Looking for Vail Valley winter activities besides skiing? You have plenty of choices. A day off the slopes could mean a guided snowmobile ride, a quiet snowshoe walk, a fishing trip or an evening on the ice. These options reach beyond Vail and Beaver Creek into Camp Hale, Edwards, Eagle and Wolcott.
Use this guide to match an outing to your group. Winter openings, snow cover and reservations vary, so check the linked operator or agency before you leave.
Snowmobiling: Camp Hale or a guided mountain ride
For a day centered on big views, Nova Guides runs guided snowmobile tours from its Camp Hale lodge. Its tour page lists rides of different lengths and explains driver and passenger requirements. Camp Hale is a good fit if you also want to learn about the area’s 10th Mountain Division history.
Sage Outdoor Adventures offers guided snowmobile tours near Vail, including an introductory adventure tour and a more advanced option for experienced riders. Compare age rules, clothing requirements, transportation and cancellation policies before choosing a trip.
Winter fishing: a river or a frozen lake
Winter fishing does not always mean drilling through ice. Vail Valley Anglers in Edwards offers guided winter wade and float trips as well as ice-fishing trips. The outfitter says it welcomes beginners and supplies equipment for guided outings. Ask which trip fits the weather, your experience and the time you have.
If you would rather plan an ice-fishing outing, Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists ice fishing at Sylvan Lake State Park near Eagle. Before traveling there, check current park access and ice conditions. CPW warns that ice thickness can vary even on the same lake. Its ice-safety guidance explains what to check and what safety equipment to bring. Anglers age 16 and older generally need a Colorado fishing license; review the current license rules before booking or setting out.
Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing: go at your own pace
The Vail Nordic Center offers groomed cross-country tracks, snowshoe trails, rentals and lessons during its winter season. It is a useful starting point if you want to try a new activity without planning a backcountry route.
For a guided experience, Walking Mountains Science Center offers backcountry snowshoe programs led by naturalists. Check the outing’s length and meeting point before reserving. If you plan to travel independently, confirm trail access and conditions first; some local trails close seasonally to protect wildlife.
Skating and sleigh rides: shorter outings
For an activity that fits between other plans, consider the Beaver Creek Village ice rink. The resort describes skate rentals and ice bikes there. Check its current season schedule before heading up to the village.
For an evening outside town, 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott lists winter sleigh rides with dinner. Reserve ahead and confirm the date, weather policy and what the meal includes.
Choose the winter day that fits you
Snowmobiling is the higher-energy choice. Guided fishing and snowshoeing offer more time to slow down and learn about the landscape. Skating or a sleigh ride can work when you have only part of a day. Whatever you choose, check the operator’s latest schedule, road conditions and weather before leaving your lodging. For more local planning, see our Vail destination guide.
Sources checked Oct. 25, 2026. Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration of a winter landscape, not a specific trail or current conditions.
