The Vail Valley transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Snow blankets the peaks, lights twinkle through Vail Village, and every corner of the valley hums with warmth and celebration. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have called these mountains home for decades, these three unforgettable experiences capture the true spirit of the holidays in Vail, Beaver Creek, and Minturn.
1. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides & Dinner at Bearcat Stables, Cordillera
For a quintessential Colorado winter evening, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the scenic meadows of Bearcat Stables in Cordillera, just minutes from Vail and Edwards. This historic homestead offers one of the most authentic alpine adventures in the Vail Valley. Glide through snow-covered trails under starlit skies, wrapped in warm blankets, as draft horses pull you toward a cozy dinner inside the Bearcat Cabin. Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine, roaring fireplaces, and genuine Rocky Mountain hospitality. Perfect for couples, families, or guests seeking a magical holiday activity near Vail, Bearcat Stables' sleigh rides deliver the ideal blend of nostalgia and luxury.
2. Fine Dining on the Mountain at Zach’s Cabin, Bachelor Gulch
Hidden high above Beaver Creek Resort, Zach’s Cabin offers one of the most exclusive alpine dining experiences in Colorado. Guests are whisked up the mountain by a snowcat-drawn sleigh to a warmly lit cabin overlooking the valley. Inside, the ambiance is pure mountain elegance: wood-beamed ceilings, candlelight, and a world-class wine list curated for the most discerning palates. The menu features locally sourced Colorado ingredients, blending refined flavors with rustic charm. Whether for a romantic dinner or a private celebration, Zach’s Cabin captures the essence of luxury mountain dining in Beaver Creek — a perfect way to celebrate the holidays in style.
3. Ski the Minturn Mile & Après at The Minturn Saloon
If adventure is your love language, there’s no better way to experience the valley than by skiing the legendary Minturn Mile — a locals’ favorite that starts high atop Vail Mountain and winds through untouched glades and open meadows before descending into the historic town of Minturn.
Your reward? A well-earned margarita and hearty meal at the iconic Minturn Saloon, a landmark gathering place for Vail skiers since the 1970s. It’s an experience that perfectly combines the thrill of backcountry skiing with the laid-back, old-Colorado charm that makes the Vail Valley so beloved.
Experience the Magic of Winter in the Vail Valley
From sleigh rides in Cordillera to snowcat dinners in Bachelor Gulch and après-ski adventures in Minturn, the Vail Valley offers some of the best holiday experiences in Colorado. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or sophisticated alpine luxury, winter here feels like stepping into a snow globe — one filled with warmth, joy, and community.
