When the snow blankets our mountains, we think Vail turns into the best ski town in Colorado for non-skiers! Why? You can choose from decadently relaxed spa days, heart-pounding adventures, tantalizing dining experiences and so much more.
Check out our list below for all the reasons why we think Vail is one of the best ski towns in the U.S. for non-skiers:
1. We have a sweet après-ski scene.
If you’ve heard the French term après-ski before, you likely know that it’s all about warming up from outdoor fun with an adult bevvie in hand. Here’s the clincher: No actual skiing is necessary to join in. Spend your day trekking across a snowy mountain trail or lounging about your hotel, and when late afternoon hits — the traditional starting time for après festivities — make your way into town for Vail’s endless options. Outdoor patios, weather permitting, are a top choice for people watching and enjoying the crisp mountain air over a round of Colorado craft beers. If you’re looking to enjoy some local music as you sip, you’ll love classic après spots like The Red Lion or Vail Chophouse. Or, opt for heart-thumping DJ sets you can dance to and innovative, craft cocktails at places like Chasing Rabbits.
2. The winter events lineup is action packed.
While the holiday season has its fair share of holly-jolly excitement, including the Vail Kris Kringle Market, Vail Après: Welcome to Winter and Ice Spectacular, Vail has incredible events happening throughout the entire season. January brings artistic flair to the villages with marvelous ice sculptures you have to see to believe during WinterFest. Past events have featured sculptures like throne-style ice chairs and life-sized polar bears, plus bridges made of ice bricks. Later, foodies flock to the villages to attend Taste of Vail, a three-day, food-and-drink festival featuring award-winning chefs and sumptuous whites, reds and blushes from around the world. Or, come for the heart-thumping beats of Après at The Amp — a two-day concert series hosted to celebrate the end of ski season.
- Discover Vail’s signature holiday events.
- See our calendar for upcoming festivals, art shows and more.
3. Vail offers seemingly endless ways to unplug and unwind.
When it comes to relaxing, we love the sheer number of options Vail has to offer, depending upon what your body needs. Yoga and meditation classes are perfect for stretching all your muscles and reestablishing your mind-body connection after a day romping across the snowy mountains. At Dryland Fitness, try an Elevate yoga session for smooth Vinyasa flows or an Alpenglow yoga class that adds restorative Yin postures to the mix.
Trips to the spa provide great opportunities for relieving aches and stress. Feel heated basalt stones warm you up and melt away tension during a grounding hot-stone massage at The Spa at Gravity Haus Vail, or extend the bliss with packages like Bloom Spa’s Alpenglow, which includes two massages and a sea-salt-and-algae body scrub.
You can even treat yourself with a pampering session just because they feel so wonderful — no strenuous activities or sore muscles necessary. Give your skin special attention with rejuvenating facials and body treatments like the ultra-hydrating Vail Mountain Body Polish Treatment at The Hythe’s Well & Being Spa or the customizable Gua Sha Firming Facial at Sonnenalp Spa.
4. We have two charming alpine villages to explore.
With its Tyrolean architecture and sweeping views of sky-tickling peaks around every corner, Vail’s already magical atmosphere is only heightened by snowfall. Take in the sights as you stroll the cobblestone streets, popping into bespoke boutiques for unique vacation keepsakes as you wander.
For a more curated look at the town, join a historical Vail Village walking tour with a guide from the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame. Or go on a self-guided tour of the public art displays to discover a roaring-lion sculpture fittingly located in Lionshead and the 10th Mountain ski trooper statue outside Vail Village. As you meander through town, you may even be inspired to snap a photograph (or three or 20) — we get it, Vail is just that photogenic.
- Find only-in-Vail mementos at The Golden Bear.
- Spend an afternoon on a scavenger hunt through our villages.
5. With a range of inspiring outdoor activities, there’s never a dull moment.
Even though Vail is celebrated for its skiing and snowboarding, this snowy wonderland boasts mountains of adventure for everyone in your group. Feel the thrill of adrenaline as you race through expansive, white meadows atop a powerful snowmobile. Journey along groomed fat-biking trails — perfect for those looking to get a workout without skimping on striking views. Snowshoeing can be a very peaceful thing to do — like a hike, only on fluffy powder — with only the soft crunching of snow beneath your feet. It’s also a great way to catch glimpses of local wildlife. And, in town, there’s nothing like gracefully gliding across the ice rink.
- Learn which activities you should book ahead of time.
- Check out these favorite seasonal adventures for families.
6. You can sample world-class food and drink around every corner.
When it comes to vacationing, there’s nothing like savoring a delicious meal out with family and friends. With the villages’ array of casual eateries and upscale restaurants — several of which are award-winning establishments — the only difficulty will be deciding where to go.
We suggest starting with winter’s signature beverage: hot cocoa. In Vail, this beloved drink is transformed into a gourmet experience that warranted its own hot-chocolate walking tour — we’re talking homemade cubed marshmallows and rich, specialty blends of chocolate. For a more mature sipping experience, adults can book a private whiskey tasting at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. You’ll get to sample true Colorado-made spirits. And here’s the kicker — you can do it inside a Stranahan’s whiskey barrel called the Diamond Peak Lounge (reservations are recommended).
When hunger hits, try authentic Bavarian fare, including filling goulash, fried schnitzel and traditional käsespätzle (a German noodle dish baked with cheese and caramelized onions). You can even make it a romantic dinner for two when you reserve Alpenrose’s private gondola for your meal.
Looking to savor the moment with your loved ones? Choose a restaurant that exudes strong hygge vibes (hygge is a Scandinavian word meaning coziness for those not in the know!) to create those special warm-and-fuzzy memories. Think comfortable, welcoming environments that invite you to linger over your meal for more conversation. Meanwhile, those seeking award-winning dining opportunities won’t want to miss out on Vail’s two MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. Indulge your taste buds with seasonal, fusion flavors at Sweet Basil, or the Japanese-focused cuisine of Osaki’s.
- Have a decadent dessert at one of these top spots.
- Sip your way around town at Vail’s distilleries and breweries.
- Book a personal chef for delicious meals without having to cook.