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Not a skier? Don’t know how? You can still have a fun winter vacation even if you don’t ski! Living in the South, I love it when we actually have winter and I get very excited when we get the occasional snow. However, it’s usually not much and it isn’t the soft, fluffy snow that’s fun to play in. It’s that hard, packed kind of snow. I had never snow skied before but still wanted to experience a winter wonderland vacation.
On my trip to Colorado, I did just that. We went to the Beaver Creek/Vail area. Now, I will say I skied for the first time and I did pretty well with it. I will also say I won’t be calling myself a snow skier anytime soon and that I thoroughly enjoyed these two activities so much more! If you are like me, here are two things for you or the non-skier in your life to do in Vail, Colorado!
2 Snow Activities for the Non-Skier in Vail
1 | Dog Sledding
When I discovered there was dog sledding available, I was so excited! I have been dog sledding before in Alaska and I loved it. Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures is located a little ways from Vail, but it’s a beautiful, scenic drive. They even pick you up from your hotel!
Our driver brought his dog Kenai with him. He likes to ride and greet the guests!
Kenai used to mush, but if I remember correctly, he is retired now. He still loves the snow!
It was nice to sit back and take in all the beautiful scenery on the drive.
Once you get there, you get all nestled and wrapped up in your sled for your adventure!
Look At Them Go!
And off we went. The dogs love to run and HATE to stop! During the run, my guide, Kristin, was very friendly and super informative about the dogs, the process and the area in general.
Learning to Mush!
Kristin even gave me a turn to take the reins! It was fun to learn their commands and how the dogs responded to them.
After the adventure was over, we got to pet and learn more about our dogs and the other dogs at the camp. They were so cute and friendly.
The tour is a half-day tour, lasting around 4 hours. This does include transportation time to/from the Beaver Creek and Vail areas. There are refreshments offered at the end as well as an opportunity to purchase photos and videos they take of you during your tour. You can have your own camera as well.
Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures
Location: 213 W 17th St, Leadville, CO 80461
Contact: (719) 486-1336
TIP: Tours are private, include snacks and pickup/drop-off from Vail and Beaver Creek. There are NO bathrooms.
2 | Snowmobiling
Something I have wanted to do for a long time now. Snowmobiling. It did not disappoint! We did a half-day tour with Nova Guides.
Our tour was called the Top of the Rockies at Camp Hale and I highly recommend it. Camp Hale is 6,000 square miles of an old WW2 training camp that still has bombs that were never found. They find and detonate 1-2 every year! Don’t worry, you won’t be discovering any bombs during your tour!
We turned out to be the only two on our tour which was awesome! I looked like I was trying to pull off some sort of ninja look in all this gear, but I stayed warm.
The scenery was just absolutely gorgeous! Aspen trees and a winter wonderland on a sunny day. It’s a beautiful and peaceful combination!
We went to a high point of around 12,000 feet and we were able to see Mount of the Holy Cross and Mount Elbert, two of Colorado’s 14’ers. Our guide also pointed out where the Continental Divide was. Unbelievably breathtaking!
Lunch
Bonus, the tour includes lunch! Come in from the cold and have your pick of menu items at the cafe. I chose the chili with cheese toast and it was hot, yummy and perfect!
You might also like: MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS: A WINTER TOUR IN CHARLESTON
Experience Our Adventure
There is really nothing like it!
We covered approximately 50 miles on the half-day trip and as you can see, my husband had a great time too!
Nova Guides
Location: 7088 US-24, Red Cliff, CO 81649
Contact: (719) 486-2656
TIP: If you have the time, book the full day trip. The half-day was amazing and I wanted more!
Where To Stay
Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
I highly recommend staying at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch for a few reasons. The obvious is that, well, it’s the Ritz! Past that though, it is a ski-in/ski-out resort for those who do ski. You can take a sleigh ride up to the restaurants behind the hotel and even meet Bachelor and Scout, the resident dogs (Saint Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog, respectively).
Colorado Travel Resources
- Insurance: Don’t forget your World Nomads travel insurance especially if you are an adventurist!
- Packing: I highly recommend the following for a winter trip to Colorado:
- Snow Pants -these are the ones I’m wearing
- Ski Goggles -if you have a small face, are hard to fit and need youth-sized goggles, these are the ones I’m wearing and they’re perfect! They have regular sizes too.
- Snow Boots -I’m wearing these above as well. They are warm, kept my feet dry and didn’t require any breaking in.
- Luggage: The Chester Minima is a perfect carry-on. You can read my in-depth review and use code TRIMM10 for 10% off! This Briggs & Riley is my go-to checked bag.
PIN IT!
Even if you don’t ski, don’t think you can’t have a great time in the snow! The only regret I had was not booking the full-day snowmobiling tour. But that’s what next time is for, right? 😉
Have you been to Vail and done either of these activities? If so, which was your favorite? If not, which would you want to do most?
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
Ok, I am ready for you to book the “next time” and take me with you! Loved this post and Jim was typical Jim!:)