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 Snowmass in the winter wants to ski. Although skiing or snowboarding may be the main attraction to our town in the winter, there are still so many other entertaining activities in Aspen and Snowmass. Especially in a ski resort, you may be thinking what can you do in winter besides ski? Below, we’ll take you through various on-mountain activities and other things to do in Aspen in winter besides ski.

Explore More On Aspen’s Snowmobile Tours

Guided snowmobile tours are an unforgettable adventure activity to explore more of Aspen’s beauty. Snowmobiling is safe for all ages and abilities, with tours led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. With tour options through the famous Maroon Bells, Snowmass backcountry, or exquisite lunch tours- there are options for the whole family to enjoy! See our recommended tours with T-Lazy 7:

Snowcat Chauffeured Dinner Rides

For a magical Colorado dinner experience, embark on a snowcat journey to Aspen Highlands’ Cloud Nine or Snowmass’ Lynn Britt Cabin. Both restaurants are highly popular and well known for their atmospheres. Cloud Nine is an infamous restaurant in Aspen known for its Veuve Clicquot parties every single day. Lynn Britt cabin is a family-friendly option in a cozy Western-themed cabin. The snowcat rides allow non-skiers to enjoy these mountain-top experiences in iconic restaurant locations. See both Snowcat dinner tours here.

Get Active On A Snowshoe Tour

For an outdoor fitness activity that doesn’t involve getting on a pair of skis, snowshoeing is a fantastic option! Both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain offer guided snowshoeing tours, with a focus on Aspen’s history and the Rocky Mountain ecology. Tours are led on gentle terrain, suitable for all abilities. Alternatively, you can snowshoe to the renowned Pine Creek
Cookhouse restaurant for elegant Mountain dining. Snowshoeing is a great way to immerse in Aspen’s beautiful scenery and a fun option for all. For tickets see 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 are fun, thrilling breaks from skiing for all those at least 38” tall. The alpine coaster zips through the trees on Snowmass Mountain and gives gorgeous views amongst the National Forest. Tubing is a ski-resort favorite activity for kids and adults alike and is always popular at Snowmass. Check out the ticket options for tubing and the alpine coaster.

Experience A Magical Sleigh Ride

Aspen offers horse-drawn sleigh or carriage rides for all ages and occasions. Whether it be through a snow-covered ranch or Downtown Aspen, these sleigh and carriage rides add a special touch to your mountain vacation. The Pine Creek Cookhouse restaurant also offers sleigh-drawn rides to their luxury Alpine restaurant in the Winter months. With both public and private options, carriage and sleigh rides create a magical experience in our own Winter Wonderland.

Ice Skating Under The Lights

This is one of our favorite things to do in Aspen besides ski! Aspen and Snowmass boast both indoor and outdoor skating rinks during the Winter season. Walking distance from the Aspen Mountain Gondola is an outdoor skating rink next to the ‘CP Burger’ restaurant or for indoor skating visit the Aspen Ice Garden or Aspen Recreation Centre. 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 see the sights than the Gondolas at Aspen and Snowmass mountains. The ride is a truly beautiful experience that for the non-skier allows you to witness the mountain beauty that skiers and snowboarders do. Both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain have mountain-top restaurants and bars with outdoor seating to enjoy the views after your Gondola ride. You can also take a stroll on the trails at the top of Aspen Mountain to take in the panoramic views. The ride itself lasts about 15 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/tickets-and-passes/sightseeing-and-tickets

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!