\u201cThe Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway\u201d – Every Colorado Resident Ever<\/i><\/p>\n
Spring is far from sprung, and the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays grows dim in our rearview mirrors. One might say this is the lull of winter in the Valley (or really anywhere with a chill.) Somewhere between \u201cgood tidings of great joy\u201d and \u201cApril showers bring May flowers\u201d, it\u2019s easy to hole-up, sink into some fuzzy socks and your favorite chair, and choose Netflix hibernation mode as our sole winter activity from here on out.<\/p>\n
Listen, we love a solid flick as much as the next team. But this is the Vail Valley, we\u2019re talking about. When you\u2019re here, you\u2019re family. Wait, that\u2019s Olive Garden. Seems true for Vail too, but anyway.<\/p>\n
Like we said, this is the Vail Valley. As much as we could pass on the days that threaten to freeze our orbital bones or eyeballs solid, we live for the winter – and more specifically – for the winter activities.<\/p>\n
Truth be told, we\u2019re still learning over here what all the underground hotspots and can\u2019t-miss winter activities around Edwards. So we pooled a little research on our own with some recommendations from one of our favorite local experts, Will Schleifer of TV8- a well-respected Advertising Consultant overflowing with connections, stories, and local recommendations.<\/p>\n
So here goes. Whether you\u2019re in for a weekend trip or a local with a bit of cabin fever, here\u2019s our top ten winter activities you\u2019ve got to check out in the Valley before the snow melts.<\/p>\n
Confused? We were too. Lucky for us (and you), skijoring is the winter spectator sport of our dreams (or at least of comedies). Head to nearby Leadville from March 6-8 this year for the highest speed skiing you\u2019ll find on flat ground. Think Kentucky derby meets drag racing meets slalom skiing. Will describes this crazy sport as \u201ca man on skis going over jumps while being pulled by a horse at full speed. What could go wrong?\u201d Count us out for participating and in for bringing the popcorn and maybe a first-aid kit.<\/p>\n
A Will Schleifer favorite, this charming Vail winter activity will have you and your partner cuddled up in a snowcat-drawn sleigh to turn up the warm fuzzies in a dinner excursion you\u2019ll talk about for years to come. Heck, this is the stuff of the Bachelor franchise. According to the website, Beano\u2019s Cabin is often recognized by \u201cDistinguished Restaurants of North America\u201d. Needless to say, it\u2019s a high-class establishment with all the allure of a cozy winter wonderland.<\/p>\n
This can\u2019t miss Vail winter activity is a staple event every year. The mid-February celebration includes self-guided historical tours, parades, face-to-face meetings with the Colorado National Guard, a ski trooper race, helicopter landings, and a host of other events honoring the history and legacy of Vail and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n
Apparently, Vail saves the best winter activity for last. Will says, \u201cIf you\u2019re in the area, it\u2019s an absolute must see.\u201d In this part-sport, part-show spectacle, participants aim to ski and snowboard across a pond while throwing in some comedy for the sake of the audience. According to Will, participants do quite a good job of entertaining the audience but don\u2019t have quite so much luck in crossing the pond.<\/p>\n
Beaver Creek\u2019s late January Culinary Weekend<\/a> is a foodie-fantasy that will water your taste buds and refine your palate. Hosted by the fantastically talented Andrew Zimmern (who you\u2019ll recognized from the Travel Channel\u2019s Bizarre Foods<\/i> and Food Network\u2019s Big Food Truck Tip<\/i>), this luxe weekend offers unrivaled themed dinners, guided tours, tastings, classes, demonstrations and more. (Hurry, it\u2019s happening soon!)<\/p>\n If you find yourself close by on the first Friday of any month, and you\u2019re aching for a little local flavor, head to the Vail Valley Art Guild<\/a> in Minturn. Now of course, this event isn\u2019t seasonal like some of the others, but we think the cold days of January, February, and March are the perfect backdrop for a cozy walk through some art. Will says this isn\u2019t your adrenaline-filled winter activity, but \u201cif you want to see talent from some of the local artists . . . in the valley, this is the place.\u201d<\/p>\n Spending a day or week on the slopes of the famed Vail Mountain? Switch it up a little by joining one of the complementary ski tours led by experienced mountain guides<\/a>. They\u2019re a lesser known perk of your lift ticket purchase! Every day except Saturday, you can cross this winter activity off your bucket list at 10:30am or head over at 10:15am on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday for a more advanced tour of the back bowls. Ladies looking for a Girls Day Out that takes the cake? Bring your crew for an all-female tour of the back bowls every Monday and Friday at 10:15am.<\/p>\nVail Valley Art Guild: First Fridays in Minturn<\/h3>\n
Complimentary Ski Tours<\/h3>\n
Guided Snowshoe Tours<\/h3>\n