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Vail’s world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain draws visitors from around the world, it’s true. Yet there’s much more to this Colorado mountain town than snow sports.

Whether you crave a bold outdoor adventure in the Rockies or favor an afternoon of posh pampering, the Vail Valley offers vacationers a wide range of recreation options.

From hiking with llamas to sampling tasty craft beers, here are 15 ways to get the most out of your next visit to Vail.

1. Sip a flight of craft beers 

Craft beer is huge in Colorado, and the Vail Valley is no exception. Head to one of Vail Brewing Co’s two locations – or – and order a flight to sample a rotating selection of their brews. Founded in 2014, the veteran-owned brewery makes beers inspired by the valley’s active lifestyle, each one perfect for sipping after a day of hiking or skiing.

Drinks aside, you can get a sense of Vail’s local flavor by bellying up to the bar at any of the restaurants in the valley and chatting with the bartender and fellow patrons.

2. Drive bumper cars on ice 

Remember playfully ramming into your friends and siblings in bumper cars at the local carnival as a kid? Now picture doing it on an ice rink, as a grown-up.

You can relive this fun piece of your childhood in a slightly chillier setting at Vail’s . The arena has 12 colorful ice bumper cars available for kids and adults to rent at a cost of $10 for 15 minutes.

Planning tip: Remember to before you get to the arena. Then bump away.

3. Go trekking with llamas

Backpacking by yourself requires a lot of planning and gear that seems to get heavier as the day goes on. So consider hiring a very special (and very cute) team to help bear your load. The llamas at in the Vail Valley can shoulder your gear on multi-day trekking trips between Colorado backcountry huts.

Planning tip: If you’re strapped for time, the llamas are also available for shorter “” excursions.

4. Zoom around the slopes on a snowmobile

You can go pretty darn fast while skiing downhill – but you can really let rip on a snowmobile. These speedy machines are a great way to explore the Vail Valley’s expansive terrain in the winter while also getting your adrenaline pumping. Numerous local companies offer tours and rentals, including , , and . 

5. Get out on the water on a stand-up paddle board

Vail’s weather is downright glorious during the summer – think mild mid-70-degree highs, lots of sun and light breezes. While you won’t find many beaches in these mountains, the Vail Valley offers plenty of ways to get out on the water, including on a stand-up paddle board (SUP).

If you’re new to the sport, head out on the flat waters of (where you can also rent paddle boards and pedal boats) or book a stay at , which offers its guests access to Piney Lake.

Detour: Fancy a more adrenaline-fueled adventure on the water? Try white-water rafting with to get up close and personal with Colorado’s rivers.

6. Glide around on ice skates

Lace up your skates and aspire to the grace of an Olympic figure skater or the strength of an NHL hockey pro. Ice skating is a fun, family-friendly activity, and the Vail Valley is home to several indoor and outdoor rinks that are perfect for spending an afternoon gliding around on the ice (and warming up with hot chocolate after).

Check out the , the and the in town, as well as the rink at , just a 15-minute drive west of Vail.

7. Hit the links at one of Vail’s golf courses

Since the Rockies are the ever-present backdrop here, it’s no surprise that Vail is home to some seriously stunning golf courses. Whether you’re a semi-pro or a beginner, there’s a course for everyone here.

is a popular 18-hole public course with views of the Gore Range, while is a premier private club with courses designed by esteemed architects Tom Fazio and Greg Norman. Though membership is required, guests can enjoy the course if they're staying at one of the club’s .

Other golf courses to bookmark include , , and . Many Vail courses also offer lessons and have a clubhouse that serves food, so that you can make a day of it with the whole family.

8. Go cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center

Vail is famous for its downhill runs – but the valley is also a great place to work up a sweat while cross-country skiing. The offers more than 10 miles of groomed trails reserved for classic or skate skiing, plus 6 miles for snowshoeing and 8 miles for fat biking (a winter-friendly style of biking with big, cushiony tires). Managed by the Vail Recreation District, the center also offers daily lessons, on-site rentals, and a cafe for warming up after a day in the snow.

Detour: also has 5 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus terrain designed specifically for kids. 

9. Have a fancy picnic

Instead of packing a dull trail mix to eat during your hike, why not dine in style among the aspens and evergreens? Local purveyor specializes in planning picture-perfect picnics that range from simple meat-and-cheese plates to elaborate spreads set up by a “picnic concierge.” Seating, tableware and everything else you'll need is provided – you just need to show up and enjoy the views while you dine.

10 Learn about the environment at the Vail Nature Center

Run by the nonprofit Walking Mountains Science Center, the is a tranquil place to learn about sustainability, the environment, plants, animals, birds and other nature-focused topics. Situated on a seven-acre plot once occupied by a 1940s homestead, the free center has interactive walking trails, exhibits and tours about everything from birds to beaver ponds.

Detour: If you have time, also check out Walking Mountains’ other locations: the and the , accessed via the Eagle Bahn gondola at the ski resort.

11. Zoom across the snow on a dog sled

Watch the snowy winter landscape fly by as excited pups pull your sled through the snow. , and other operators offer guided dog-sledding excursions and tour. The experience typically includes meeting the dogs and learning about their unique job before they get to work, and your snowy ride begins.

12. Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh

Even if you don’t visit over the peak holiday season, there’s no better way to enjoy the Vail Valley’s serene, snow-covered landscape than from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh.Located 20 miles west of Vail, offers sleigh rides that start with a warm drink and a bowl of chili, then end with a full-blown, ranch-style dinner and s’mores around the campfire. Sleigh rides are also on offer through and .

13. Tap a guide and go fly-fishing

Whether you’re a fly-fishing pro or just starting to (ahem) dip your toes into the water, the Vail Valley’s rivers and creeks are ideal for pursuing this slow-paced and stress-relieving pastime. Head out on your own, or find a guide to show you the best spots on the Gold Medal waters of Gore Creek, the Eagle River or the Colorado River. , , , and other operators offer turnkey guided trips throughout the valley and beyond.

14. Enjoy open-air concerts and performances at Gerald R Ford Amphitheater

On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing like unfolding a blanket on the lawn of , kicking back and listening to an orchestra or watching a ballet performance.

With intriguing architecture and a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the outdoor amphitheater was named after the country’s 38th president, who regularly visited Vail during and after his presidency. (He had a house near Beaver Creek.) The Amp, as it’s known locally, is one of the most scenic performance venues around and regularly hosts big-name musicians, live theater, dance performances and several festivals.

15. Indulge yourself with a spa treatment

After playing in Vail’s mountains all day, give your body (and mind) a break with a spa treatment. Vail has so many great spas it can be hard to pick just one, but your hotel can be a great place to start. , the , the and are among several Vail hotels that have world-class spas. Services range from deep-tissue massages to body scrubs, facials, salon services...everything in between.