Think winter is all about hitting the slopes? Think again. Colorado proves there’s more to winter than just skiing. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed non-skier or simply looking to rest your legs and escape the resort crowds, the Vail Valley offers numerous non-skiing activities that capture the magic of winter.
So, go ahead—trade the lift ticket for a trail map and discover the quiet side of winter. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite way to play in the snow.
Glide on: Cross-Country Skiing
Strap on skinny skis and glide through snow-blanketed meadows surrounded by trees and distant peaks. Cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, offers two styles. Classic skiing, often recommended for beginners, mimics the rhythmic motion of walking or running, with skis gliding in parallel tracks in the snow. Meanwhile, skate skiing cranks up the pace. This dynamic, ice-skating-like movement delivers speed and a full-body workout.
Check out these prime spots for Nordic Skiing:
- McCoy Park: This lift-accessible Nordic area features miles of groomed and rustic trails at the top of Beaver Creek Mountain with stunning views of the Sawatch Range. To hone your technique, stop by the Nordic Center at the base of the Strawberry Park Lift for tickets, rentals, or lessons.
- Vail Nordic Center: Nestled just east of Vail Village, the Vail Nordic Center boasts over 10 miles of groomed trails. It’s mostly flat terrain is ideal for beginners, while the occasional steep hill adds a bit of spice for the adventurous. The trails traverse along the creek, at the base of cliff faces, and with the Gore Range as a picture-perfect backdrop.
Seek Solitude: Snowshoeing
Not all winter trails require skis. Sometimes, you only need a pair of sturdy boots—or snowshoes—and a willingness to wander. Snowshoeing lets you explore at your own pace, soaking in the beauty of snow-covered forests, frozen streams, and sunlit meadows.
What’s the difference between hiking and snowshoeing? It’s all about the footwear. Snowshoes have a large footprint that spreads your weight across a larger surface, keeping you afloat through deep snow. Both allow you to access trails hidden under winter’s white blanket. For those wanting to experience the fullness of the Valley’s outdoors- consider staying at a hotel with a Gear Garage. Snowshoes and poles are complimentary to guests staying at The Inn at Riverwalk in Edwards; just check them out on-site at the Gear Garage.
Here are our favorite trails to fuel your wanderlust in winter:
- Nordic Centers: Nordic centers offer easy-to-follow trails through the woods.
- West Lake Creek Trail: This popular, moderate-grade trail offers a peaceful walk through the woods along the creek with a moderate grade.
- Berry Creek Trail: For sunshine and panoramic views, this wide forest service road rewards hikers with big views of Beaver Creek, Vail Mountain, and the valley below.
- North Trail: This trail connects numerous starting points and climbs the hillside via switchbacks before leveling out for a scenic traverse. Choose an entry point along the North Frontage Road and reward yourself with the views.
Spin & Swirl: Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of the many ice rinks in the Vail Valley. Each location offers unique features, from dazzling daytime views to the romance of skating under a starry sky.
- Edwards Ice Rinks: Two community outdoor ice rinks are located near the Mountain Recreation Field House in Edwards, just a short drive from Riverwalk. The smaller rink is perfect for beginners and leisurely skaters, while the larger rink caters to hockey enthusiasts. The best part? Entry and skate rentals are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Nottingham Lake: Glide across a frozen lake surrounded by the snow-dusted beauty of the mountains and views of Beaver Creek Mountain.
- Beaver Creek Village: Spin and skate in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. When you’re ready to warm up, settle into one of the surrounding couches by a fire pit and sip hot cocoa.
Check out our Exploring Ice Rinks Around the Vail Valley guide for more details.
Dashing Through the Snow: Sleigh Rides
For a unique winter experience, step into a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. Bundle up under thick blankets as you’re pulled through frosted forests on snow-covered trails under a star-lit sky. There are two options for sleigh ride dinners:
- Bearcat Stables: Dine in a historical cabin for a four-course dinner at Bearcat Stables, or join for an Après Ski Sleigh Ride earlier in the afternoon with post-ride drink specials and s’mores for kids.
- 4 Eagle Ranch: 4 Eagle Ranch offers a Western twist on winter sleigh rides with authentic ranch dinners, live entertainment, and fireside s’mores.
- Beano’s Cabin: Experience a luxurious sleigh ride to a mountain retreat at the base of Larkspur Bowl.
Where to Stay:
Close to the action yet away from it all, The Inn at Riverwalk is an independent hotel in the heart of Edwards. Offering a selection of rooms and two-bedroom condos with mountain or river views, The Inn is central to all the non-skiing activities the Vail Valley offers. Each unit is stocked with modern amenities, feather-bed-topped mattresses, and luxury bath products for relaxing after a day of adventure. Warm up before or after your winter excursions with the self-serve Lavazza Coffee and Tea Bar, which offers lattes, hot chocolate, and herbal teas, available 24/7.
Book your stay at The Inn at Riverwalk today.
