Skip the North Pole — with snow-covered peaks and charming Tyrolean architecture, Vail feels like a holiday movie come to life, making it one of the best winter vacation spots for families in Colorado. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the villages are full of winter activities that cater to all ages. Whether your family dreams of skating under twinkling lights, dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or hopping onto ice bumper cars, Vail has something for everyone. So get the kids, parents and grandparents bundled up — that’s right, bring your whole multi-generational posse! — and get ready for these top activities for families that are perfect for a winter break.
- Skiing & Snowboarding Lessons
- Ice Skating
- Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
- Sleigh Rides
- Tubing & Sledding
Skiing & Snowboarding Lessons
Vail Mountain’s expansive terrain and friendly instructors make it one of the top places in Colorado for kids to learn or hone their skiing and snowboarding skills. Sign up the family for lessons tailored to beginners, children, teens, adults, experienced skiers or individuals with disabilities, so your whole crew will feel confident on the mountain. This winter, set a family goal to master bunny hills or black diamonds. Or, if you’re already pros, simply cheer each other on as you conquer the Legendary Back Bowls at one of the largest and most-beloved ski resorts in the state.
Ice Skating
Vail’s ice-skating rinks invite families to lace up and glide around in a holiday-card-worthy setting. At Solaris Plaza in Vail Village, you can skate in the open air under festive lights, then snag some Santa-approved cookies from nearby Yeti’s Grind. Over in Lionshead Village, Alderhof Ice Rink has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with snowcapped mountain views. Afterward, stop by Rimini Cafe for a comforting hot cocoa or warm up by the nearby fire pit. For an indoor spot, Dobson Arena’s spacious rink is perfect for escaping colder weather. Then, stop for lunch at The Little Diner nearby and order up chili cheese burgers and crispy BLTs.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
For a peaceful outing, Vail has scenic snowshoeing and cross-country skiing options for all ages. Start at the Vail Nordic Center to traverse miles of groomed trails and snowy meadows with lessons and rentals available. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens’ guided tours are led by a naturalist, who can tell you all about the alpine ecology in the winter. Or you can just strap on your shoes and explore the snowy gardens at your own pace, then finish with hot chocolate at the Education Center. The Nature Discovery Center has educational tours atop Vail Mountain, leading you through frosty forests on snowshoes to views of Gore Range.
Sleigh Rides
A horse-drawn sleigh ride adds a touch of magic to any family winter vacation in Colorado. At 4 Eagle Ranch, you’re whisked away under starry skies, complete with warm wool blankets and storytelling guides who lead cheerful carols. The best part? Everyone can get in on the fun, from the kiddos to the grandparents. End with a hearty dinner of chili, rosemary potatoes, barbecue chicken and lots of gooey s’mores by the fire. Bearcat Stables also offers sleigh-ride dinners, starting with a winding adventure through snow-dusted forests to towering mountain outlooks. Then, dig into juicy brisket or wild-mushroom chicken scallopini, finishing things off with a double-chocolate brownie and ice cream. They also include s’mores kits so the kiddos can gather round the fire and roast marshmallows.
Tubing & Sledding
Vail’s tubing and sledding hills make the most of the powdery snow without the need for skis, snowboards or lessons. Sage Outdoor Adventures has green and blue runs — easy or speedy — that are perfect for families. For some sledding, head to a local park or playground to find a hill. Ellefson Park is the most popular, with some sleds ready to use, but you can also bring your own to the hill at Big Horn Park. Once the kids are worn out from a day on the slopes, warm up with a luxurious haute chocolate from The Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Vail, complete with hand-spun dark-chocolate latticework and a marshmallow cube.