Summary
When you’re not hitting the slopes in Vail, there’s still an abundance of delights. Ride scenic gondolas, explore botanical gardens, enjoy spa & wellness treatments, wander the boutique-filled Vail Village & Lionshead. Then, savor world-class food and drink, and dive into events (music, art, festivals) or outdoor snowshoeing or tubing. Vail Mountain Lodging properties put you in the heart of the action, so you can mix and match relaxation and adventure without long drives.
Maybe your muscles need rest, or maybe you just want a slower mountain day, but being off skis doesn’t mean being bored in Vail. Here are curated ways to fill your time with comfort, culture, exploration, and mountain magic when the skis come off.
Culture, Culinary & Village Exploration
If you're wondering “what’s there to do in Vail aside from skiing?”, the cultural and food scenes deliver richly.
- Wander through Vail Village and Lionshead Village: upscale boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, and riverside walking paths make for serene explorations. Vail Mountain Lodging highlights that Vail Village is pedestrian-only and offers a sophisticated blend of shopping, dining, and ambiance.
- Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, one of the highest botanical gardens in the world including a greenhouse and art gallery. Go here for native alpine flora, quiet ponds, art-infused landscape, and peaceful meditation spaces.
- Indulge in Vail’s gourmet offerings: from fine-dining to casual bites, après-tasting events, and sipping local spirits. Restaurants in Vail Village such as Sweet Basil, Matsuhisa, and others are often highlighted for their quality and variety.
Wellness & Outdoor Rendezvous
If you’re asking “what outdoor adventures or wellness options are available when you don't ski?”, Vail has many gentle to exhilarating alternatives coupled with a balance of wellness.
- Spa & wellness treatments: several Vail resorts and lodging options (and Vail Mountain Lodging properties) provide luxurious spa experiences. Relaxing massages, steam rooms, hot tubs, or wellness classes are perfect when you want calm.
- Snowshoeing, fat-biking, snowmobile rides, sleigh rides, or tubing: these offer motion without ski boots. The Vail Nordic Center, and guided tours, make them accessible even for beginners.
- Ice skating, evening live music, boutique galleries, or attending a festival or tasting event: for nights or slower days, Vail’s off-slope evenings are alive with culture and conversation.
Ready to experience all of Vail beyond the slopes in comfort and style? Contact Vail Mountain Lodging to book your stay, visit vailmountainlodging.com, or call 877-431-0868, or email info@vailmountainlodging.com, and let us help you build a non-ski day itinerary that feels like magic.
