At-A-Glance

Season:

Winter

Months:

Nov - Mid March

Vail Sleigh Rides

Dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Vail is a magical experience for a romantic evening or a family-friendly activity. Vail’s nearby sleigh rides whisk you through glistening, snow-blanketed alpine forests, while you’re all bundled up with a cup of cocoa. Climb aboard a rustic sleigh and glide right up to a full dinner in a glowing cabin. Or if dinner isn’t on the schedule, sneak in a shorter — but equally magical — sleigh ride through frosty trails under twinkling skies. With snowflakes falling around you and massive, majestic animals guiding the way, you will not want to miss this stunning Vail adventure in winter.

4 EAGLE RANCH

Breathe in the crisp mountain air at 4 Eagle Ranch, where a horse-drawn sleigh takes you on an authentic Western adventure to the historical Nelson Cabin. Dating back to 1890, the former sheep barn’s open-hearth fireplace and rustic decor create the perfect backdrop to dig into roasted chicken thighs and warm apple cobbler with sweet vanilla ice cream. But the journey to that mountain meal is the best part.

Say hello to the two massive horses that will lead you along snowy Vail Valley trails. The stunning silhouettes of the Rocky Mountains will wow you — but be sure to direct you gaze even higher to catch the celestial show above. On clear nights, the ranch’s distance from city lights reveals vivid constellations and shooting stars. Once you’ve gotten your fill of sparking skies, your sleigh pulls up to the cabin, where you’ll be welcomed by acoustic strums and Western tunes from their resident cowboy singer. Remember to roast up a couple marshmallows over the fire, munch on s’mores and sip a little local whiskey in this remote retreat in the mountains.

Address: 4098 Hwy. 131, Wolcott

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BEARCAT STABLES

At Bearcat Stables, Rocky Mountain beauty meets fascinating history and mouthwatering meals. Grab a warm hot chocolate or a steaming hot totty, climb aboard and snuggle up in a fuzzy blanket. Then, glide across a true winter wonderland. As you clip-clop through the sparkling trees and meadows, the stables’ sleigh drivers will tell your group stories of the land and answer question about the region.

For a perfect end to a day of carving down Vail Mountain, choose the après-ski sleigh rides. They take place in early evening and include happy hour drink specials (you’ll definitely want to check out some local pours from their award-winning, 100-bottle wine list) and s’mores kits for the kiddos to roast up some gooey treats. Meanwhile, the sleigh rides with dinner include an epic, four-course menu of Colorado cuisine — like juicy prime rib with tangy chimichurri sauce or a creamy chicken scallopini with mushrooms and capers (vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available by request!). End the night right with a fresh-baked double-chocolate brownie topped with a big scoop of vanilla. With tantalizing food and enchanting views, you’ll have a night to remember forever.

Address: 2701 Squaw Creek Road, Edwards

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Locals’ Tips for Vail Sleigh Ride Trips

Horse-drawn sleigh rides run late November through mid-March, conditions permitting. Dress in warm layers, with snow pants, jackets, gloves, warm boots, hats and neck gators/scarves. Advanced reservations are required. Find transportation information for getting around Vail.

Get More Vail Winter Trip Inspiration

Looking for even more itinerary items for you Vail vacation this winter? Check out these resources:

• Get a weeklong winter itinerary in Vail.
• Uncover the best only-in-Vail spa treatments.
• Read a Q&A with a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant in Vail.
• See how to have a dream winter vacation in Vail if you don’t ski.
• Explore the trails with snowshoeing in Vail.
• Zip across snowy meadows on a snowmobile in Vail.