Get a taste of the local brewery scene
There’s a thriving craft beer scene in Colorado and at its vanguard is Vail, where you’ll find several independent breweries of burgeoning repute. One of the best-known is Vail Brewing Company, an artisan craft brewery whose headquarters can be found in Eagle Vail, situated just outside of town, while visitors can come and explore the facilities and learn all about the beer production process at close quarters. As well as the brewery itself, there’s also a tasting room in Vail Village where lovers of the amber nectar can sample the local brew while listening to live music by local acts.
Join a nature centre tour
Set between a mountain meadow and the stretch of water known as Gore Creek, Vail Nature Center is a traditional 1940s homestead offering an array of recreational activities. Spread across seven acres, the centre provides the ultimate in getting back to nature, with visitors able to book a range of guided experiences including pond tours, wildflower walks, morning bird walks, stargazing and creek-side nature tours. There’s also a learning centre housing exhibits on the area’s history and the abundance of wildlife that resides here.
601 Vail Valley Drive / Thurs-Sat 9am-4pm Closed Sun-Weds
A sign welcomes visitors to Vail Nature Center (Photo: Jeffrey Beall via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Pick up some local produce at a farmers’ market
Taking place every Sunday from June to October each year, Vail Farmers’ Market brims with stallholders selling their wares along East Meadow Drive, just north of the town centre. Almost 150 artisans, farms and ranches pitch up here each week offering a wide range of locally sourced produce and goods including fresh flowers, houseplants, condiments, handmade soap and home decor such as engraved wooden signs and tapestries. Through summer and fall, the market also expands to incorporate an art show featuring paintings and pottery by local artists.
East Meadow Drive / Sun 9.30am-3.30pm Closed Mon-Sat
Visit the world’s highest botanical gardens
You’ll feel a world away from the area’s snow-capped peaks at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which lays claim to being the highest-elevation botanical garden anywhere in the world. Home to a vast and diverse collection of plants and featuring plenty of walking paths, the gardens are both pleasing on the eye and highly informative, with displays in the on-site Education Center providing insights on alpine vegetation and how plants grow in such conditions. Other highlights include Alpine House, featuring over 200 species of bulbs and greenery from across the globe, and Aspen Grove, where Colorado’s state flower – the white-and-blue columbine – can be found.
522 South Frontage Road East / Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun
Flowers in bloom at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (Photo: Suzie Tremmel via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)