Need a break from your routine? Looking to get outside? Spring Break in the Vail Valley in the winter months is the perfect opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and even try out a new activity or sport!
While downhill skiing and snowboarding seem to be the most obvious activities, opportunities abound for outside adventures the entire family can enjoy. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Spring Break winter activities in and around the Vail Valley!
1. Dog Sledding
Let a group of friendly, excited huskies whisk you through private trails, while enjoying the area’s snow-covered mountains. Mountain Musher will take you on a snowy ride through groomed trails lined with aspen and pine trees.
Mountain Mushers provides blankets and pillows, and at the halfway point, dogs, riders, and mushers will stop for homemade pumpkin bread and hot cocoa! Riders can often see fox, coyote, deer, and elk throughout the experience.
Mountain Musher runs two tours daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The sleds can fit two riders, and children four years old and up can experience the dogsled ride. Fill out the reservation request form to book your adventure today!
2. Sleigh Rides
Sip on your favorite beverage or enjoy a delicious four-course meal, all while sailing through the snow on a horse drawn carriage. Bearcat Stables’ sleigh rides allow guests to experience both history and natural beauty, as you weave through a dazzling snowscape with drivers providing insight into the land’s unique historical context.
The rides begin from a restored homestead dating back to the 20th century. Here, you can choose from an Apres Ski Sleigh ride including a happy hour drink special, kids’ beverage options, and s’mores kits, a dinner ride with a four-course meal, or a delicious buffet meal inside the homestead. You definitely can’t go wrong with any option!
4. Mountain-Top Dining
Head over to Beaver Creek and enjoy both sleigh rides and an incredible dinner experience.
- Zach’s Cabin: Zach’s Cabin is a fine dining restaurant overlooking the Gore Range. Guests board a sleigh from the Bachelor Gulch Ritz Carlton, ride up in an open-air snow cat, and traverse up the scenic mountainside to arrive at Zach’s Cabin for their dining experience. Once inside, you can expect to feast on European-inspired meals and fine wines—with dishes and mountain views leaving everyone satisfied.
- Allie’s Cabin: Located above Beaver Creek Village and surrounded by aspen trees, Allie’s cabin is known for a unique Northern Italian cuisine experience in Colorado. Guests ride an open-air sleigh through Haymeadow Ski Run to the quaint cabin to find a warm fireplace and special winter menu upon arrival.
3. Snowmobiling
With several snowmobiling options in the Vail Valley, cruise across trails that can take you to elevations as high as 12,500ft. Let a guide show you the way with a tour, or you can choose to drive your own adventure. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Nova Guides: Rent your own snowmobile or participate in a snowmobile or snow coach tour with startling views.
- Sage Outdoor Adventures: Sage offers adventure tours (two passenger rides and perfect for families), performance tours (single riders only with more terrain coverage), or private group trips.
- Vail Backcountry Tours: Located across from Vail Mountain, Vail Backcountry Tours offers 2-hour tours with stops at a yurt.
5. Vail Valley Yeti Hockey
If you are a sports fan, head over to Dobson Ice Arena and watch the Vail Yeti hockey team. This semi pro team offers great entertainment for the entire family. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, with all the seats being close to the action. Cheer on your local Vail Valley team!
As you can see, the Vail Valley offers a variety of activities that are sure to make your Spring Break the most memorable yet! Don’t forget to dress in layers for sunny days and colder temps and to pack your camera for unforgettable memories. Not done yet? Check out even more winter Vail attractions in our previous post from 2021.
With enough to plan already, let Peak 1 Express start your trip with a stress-free ride to this amazing getaway! Forget about navigating snowy roads, and spend more time enjoying the gorgeous mountain scenery that Colorado has to offer. Check out our shuttles to Vail here. We hope to see you in Vail soon!
Written by Kristine Morahan, former Peak 1 Express employee.
Edited by Rosa Canales, Marketing Specialist