8 exciting ways to enjoy Vail year-round

Boasting epic powder-filled runs and seven iconic back bowls stretching over seven miles, Vail is consistently ranked as one of the top skiing and snowboarding spots in North America.

For over 150 days each year, the picturesque slopes of this Colorado town draw thrill-seekers from all over, offering a range of snow-filled activities. Picture flying downhill on a ski bike, zooming through aspen forests on a snowmobile, or racing down tubing lanes at full speed.

Surprisingly, Vail's Bavarian-inspired town is also a hidden gem during the snowless months when the wildflowers come into full bloom.

This is the prime season for tackling 14ers, towering peaks over 14,000 feet, whether you’ve got llamas by your side or not. It’s also the ideal time for mountain biking and paddleboarding, all while soaking in spectacular views of the Sawatch Mountain Range. Plus, you'll find some budget-friendly deals during this season.

But first, let’s dive into the snow season.

Winter wonders

Dog-powered adventures: Imagine starting your day with over 100 enthusiastic sled dogs. These friendly pups guide you down private trails, all while responding to commands like 'haw,' 'gee,' and 'hut hut' (which mean 'left,' 'right,' and 'go').

Alpine Adventures Dogsledding, located in Leadville about 45 minutes from Vail, takes you on a six-mile journey through peaceful trails often frequented by elk.

After your ride, enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider by the fire, and spend time cuddling with your new furry companions. Some of the dogs are even available for adoption.

Alpine Adventures Dogsledding, GPS not recommended, please follow the website’s directions; +1 719-486-9899

Ski or snowshoe to a gourmet meal: When you arrive at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, you’ll lace up your nordic skis or snowshoes for a scenic one-mile journey. Your destination? The Cookhouse, a solar-powered yurt offering a fine-dining experience in the backcountry.

As you make your way through the pine, fir, and spruce trees, keep an eye out for wildlife like moose, foxes, deer, elk, and hikers with their dogs.

At the Cookhouse, the forest opens up to reveal a vast meadow with breathtaking views of Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Galena Mountain, Homestake Peak, and Mount of the Holy Cross.

Inside, the yurt is warmed by a traditional pot-bellied stove, with the soft light of propane lanterns illuminating the space. Thinking of posting your Instagram-worthy pan-seared risotto cakes? No signal here—there’s little to no cell service or Wi-Fi.

In winter, the rich chocolate mousse with raspberry glaze is a treat you can’t resist. When summer arrives, it’s all about the fresh strawberry-rhubarb pie—both of which are made from scratch.

Guests can enjoy skiing and dining from Thanksgiving through mid-April, and hiking and dining from late June to late October.

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, Cookhouse and Sleep Yurts, GPS not advised, follow the website’s directions; +1 719-486-8114

Race down the slopes on a bike: Adventure Ridge is a must-see destination, especially for snow biking from mid-December through early April.

Here’s how it works: 1) Jump on your bike. 2) Push off with your feet. 3) Zoom down the slope with adrenaline-fueled excitement.

The excitement levels soar as you race down the slopes at night. With bikes outfitted with skis instead of wheels, you’ll gain speed and glide down just as quickly as you would on regular skis. (If snow isn’t your thing, plan a visit during the summer to enjoy mountain biking at Adventure Ridge.)

For an extra dose of fun before you hop on a ski bike, arrive early to try snow tubing or take a ride on the Forest Flyer alpine coaster.

Adventure Ridge, Eagle’s Nest, Vail, Colorado 81657; +1 970-754-8245

Eat in the village: After all the adventures, head to Vail Village’s heart where Sweet Basil has been a beloved mountain-chic eatery since 1977.

Signature dishes include the marinated lamb shank with eggplant raisin caponata and Colorado potato puree, as well as the irresistibly popular sticky toffee pudding, which has been on the menu for over 22 years.

Wash it all down with The Perfect Margarita, crafted with Herradura Silver, Cointreau, lime, and a splash of Grand Marnier.

Keep an eye out for some famous faces—over the years, Clint Eastwood, Matt Lauer, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the Kardashians have all dined at Sweet Basil.

Sweet Basil, 193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, Colorado 81657; +1 970-476-0125

Year-round adventures

Experience outdoor art: Vail is serious about its outdoor art scene, which is why more than 45 stunning works are on display across Vail Valley.

On Wednesday Art Walks, guests explore the history of the area and its artists during an hour-long tour. Highlights include a 12-foot kinetic sculpture, a Douglas fir wood art piece suspended from a vaulted ceiling, a bronze ski trooper sculpture, and an amazing artist-inspired playground.

Best of all, your knowledgeable guide offers the tour for free.

During the summer, the walks take place weekly from June through August. In winter, they occur on the first and third Wednesday of the month, from January through early April.

Vail Village Welcome Center, 241 S. Frontage Road West #8150, Vail, Colorado 81657; +1 970-476-4790

Stop and smell the Parachute Penstemon: At the world’s highest botanical garden, alpine plants are the star attraction: Over 3,000 species, including a nationally recognized collection of Colorado’s alpine flora, thrive here.

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens spans five acres and hosts one of North America’s few public cold greenhouses.

Children will love the hands-on activities with microscopes, magnifying glasses, and binoculars.

For adults, find serenity with aerial yoga on the rooftop terrace or a peaceful meditation session. Plus, enjoy cooking demos, gardening workshops, science activities, and lively Bluegrass performances. (Boredom is not an option here.)

Admission is free. Open all year round.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 522 S. Frontage Road, Vail, Colo. 81657; +1 970-476-0103

When the snow melts away

Meet the llamas: Want some personal time with llamas? Go hiking with them! Paragon Guides offers a 4- to 5-night trek between Vail and Aspen, guiding you through the White River National Forest while you enjoy breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells and Sawatch Range.

With elevation shifts throughout the 45-mile journey, you’ll pass through diverse landscapes—from aspen groves to spruce forests to Douglas firs. If you're short on time, try the 'Take a Llama to Lunch' program in Arrowhead Ski Area instead.

Paragon Guides, 210 Edwards Village Blvd. B 107, Edwards, Colorado 81632; +1 970-926-5299

SUP your heart out: Glide across Sylvan Lake on a stand-up paddleboard—surrounded by towering mountains. Half-day excursions with Timberline Tours give you a chance to meet the locals (think rainbow trout, bald eagles, red foxes, and cottontail rabbits) while getting a solid workout.

For a real challenge to your balance, try the Upper Colorado River SUP tour—where you’re almost guaranteed to spot wildlife. Beavers, otters, and red-tail hawks call this area home.

Tours run from June through September.

Timberline Tours, pick-up from accommodations in Vail Valley; +1 970-476-1414

Where to stay

When the sun sets, there’s no shortage of places to rest your weary head.

For a lavish, private retreat, The Lion, which opened in July 2017, is located just under 350 yards from Vail Mountain. Choose from 1- to 5-bedroom residences, each offering premium amenities like a large outdoor saltwater hot tub, an indoor infinity lap pool with current, a fitness center with steam room, and a dedicated entertainment room.

Hotel Talisa, also a newcomer to the area, will open this fall in time for the winter season. As the first mountain resort in the Starwood Luxury Collection, it provides an authentic ski-in/ski-out experience, complete with a chairlift right on the property.

For a true boutique experience, The Sebastian – Vail is packed with charm, right down to its decadent hot chocolate program. Picture Valrhona chocolate paired with house-made Bailey’s Irish Cream marshmallows, white chocolate, dulce chocolate, and dark chocolate crunch pearls, all finished with a touch of edible gold dust, served tableside.

The property boasts 84 luxurious rooms, 16 executive suites, 7 residential suites, and a 36-residence private club. Plus, it offers some seriously stunning mountain views.