No matter where you're headed, most major ski resorts offer a long list of off-mountain activities to keep you busy, such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding, hot air ballooning, and even street performances. So whether you prefer to stay off the slopes, or are looking for something different on your day off, here is a sneak peek at some of the more unusual and adventurous opportunities you can find in the Vail and Beaver Creek area (check other ski resorts for unique activities if Vail isn't your final destination):
1. Chill Out to Cool Music at Beaver Creek—Literally!
Promising to be one of the most unique activities debuting anywhere this ski season is the entirely made from ice “Crystal Grotto” at Beaver Creek. Instruments created from ice will be used during daytime performances mid-mountain and accessible even to those who don’t ski via a ride on the Centennial chairlift (where you can download). The ice theater will seat 150 warmly dressed visitors at 1pm and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and select Fridays throughout the winter. Tickets ($10) can be purchased at the Beaver Creek Information Center. Kids 12 years old and under are free for the 3pm Saturday family show. Go to Beavercreek.com for more information.
2. Soar Over the Vail Valley via Paraglider
Fly safely in your tandem paragliding harness, searching for the same thermals you're sharing with hawks and eagles. This is real non-motorized flight, not what you've seen at touristy beaches. Your certified tandem instructor from Vail Valley Paragliding gives you a brief pre-flight meeting, then shares this quiet, peaceful experience over the Vail valley allowing you to take pictures, gawk at 14ers or just enjoy actual non-motorized flight. Is it exhilarating? Scary? Addictive? Yes to all, and much more than you can imagine. And yes, even you can do it.
3. The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame
This amazing museum was established in 1976 with the mission of telling the story of humans sliding on snow from simple wooden plank transportation to the latest ski and snowboard technology. Chronicling over 130 years of skiing, the museum utilizes films, artifacts and helpful volunteers who share their passion for all things snowy. Additionally, this landmark in Vail presents each year’s legends of our favorite winter sport in the Hall of Fame, and you can trace the paths of the skiing and snowboarding legends throughout the excellent exhibits.
Admission and 90 minute parking are FREE Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Spring hours (April and May) 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Conveniently located on the 3rd level of the Vail Village Parking Structure adjacent to the famous Covered Bridge. Find more info at skimuseum.net.
4. Sing at Altitude with Vail Legend Helmut Fricker
Fan of American Idol? Sing in the shower? Then you don’t want to miss a chance Yodel, and perhaps play the alpenhorn, with Vail area legend Helmut Fricker. A perfect fit in Beaver Creek, the German native can be found strolling around après ski toting either an accordion or a long softwood carved alpenhorn. Between the thin air and laughter, the sounds that are emitted by brave visitors that try a tune on his alpenhorn don’t usually turn out the same as the haunting echo that the 73 year-old Fricker creates. Whether he is cajoling the audience while singing barvian style songs, flirting with every lady who crosses his path, or convincing onlookers that they need to participate in his polka, Fricker is a character that you’ll never forget. By the way, he’s also a master bookbinder, ask him about this ancient craft!
Wed, Sat Sunday starting at 2pm on the plaza
Visit helmutfricker.com for more information
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