Free Winter Activites in the Vail Valley

Winter


Art & Nature:
  • Walking Mountains Science Center: The mission of Walking Mountains Science Center is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education. The local non-profit offers innovative school programs, adult seminars and year-round interpretive programs. Visit Walking Mountains Science Center for more information, or call (970) 827-9725.

  • Vail Nature Center: Nestled along the banks of Gore Creek, this 7 acres forest, meadow and stream are a delight and peaceful place known by many locals and visitors as their favorite place in Vail. Explore or take in one of the educational programs offered. For more information, please call (970) 479-2291 or visit online.

  • Art in Vail: The Art in Public Places program (AIPP) is one of the many culturally oriented programs in the Vail Valley. The intent of the program is to assemble a collection of works of art in public places which is educational, attractive to residents and visitors, and of an overall aesthetic quality equal to the excellent international reputation the Town enjoys as a resort. Check back for more details about winter events soon. Visit Art in Public Places program for more information.

  • Nature at Night: Meet at the Nature Discovery Center for a family friendly program full of engaging activities and fascinating information about night creatures at the ski area. Programs may include: Colorado Cats, Wily Weasels, Eyes on Owls, and Howling at the Moon. No reservations required. Visit Vail Mountain for more information.

  • Curious Critters Ski School: Walking Mountains Science Center provide brief slope-side lessons about Rocky Mountain Wildlife as part of the Curious Critters Ski School. Each week programs focus on a different category of winter critters including Climbers, Diggers, Jumpers and Flyers. Programs are offered for ski school students and drop in visitors daily at the Nature Discovery Center at Adventure Ridge. Visit Vail Mountain for more information.

  • Life on the Wild Side: Daily programs for Ski School and walk-in visitors! Drop by the Nature Discovery Center anytime we're open for a fun-filled, five minute lesson to learn about the feathered and furry creatures sharing the slopes with you at Vail. Each week programs focus on a different category of winter wildlife. Visit Vail Mountain for more information.

    • Family & Kids Activities:
  • Beaver Creek Cookie Time: Enjoy warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies served daily at 3 pm during the ski and snowboard season at Beaver Creek Mountain. Visit
    Beaver Creek Activities for more information.

  • Beaver Creek On-Hill Story Time: Join the Wild West characters of the Buckaroo Bonanza Bunch for complimentary story time at the top of the Buckaroo Express Gondola. For ages 3-6. Visit Beaver Creek Activities for more information.

  • Vail Library: Story Time every Tuesday and Wednesday. Kids love story time and arts & crafts. Toddler Story Time (ages 18-30 months) is from 10am - 11am and Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5 yrs.) is from 11am-12pm.

  • Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum: Located in the upper level of the Vail Village parking structure, learn about the history of Vail, skiing and the 10th Mountain Division with interactive exhibits and more! Visit online

    • Music & Dance:
  • Vail Holidaze: Vail Family Holidaze is a new celebration of the holiday season in Vail! With activities and free events tailored towards both children and the young at heart, Vail truly is the place to be this December! Visit Holidaze in Vail for more information.

    • Sports & Recreation:
  • Beaver Creek Mountain Welcome Tour: Complimentary guided 2-hour of intermediate and advanced terrain.Available to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. Call 970-754-4636 or visit Beaver Creek Mountain for more information.

  • Rail Jam Session: Rail Jam takes place on the snow in front of McCoy's near the Centennial Express Chairlift. For levels 5 (intermediate) and up. Must bring your own equipment. No cost to participate but a waiver signed by parent or guardian is required. Visit Beaver Creek Mountain for more information.

  • Riperoo's Parade: The parade follows Riperoo down our beginner Hay Meadow run serenaded by Riperoo’s favorite music. Meet at The Ranch by 2pm to participate. Ski down to the Village with Riperoo, our Ski and Snowboard School mascot, and friends.

  • Thursday Night Lights: Participate in a glow stick ski-down set to music followed by a fireworks finale. Level 5 skiers (intermediate) or above are welcome to participate. Parent or guardian approval is required. Participants must bring their own skis, snowboard and gear. Register at the Beaver Creek Children's Ski School. Visit Beaver Creek Mountain for more information.

  • Ski With a Ranger: Complimentary 45-minute tour guided by Forest Service Rangers and volunteers. To participate, meet at Ski Patrol Headquarters located at the top of Cinch Express Chairlift (#8). For more information, visit Beaver Creek Mountain .

  • Family Snowshoe: Tours depart from the Beaver Creek Nordic Center located at the bottom of the Strawberry Park Chairlift (#12). Bring a fondness for adventure and your appetite. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served at the end of the tour. Limited availability, please make reservations by calling the Nordic Center at (970) 754-5313. Take a stroll in starlit snowfields. Guide, snowshoes and headlamps are provided. For ages 6+. Visit Beaver Creek Mountain for more information.

  • Cocoa and Corduroy: Guests are welcome to enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate at the top of Chair 6 (Centennial Express) and freshly groomed trails everyday at 9:30am. Visit Beaver Creek Mountain for more information.

  • Moonlight Snowshoe Tours: Journey into the night under the captivating glow of the full moon. Learn about astronomy and the habits of nocturnal animals while you snowshoe through the pristine silence of the moonlit mountains. Visit Vail Mountain for more information.

  • Snowshoeing from Nature Discovery Center: From animal tracks to the mountain pine bark beetle, the Nature Discovery Center is your source for all things wild - including guided snowshoe tours with an expert naturalist. See and learn about the wild side of Vail in the most pristine of settings. No reservations required. Daily AM snowshoe tours are offered through the Vail Resorts Nordic School. For more information call (970) 754-3210 or visit Vail Mountain.