FAMILY WINTER ADVENTURES IN AND AROUND VAIL
Winter in Vail feels made for families. You have big mountain skiing, cozy villages, and plenty of ways to play in the snow, even if not everyone wants to spend all day on the slopes. If you are looking up things to do for families in Vail, Colorado, in winter, it helps to plan for a mix of in-town fun, mellow snow days, and one or two standout adventures at Sage Outdoor Adventures that everyone will remember.
Planning Your Winter Family Vacation in Vail
Before you lock in plans, it is helpful to get a feel for the weather. A live overview, such as the Vail WinterCast shows expected snowfall and temperature swings, which makes it easier to choose which days will be best for skiing, tubing, or snowmobiling.
When you are sketching out things to do for families in Vail, Colorado, in winter, a simple structure works well:
- One bigger “adventure day” off the mountain
- One relaxed village day with short activities
- A few flexible mornings or afternoons for whatever the group feels like
Packing smart helps those days feel easier. General outdoor guides like some layering basics explain how a simple three-layer system (base, insulating mid layer, and shell) keeps people more comfortable as conditions change. That same approach works for strolling through Vail Village, riding a gondola, or heading out to a snow tubing hill.
Easy Village Time with Kids and Grandparents
You don’t have to go far from your lodging to find things to do with kids in Vail. On many winter trips, a full day in the villages becomes everyone’s surprise favorite.
Build an “around town” day around simple stops like:
- Walking through Vail Village or Lionshead for hot chocolate and window shopping
- Playing in snowy plazas and open spaces between shops and restaurants
- Evening ice skating followed by an early dinner and a slow walk back to the hotel
These lighter days are ideal on arrival and departure days, or when some people in the group want a break from early mornings and chairlift lines. They also make it easy for grandparents and non skiers to be in the middle of the fun without committing to a full day on the hill.
Guided Snow Tubing on Sage’s Private Mountain
When your crew is ready for something different, tubing is often the simplest way to add a big highlight to a winter family vacation Vail itinerary. Sage Outdoor Adventures runs a snow tubing hill on its own private mountain, about a half hour’s drive from town.
On Sage’s snow tubing hill, families ride up in a raft behind a snowmobile, then choose between two custom-built lanes:
- A gentle “green” lane for an easy, smooth ride
- A longer “blue” lane with more speed and a bigger runout
Snow tubing in Vail: guests can reach this way and feel more like a mini mountain resort experience than an in-town hill. The session is structured, but relaxed: you arrive, gear up, slide as much as you want during your hour, and enjoy wide open views of the surrounding peaks.
If you are comparing tubing styles across the state, our Best Snow Tubing in Colorado article is a helpful reference for how Sage’s hill stacks up against other destinations.
Snowmobiling Vail Backcountry Terrain with a Guide
If your group is curious about snowmobiling Vail backcountry views without having to figure out trails on your own, a guided tour on Sage’s private mountain is an easy way to do it. The property covers more than 6,000 acres and sits only about thirty minutes from Vail, with groomed trails, open meadows, and viewpoints across the Vail Valley, Gore Range, and Continental Divide.
A typical tour on Sage’s snowmobiling terrain includes:
- A clear orientation and practice time near the base
- Miles of groomed trails winding through forest and rolling hills
- Stops at scenic overlooks where you can see Vail and Beaver Creek in the distance
These Vail winter tours for families work exceptionally well when you have a mix of comfort levels. Confident riders can take the lead for part of the time, and others can simply enjoy the views from the passenger seat.
For a bigger picture, look at how guided snowmobile outings fit into Colorado trips, Best Snowmobiling Rentals in Colorado offers helpful context from people who ride these trails every day.
Putting Together a Flexible Family Itinerary
Once you start listing things to do for families in Vail Colorado in winter, it becomes clear that you do not need every minute scheduled. A little structure and a lot of flexibility tends to work best.
One possible three-day flow:
- Day 1: Village plus ski sampler
- A relaxed morning on beginner or favorite runs
- Afternoon wandering through Vail Village and Lionshead
- Skating, hot chocolate, and a simple dinner nearby
- Day 2: Off-mountain adventure
- Morning snow tubing or snowmobiling with Sage
- Scenic drive back along the valley
- Quiet evening back at your lodging with games or a movie
- Day 3: Choose your own pace
- Repeat the activity everyone loved most
- Or keep it low-key with short walks, photo stops, and another village afternoon
If tubing is high on your list, discover America’s winter wonderland and plan for it like the main event it can be.
Watching Winter Weather and Roads
Mountain weather and roads are part of the story in Vail, so it helps to keep an eye on conditions, especially for travel days and off-mountain adventures. A straightforward resource for winter driving tips for the Rockies explains why leaving extra time, carrying basic supplies, and understanding traction expectations can make drives feel calmer.
For family winter activities, Vail is known for, a simple packing checklist usually covers most needs:
- Waterproof jacket and pants for everyone
- Insulated gloves or mittens and warm hats
- Wool or synthetic socks and sturdy winter boots
- A small daypack with snacks, water, and extra layers
From there, you can adjust day by day based on the forecast and how everyone is feeling. Clear, cold mornings might be perfect for a snowmobile tour. Softer, cloudier afternoons might be great for tubing or village time.
Bringing It All Together
In the end, the best things to do for families in Vail, Colorado, in winter are the moments that feel both easy and memorable. That might be a simple walk through town as snow falls, a shared laugh on the tubing hill, or a quiet pause at a viewpoint on Sage’s private mountain.
By mixing village time, relaxed in town activities, and guided outdoor adventures, Vail visitors can reach with a short drive, giving everyone in the group a chance to find their favorite part of the trip. Snow tubing and snowmobiling with Sage Outdoor Adventures become natural anchors in that plan, adding just enough adventure to make your winter family vacation in Vail feel special without complicating it.
Nick Junker
General Manager
I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the professional realm.
With a background in Sales and Outdoor Recreation, I’ve navigated through various roles where I’ve honed my expertise in Risk Management, Business Development and Financial Analysis. From Account Executive to General Manager, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of client and employee relations, Human Resources, Project Management and overall business operations from generating sales to budgeting expenses and managing over 30 employees.
My mission is to create a great culture in any organization I am apart of, through creating efficient industry specific systems within the business that satisfies both employees and investors. Whether it’s through implementing new business systems or managing employee expectations, I’m committed to meeting the goals of the organization.
Known for my strong leadership and organizational skills, I excel in delegating tasks to keep projects and goals on task and on budget. I’m passionate about systems, always seeking innovative solutions to making the business run smoother and more efficiently. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working with diverse individuals to build a strong team thats driven to accomplish the organizations goals.
