I’ll never forget the first time I planned a big group trip to Breckenridge. My friends were buzzing about hitting the Imperial Express lift and carving down fresh powder. But my sister, who came along for the mountain air, had one simple question: “So… what am I supposed to do all day?” It was a great question. We often think of a ski town vacation as being all about, well, skiing. But I discovered that some of the most memorable moments happen far from the chairlifts. The truth is, there are so many amazing non ski activities colorado ski resorts offer that you can have a full, incredible vacation without ever snapping into a pair of bindings.
Over the years, I’ve made it my personal mission to uncover the best of what these snowy towns have to offer for everyone. Whether you’re the designated “lodge-sitter,” traveling with little ones, or simply prefer your adventures at a slower pace, I promise you, Colorado’s ski towns are a magical playground for you, too. This is my personal guide to the fun that awaits beyond the slopes.
Sip, Savor, and Soak it In: The Art of Mountain Relaxation
Sometimes, the best part of a mountain vacation is simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The skiers in your group will be exhausted by the afternoon, so you’ll be the champion of finding the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect.
Après without the Ski: The term “après-ski” literally means “after ski,” but I believe it’s a state of mind open to all. You don’t need sore legs to enjoy a craft beer by a roaring fire. I absolutely love the patio at The Canteen in Breckenridge, where they have massive fire pits and incredible cocktails. In Vail, grabbing a hot chocolate from The Fitz and people-watching in the village square is a perfect afternoon. You get all the vibrant energy of the mountain culture without any of the chill.
Mountain Spas are Next-Level: Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like getting a massage in a warm, quiet room while watching snowflakes drift down outside your window. Most major resorts have world-class spas. I once treated myself to a day at the RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, and it was pure bliss. Many spas have hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and oxygen lounges that are perfect for acclimating to the altitude. It’s a vacation within a vacation.
Adventure on Your Own Two Feet (or a Tube!)
If you crave that crisp mountain air and a bit of a thrill but skiing isn’t your thing, you have so many options. These activities give you all the beauty of the Rockies without the steep learning curve of skiing.
Snowshoeing: My Favorite Way to Find Peace and Quiet
My first time snowshoeing, I thought it would be clumsy and awkward. I was so wrong. It’s basically just walking on snow, but it allows you to get off the beaten path and into the serene, silent forest. It’s my go-to activity when I need to clear my head. Most resorts have Nordic centers that rent gear and maintain beautiful, groomed trails.
- Breckenridge Nordic Center: Offers stunning trails with views of the Tenmile Range. It’s super accessible from town.
- Vail Nordic Center: The trails here wind along the beautiful Gore Creek, offering a flat and scenic experience perfect for beginners.
- Snowmass Nordic Center: You can explore miles of peaceful trails with incredible views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Maroon Bells.
Ice Skating Under the Lights
There’s something so classic and romantic about outdoor ice skating. In the evening, when the village lights start to twinkle and music fills the air, it feels like you’re in a snow globe. My favorite memory is skating on Keystone Lake, a five-acre, Zamboni-maintained lake that is absolutely magical at night. Beaver Creek’s rink is right in the heart of the village, surrounded by cozy fire pits where you can warm up afterward. It’s a perfect activity for families and couples alike.
High-Speed Tubing Hills
If you want a little adrenaline rush, you have to try a tubing hill. This is not the little neighborhood sledding hill from your childhood. These are organized, lift-serviced lanes of pure, high-speed fun. The Frisco Adventure Park is a fantastic option with long, fast lanes and a magic carpet to pull you back up the hill. Copper Mountain’s tubing hill is another one I love. It’s pure, uncomplicated joy, and I guarantee you’ll be laughing the whole way down.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Colorado Experiences
Beyond the typical winter fun, Colorado’s mountains offer some truly unique adventures that will make your trip unforgettable. These are the stories you’ll be telling for years to come.
A Scenic Gondola Ride to the Top
You don’t need to be a skier to experience the jaw-dropping views from the top of the mountain. Most resorts sell “foot passenger” or scenic gondola tickets. I highly recommend taking the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen. The ride up Aspen Mountain is breathtaking, and once you’re at the top, you can have lunch at the Sundeck with a 360-degree view of the Elk Mountains. It’s an incredible way to feel on top of the world and get a sense of the vastness of the Rockies.
Discovering Historic Mountain Towns
One of the best non ski activities colorado ski resorts have to offer is exploring the towns themselves. These aren’t just basecamps for skiing; they are historic places with rich stories, fantastic shops, and amazing food.
- Breckenridge: Walk down the historic Main Street, which is lined with colorful Victorian buildings. Pop into the little shops, visit the Breckenridge Distillery for a tasting, and feel the town’s authentic mining past.
- Crested Butte: Known as the “last great Colorado ski town,” Elk Avenue is a registered National Historic District. It’s incredibly charming, with no traffic lights and a wonderfully preserved, funky, old-west vibe.
- Telluride: Tucked into a stunning box canyon, Telluride has a fascinating history. Ride the free gondola connecting the town to Mountain Village for spectacular views and explore the same streets where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank.
Dog Sledding Through a Winter Forest
For a truly memorable adventure, I can’t recommend dog sledding enough. I went with Good Times Adventures near Breckenridge, and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. You get to meet the excited, happy dogs, learn how to guide the sled, and then whoosh through quiet, snow-covered trails. The power and energy of the dog team is incredible, and the scenery is pristine. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the experience is absolutely worth it.
Your Perfect Non-Skier Day
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Here’s what a perfect day could look like:
- Morning: Start with a gentle snowshoe hike on a groomed trail at a local Nordic center. Breathe in the cold, fresh air and enjoy the silence of the woods.
- Lunch: Find a cozy cafe in town for a warm bowl of soup and a hot drink. I recommend grabbing a crepe at Crepes A La Cart in Breckenridge (be prepared for a line, it’s that good!).
- Afternoon: Indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax in a hot tub with mountain views. Let your body adjust to the altitude and just unwind.
- Evening: Go for an evening ice skate in the village, followed by a delicious dinner at one of the town’s many fantastic restaurants.
A trip to the Colorado mountains is about so much more than just skiing. It’s about reconnecting with nature, spending quality time with people you love, and making memories in a beautiful setting. The wide array of non ski activities colorado ski resorts provide ensures that every single person in your group can find their own kind of mountain magic.