Experience Vail Like a Local
It’s not too late to catch some powder in Vail, Colorado! Experience the best of Vail through the eyes of a local. Here is a guide to all the delicious restaurants, shopping, and activities that this beautiful mountain town has to offer.
Dining
Foodies flock to Vail’s diverse and delicious culinary experience! If you are looking for fine dining, you will love Sweet Basil. This modern American restaurant is located in the heart of Vail and was voted Colorado’s most popular restaurant by Zagat. You will enjoy the inviting yet elegant atmosphere as you relish the innovative cuisine!
If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, check out Blue Moose Pizza! Offering a casual and kid-friendly environment, you will experience a delicious, hand-tossed, New York-style pie without breaking the bank.
The Little Diner is also a must for your pre-slope breakfast or lunch! They have a vast variety to offer, using local and high-quality ingredients whenever possible. There will likely be a wait, but trust us, it will be worth it!
Shopping
You will find spectacular shopping in Vail Village. The streets are exploding with local shopping venues and merchandise that will help you remember your vacation in this Colorado winter wonderland. Between Lionshead and Vail Village, Vail offers hundreds of shops, from boutiques to outdoor gear to art galleries. You can explore the gorgeous Vail streets with the beautiful backdrop of Gore Range while you shop ‘till you drop.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
Experience some magic during your Colorado winter vacation with an intimate horseback ride through the beautiful forests of the Rocky Mountains. After your ride, you will enjoy a gourmet dinner at a historic mountain cabin, and you might even get the chance to see Colorado wildlife such as elk, deer, and hawks. Check out Bearcat Stables for the ultimate sleigh ride experience!
Fly Fishing
Don’t wait until the summer to experience some of the best fly-fishing that Colorado has to offer! Fly-fishing in the Colorado River in the winter is an excellent way to spend a day away from the slopes. There’s nothing like catching a beautiful Rainbow Trout while the snow is falling. Whether you are a beginner or expert, at Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, you will be provided with all of the necessary equipment to get out on the water for one of the most unforgettable and scenic experiences you can have in Vail Valley!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
If there is any time to take a balloon ride, winter in Vail is that time! Experience the beauty of winter as you quietly float through blue skies over the Rocky Mountains, bundled up in your private balloon basket. With Camelot Balloons, you will fly in custom-designed, FAA-certified hot air balloons, which can carry 4- 8 passengers. The pilots are FAA-certified professionals and experienced mountain aeronauts, so you can feel safe as you experience world-class views of the snow-capped Colorado Mountains!
Ice Skating
If you and the family need a break from the hills, you can choose from one of several ice-skating rinks located in Vail Valley. Enjoy the beauty of Colorado winter and take a spin around the Alderhof Ice Rink, located in the heart of Vail square. This rink is open daily throughout the winter, and ice skating is available for rent. After skating around, order a delicious hot chocolate from one of Vail’s hidden gems, Yeti’s Grind.
Vail is also home to one of the best ice rinks in the upper valley, the Solaris Plaza Ice Skating Rink. This Vail landmark offers free public skate times daily in a temperature-controlled indoor facility!
Spa Day
You have been working hard on the slopes, and you deserve to indulge during your winter vacation. Vail Valley is home to numerous world-class spas, from luxurious award-winning spots to simple and locally owned favorites; you will find the perfect place to unwind!
The Spa at the Arrabelle sits only steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and is one of the top spas in the world. Since they fill up, you will want to book your space early. We suggest trying the HydraFacial or the Sports Enthusiast Body Recovery! With over 10,000 square feet of space, you can completely unwind at this luxurious and private spa!
The Sonnenalp Spa is also a great option and is perfect for couples, offering co-ed whirlpools, waterfalls and a sundeck. The best place to rejuvenate your mind and body, this spa is a must after a weekend at Vail Resort!
Snowcat Skiing
You haven’t experienced the best of fresh powder until you have been snowcat skiing! You will be knee-deep in some of the best snow that Colorado has to offer! Imagine standing atop the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, looking down on untracked powder and the most spectacular views! Vail Powder Guides has the expertise to take you out on the demanding terrain. They offer free use of powder skis or powder snowboards, and serve a lunch that accommodates any dietary restriction. You will be pampered during the experience of a lifetime, catching the best rides in Colorado!
You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy Vail. Whether you are looking for fun activities or a relaxing spa day, there is something for everyone.
