Cold weather canines: Start the day off mushing with Alpine Adventures Dogsledding along six miles of quiet trails to spot roaming elk and cap it off with post-run hot drinks.
Courtesy Alpine Adventures
Trek to The Cookhouse: Visit theTennessee Pass Nordic Center to strap on nordic skis or snowshoes for a one-mile trek to The Cookhouse, a solar-powered yurt that's home to a fine-dining restaurant.
Timothy Gormley Jr.
Bike down the slopes: From mid-December until early April, Adventure Ridge hosts visitors who want to bike down the snowy slopes. Visitors can choose more traditional (no-snow) mountain biking in the summer months.
Chris McLennan/Alamy Stock Photo
A foodie institution. You might spot a few celebs at Sweet Basil, which has been a staple in the Vail community since 1977.
Scott Cramer Photography
Enjoy art alfresco: No matter the season, Vail offers walking tours of its fine outdoor art collection.
Andy Cross/Denver Post/Getty Images
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: The world's highest botanical garden is home to some 3,000 species of alpine and mountain plants, and it's open year-round.
Dennis Frates/Alamy Stock Photo
Get to know the llamas: Paragon Guides offers a 4- to 5-night hike between Vail and Aspen where guests make their way through the White River National Forest with llamas carrying the gear.
Courtesy Jack Affleck
Summer on a paddleboard: The calm waters of Sylvan Lake are the perfect place for stand-up paddleboarding, and half-day trips with Timberline Tours are a great way to get to know the local flora and fauna.