What To Do in Aspen if You Don’t Ski (or Snowboard)
Not everyone who visits Aspen comes for skiing or snowboarding. Although hitting the slopes is the winter highlight for some, there are abundant non-skiing options. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or looking for a relaxed, scenic experience, the area has winter activities for everyone. Dive into this list of exciting on-mountain and in-town activities for an unforgettable Aspen experience. Browse our winter rentals today!
Table of contents
- What To Do in Aspen if You Don’t Ski (or Snowboard)
- Explore More On Aspen’s Snowmobile Tours
- Snowcat Chauffeured Dinner Rides
- Get Active On A Snowshoe Tour
- Get An Adrenalin Rush on Snowmass Snow Tubes & Alpine Rollercoaster
- Experience A Magical Sleigh Ride
- Ice Skating Under The Lights
- Take In The Sights On The Silver Queen Gondola
- Looking for even more to do in Aspen this winter? Check out our full Winter Guide for Aspen and Snowmass
Explore More On Aspen’s Snowmobile Tours
Embark on an unforgettable snowmobile adventure and experience Aspen’s stunning winter landscapes like never before! Guided snowmobile tours are a thrilling way to explore the heart of Colorado’s natural beauty, perfect for all ages and abilities. These tours are led by skilled, experienced guides who prioritize safety and share their passion for Aspen’s winter wonderland.
From the breathtaking Maroon Bells to the secluded Snowmass backcountry, you’ll find tour options for every kind of explorer—including scenic lunch tours that make for an extraordinary outing. Whether you’re seeking thrills or family-friendly fun, there’s a tour just for you! Check out our top recommendations with T-Lazy 7’s tours:
Snowcat Chauffeured Dinner Rides
Experience a truly magical Colorado dinner adventure by embarking on a snowcat journey to either Aspen Highlands’ renowned Cloud Nine or Snowmass’ charming Lynn Britt Cabin! Both of these restaurants are celebrated for their unique atmospheres that promise unforgettable dining experiences.
Cloud Nine is legendary for its lively Veuve Clicquot parties, which take place every day—so come ready to celebrate! On the other hand, Lynn Britt Cabin offers a cozy, family-friendly retreat nestled in a delightful Western-themed setting, perfect for all ages.
The snowcat rides provide a fantastic opportunity for non-skiers to immerse themselves in these mountaintop dining experiences at iconic restaurant locations. Don’t miss out—check out both snowcat dinner tours here!
Get Active On A Snowshoe Tour
If you’re seeking an outdoor fitness activity that keeps you off the skis, look no further than Snowshoeing—an exhilarating option for everyone! Both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain offer guided snowshoeing tours that delve into Aspen’s rich history and the fascinating Rocky Mountain ecology. These tours traverse gentle terrain, making them suitable for all abilities.
Alternatively, why not snowshoe your way to the renowned Pine Creek Cookhouse? This enchanting journey leads you to a sophisticated mountain dining experience that’s well worth the trek. Snowshoeing allows you to fully immerse yourself in the valley’s breathtaking scenery while enjoying a fun and invigorating adventure. Ready to hit the trails? Get your tickets here.
Get An Adrenalin Rush on Snowmass Snow Tubes & Alpine Rollercoaster
Snowmass Mountain offers snow tubing and an alpine rollercoaster at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. These activities provide thrilling breaks from skiing and are perfect for everyone who stands at least 38” tall. The alpine coaster zips through the trees, offering breathtaking views of the stunning National Forest as you glide along the tracks. Snow tubing is a beloved ski-resort activity that guarantees laughter and excitement for both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at Snowmass every season. Take a look at the ticket options for snow tubing and the alpine coaster.
Experience A Magical Sleigh Ride
Aspen offers delightful horse-drawn sleigh or carriage rides, perfect for all ages and any occasions. Whether you’re gliding through a snow-covered ranch or exploring Downtown Aspen, these rides add a special touch to your mountain getaway. The Pine Creek Cookhouse takes it up a notch by offering sleigh-drawn rides to their luxurious Alpine restaurant during the winter months. With both public and private options available, these carriage and sleigh rides promise to create an unforgettable experience in our own Winter Wonderland.
Ice Skating Under The Lights
Ice skating is one of our favorite activities in Aspen (besides skiing)! Aspen and Snowmass offer fantastic indoor and outdoor skating rinks throughout winter. Just a short walk from the Aspen Mountain Gondola, you’ll find an outdoor rink next to the ‘CP Burger’ restaurant—perfect for warming up after skating! Or, visit the Aspen Ice Garden or the Aspen Recreation Centre for indoor fun. Snowmass Base Village offers free ice skating outside the Limelight hotel, steps from the Elk Camp Gondola.
Take In The Sights On The Silver Queen Gondola
What better way to soak in the stunning sights than riding the Gondolas at Aspen and Snowmass? This breathtaking journey allows non-skiers to experience the same mountain beauty that skiers and snowboarders enjoy. At the mountain tops, both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass feature restaurants and bars with outdoor seating so you can unwind and take in the views after your ride. Don’t forget to stroll along the trails at Aspen Mountain’s top for genuinely panoramic views. The ride lasts about 15 minutes, and you can purchase tickets here.
Looking for even more to do in Aspen this winter? Check out our full Winter Guide for Aspen and Snowmass
Our Winter Guide gives you a complete rundown of all the information you need when planning a vacation in Aspen and Snowmass. Including the best ski runs, and even more things to do in Aspen in winter besides ski. From the most popular restaurants to our local tips, we go over everything you could need before visiting Aspen.
Have questions or ready to start planning? Contact us today—we’re here to help you make this winter getaway unforgettable!