The 7 Best Things to Do In Aspen in Winter Besides Ski

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!

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 aboard a snowcat this winter season! Both Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro atop Aspen Highlands and The Cabin at Snowmass offer snowcat‑accessed dinner experiences after dark for Winter 2025–2026.

Cloud Nine’s legendary alpine atmosphere paired with Swiss‑inspired cuisine and stunning mountain views makes for an unforgettable evening, while The Cabin delivers cozy lodge charm with western‑influenced fare deep in the Snowmass woods.

Reservations are required for snowcat dinner departures, which typically occur on select evenings throughout the season.

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? Learn more about snowshoe tours here.

Get An Adrenalin Rush on Snowmass Snow Tubes & Alpine Rollercoaster

Snowmass Mountain offers snow tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola — fun, thrilling breaks from skiing that are perfect for everyone who stands at least 38” tall. The alpine coaster winds through the forest on an elevated track, giving you stunning views of the surrounding National Forest, while the tubing lanes deliver nonstop excitement for both kids and adults.

These winter activities operate throughout the winter season, with additional evening sessions available during select Ullr Nights events. Snow tubing and coaster experiences are popular and may reach capacity during peak dates, so advance planning is encouraged.

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! For indoor fun, visit the Aspen Ice Garden or the Lewis Ice Arena at the Aspen Recreation Center.

Snowmass Base Village offers free ice skating outside the Limelight hotel, steps from the Elk Camp Gondola, while the newly opened Hotel Jerome’s winter ice rink in downtown Aspen provides a picturesque, glow-lit skating experience complete with seasonal ambiance. Weather and hours may vary, so checking ahead is recommended.

For additional local tips, Aspen Life offers a helpful guide—perfect for guests staying in Aspen home rentals and looking for things to do beyond the usual activities.

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. Both the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain and the Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass offer scenic sightseeing rides throughout the winter season, typically from late November through mid‑April.

Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating at both mountains allow you to unwind and take in the views after your ride. Don’t forget to stroll along the trails at Aspen Mountain’s summit for genuinely panoramic vistas on clear days.

The ride lasts about 15 minutes, and sightseeing tickets are available at the ticket office or online. 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 — and even highlight the top options for Aspen home rentals to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

Have questions or ready to start planning? Contact us today—we’re here to help you make this winter getaway unforgettable!