Winter Sledding & Snow Tubing in Vail

With its charming alpine villages, snow-laden ski slopes and powder-dusted pine trees, Vail, Colorado, is a picturesque scene of winter beauty. This area may be best known for its legendary skiing and snowboarding, but outdoor recreation of all kinds — from ice skating to snowshoeing — makes Vail an adventurous winter destination for all ages and ability levels.

Spend a few hours amid the crisp winter air and glittering snowfall when you hit the slopes with a snow tubing or sledding session. There’s nothing like a gleeful plunge down snowy hillsides on a traditional toboggan, flyer disc or inner tube to prompt peals of unbridled laughter. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, these activities don’t require lessons or any previous experience, and everyone from children to seniors can partake. Bring your group, don some winter apparel such as warm gloves and snow boots, and hold on tight for an exhilarating ride that’s sure to spark child-like joy.

Sledding Hills in Vail

A childhood snow-day fantasy come true, Vail is home to several multi-use parks with hills that are perfect for sledding. These neighborhood parks and slopes offer an easy day of budget-friendly family fun with little to no planning required. Just pull on some warm (and preferably water-resistant!) clothing, and bring your trusty sled to one of these nearby spots. Some hotels in Vail, such as Antlers at Vail and Sandstone Creek Club, even offer loaner equipment for visitors.

Sandstone Creek Club

Sandstone Creek Club is a condo-resort in Vail that makes both seasonal residents and short-time guests feel right at home. Stop by the front desk to pick up a loaner and head out to the resort’s hill to the north, offering a not-too-steep gradient for a gentler descent. (Be sure to steer your ride to the east, as to not land in the driveway.)

Ellefson Park

Vail’s Ellefson Park offers plenty of room for kids to burn off energy, with a playground, open space and a big hill ending with a long, flat landing area. A popular spot for locals, some thoughtful neighbors even leave their sleds here occasionally for future thrill-seekers to enjoy.

Bighorn Park

Dog-friendly Bighorn Park is the perfect spot to bring the whole family — even the four-legged members. Get your pup all cozy in winter gear and let them chase after you in the off-leash section as you zoom down the hills and through the open spaces of this East Vail park.

Snow Tubing Near Vail

Experience snow-tubing fun amid picturesque backcountry scenery at Sage Outdoor Adventures in nearby Wolcott, about a 20-minute drive from Vail. Here, two groomed runs offer an easy “green” and an epic “blue” route to suit your thrill level. Hop in their bright-yellow raft for an exciting snowmobile tow to the top of the slopes while taking in snowy landscapes along the way. You’ll get a full hour of fast-paced twists, turns and pure joy as you glide down the slopes. (Helmets are required, so bring your own helmet or borrow one when you arrive.) Afterward, relax in the seating area at the base to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while watching fellow tubers conquer the slopes.

Après-Snow Adventures

After a day of playing in the snow, find a cozy spot to warm up. Vail Mountain’s two Tyrolean-style villages, Vail Village and Lionshead Village, are connected by a free in-town bus and offer pedestrian-friendly streets lined with restaurants, cafes and shops. Whether you’re craving casual eats or fancier dining, take your pick from all kinds of cuisine at family-friendly restaurants, such as traditional cheese fondue and Bavarian bratwurst at Alpenrose or New York-style pizza and gourmet sandwiches at Blue Moose Pizza. Stop by one of the sweet spots along the Hot Chocolate Trail, or join the jovial atmosphere of Vail’s legendary après-ski scene for socializing, drinking craft beer and warming up by the fire.

Discover More of Vail in Winter

• Snowshoe snowy trails and forests
• Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh
• Embrace the coziness of hygge with these dining experiences
• Take in panoramic views of Vail on a scenic gondola ride
• Soar through the backcountry on a snowmobile
• Shush along snow-blanketed trails with Nordic skis
• Dog-sled through frosty aspen glades

Photo courtesy of Sage Outdoor Adventures