We will be spending five days in Vail in Jan. Our children ski, we don't. What is there to do? We would be game for snowmobiling. Is there a company which handles this? Is cross country too much for someone who doesn't ski? If not, where?Any other suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Cross country skiing can be a little tricky, it would depend on your general fitness level, flexibiity and balance. You can get out and "shuffle" along at your own pace and still enjoy it, so don't write it off. But consider snow shoeing, which gets you out into the fun but doesn't take any sports training. (Can still be a good workout, depending on your pace.)

Try dog sledding. We did it on our day off from skiing. It was so much fun..cold...but fun. I can't remember the company right off the top of my head, but I know they came and picked us up from our condo for a small fee. It was only my husband, myself and another lady, so we got more mush time. Anyways, it was a blast!

If you want the name of the company, let me know and I'll try and find the name.

vail has a myraid of activities for the non down hiller. ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing down a track, horseback riding. yes there are guided snowmobile tours - check out www.novaguides.com they have a dog sledding tour as well that looks very cool. you could drive over to glenwood springs and soak in the thermal pool for a couple hours and be back before the kids are off the mtn. if you want to try x-c take a lesson! you might like it alot. tons of shopping. go get a drink or some hot chocolate and watch people.

You will find plenty to do. Try the Vail chamber of commerce or visitor's bureau for links to the vendors. Maybe a sleigh ride or carriage ride?
I have cross country skied at the golf course in Vail, which is a very easy route. With a couple of pointers, you'll be on your way. Really don't need a lesson, as it would be hard to get hurt doing it there (probably more likely to get hurt snowmobiling). Just ask if there are any narrow downhill trails, and avoid them. I took my six-year-old daughter along and we had a blast.
If you have a car, you can easily drive to Summit County to shop or dine, etc. Or to Glenwood Springs as someone suggested. It's a pretty drive through Glenwood Canyon.

Hi

You can always go shopping in the village OR take a horse drawn carriage ride (that is wonderful).

Another treat is to drive over to Mintern and have dinner at the Mintern Country Club (it's a club in the country!!).

When you say Vail, most people think ski...

...I think, cozy up in the chalet with a good book and a Peppermint Patty (hot chocolate and peppermint schnopps)

Is that how you spell 'schnopps', it doesn't look right.

Ok, in addition to the above, I also think "shop" when I hear Vail.

Shop and schnopps, a beautiful combination.

Hi Tiff,

I think it's schnapps, but shop and schnopps just seems to go better together!

There you go SusanEva, you sweetheart, I knew it wasn't right, lol.

I'd like to buy a new vowel please, lol.

Its fun to drive to Beavercreek Resort from Vail for a day of lunching, shopping, and schnapping!

If you have a car, a 11/2--2 hour drive to Glenwood Springs would be great--the best hot springs pool and setting you can imagine, and a beautiful drive through Glenwood Canyon. Cross country can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it--just keep it level, and you'll be fine. YOu might want to take a beginner's lesson for downhill-might make you an addict!

It's never too late to learn. Take some lessons!

You might want to have lunch on the mountain one day with your children. Buy pedestrian passes for the gondola and meet them at the Blue Moon at Eagle's Nest. Views from the gondola and top of the mountain are gorgeous.

P.S. You can ride the gondola free at night and have dinner at the same Blue Moon Saloon.

Do take Jean's suggestion and ride the Gondola. One of my favorite views is at the top of the gondola up the trail to the right and then looking down the back side of the mountain to the valley below - awesome! I'm with Tiff, my money is wasted these days on a lift ticket. I'm only good for about three runs before lunch and then one after - down to the schnapps and schopping!

From a Vail local... agreeing with previous posts. Dog-sledding is a blast, ooodles of mountaintop fun if you ride the gondola, ice skating in Beaver Creek but when I have non-skiers visiting, I like to take them to Glenwood. It's 56 miles west of Vail on I-70 (easy & breathtaking drive) Do the vapor caves & get a massage! OR Glenwood Caverns are a terrific "something different" experience. Try Juicy Lucy's for lunch in town...if you could stay for dinner: Florinda's YUM OR just stay in Vail & have a long leisurly lunch then SHOP!

Hey Localgal: Where is Florinda's? We're always looking for a good place to stop for dinner on our way to Vail

If it's a warmer day, take a flyfishing lesson on the Eagle River with a guide from the shop in Avon, or on the Roaring Fork River with a guide out of the flyshop in Glenwood Springs.