Vail Pass Bike Tours with Charter Sports

Our staff recently rode along the Gore Valley Trail and enjoyed this view of East Vail while on a Charter Sports led bike tour.

Have you ridden a bike on Vail Pass before?

This summer Charter Sports was kind enough to take several of our employees on a guided tour of Vail Pass.

Charter Sports offers several tours each day in the summer that will shuttle you and your family up to the top of Vail Pass to enjoy an exhilarating coast down 3,000 vertical feet along the Gore Valley Trail paved bike path. On our recent tour we passed by a bride and groom taking photos in Vail Village, cascading waterfalls in East Vail, and radiant wildflowers along the trail. We enjoyed conversation with our guide Kris along the way and listened to his stories about living in the mountains for many years working as a ski instructor in the winter and leading adventure activities in the summer.

The tour was great fun and we would highly recommend this unique experience to our guests. 

We paused at the Black Lakes at Vail Pass and took in the view before descending Vail Pass.

In addition to tours of Vail Pass, Charter Sports now offers E-Bike rentals. E-Bikes are a really fun way to zip around town. You can still pedal freely whenever you would like to, but let’s face it, cycling around the mountains is not the easiest activity. With the help of electronic assistance you can climb hills using half the effort of riding a standard bike. I must admit that while I was a little skeptical at first, after my first climb up a hill using very minimal effort on my part it I was sold. It was an absolute blast. Charter Sports E-Bikes are locally manufactured by QuietKat in Eagle. We think it’s really great to not only experience riding a bike around Vail, but to also have a truly local experience by riding a bike that was assembled near Vail. Charter Sports E-Bike Rentals are $65 for a 4-hour rental and can be booked by calling 888-295-9797 or 970-476-0202. They say their E-Bikes are most comfortable for people 5′ 3″ and taller as their E-Bikes are a bit heavy and limited in terms of being adjustable. 

The nearest Charter Sports location to Antlers is just around the corner in Lion Square Lodge North – so feel free to stop by during your next stay at the Antlers at Vail to see which tours are available that day, inquire about E-Bike rentals, and have an awesome time riding around Vail.

Early Season Events

 

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Vail Snow Daze is back for the 2016/2017 Season

Here in Vail, the 2016/2017 Ski Season is about to begin, and along with the mountain opening to an array of enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders, is a wide range of fun events to enjoy. Vail Snow Daze, the largest early-season mountain bash in North America, is happening December 9th-11th. During Vail Snow Daze, you can get your turns in on Vail Mountain, take a break and check out the vendor expo at the base of Gondola one in Vail Village, and then head over to Vail or Lionshead Village for Aprés and enjoy some of the best food & drink the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Two awesome concerts are also happening this weekend at Solaris Plaza in Vail Village. The Michael Franti Trio will play Friday, December 9th, and Lettuce will take the stage on Saturday, December 10th. Both concerts begin at 5:30 PM.

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December 8 the Vail Symposium will celebrate the past 45 years (and welcome the next 45 years!) of thought leadership in the Vail Valley.

On December 8, you may want to consider joining the Vail Symposium in celebrating the past 45 years (and welcoming the next 45 years!) of thought leadership in the Vail Valley with “Then, Now & Then Some”, an evening of eating, drinking, dancing and toasting to healthy discussions at the beautiful Donovan Pavilion in Vail. Since the Symposium’s inception in 1971 to where it stands today, the Vail Symposium remains an integral part of the intellectual truths that have guided a once small mountain town to become a world beacon for healthy living, tolerance, self-discovery, curiosity and informed decision making through education.

Antlers at Vail is offer 25% off of studio to 2-bedroom condos for Skadi Fest.

Antlers at Vail is offer 25% off of studio to 2-bedroom condos for Skadi Fest

Next up is SKADI Fest which is taking place December 14th-16th. Inspired by the Norse goddess of winter, this will be the ultimate week of skiing for female skiers of all levels. Enjoy ski demos, customized lessons, pre-ski yoga, and wine and cheese pairings throughout the week and take advantage of 25% off of lodging rates at the Antlers.

Vail Twilight

Families in Vail ice skating and enjoying the holiday season

Now that your ski boots are nicely worn in, get ready for the holiday season during Vail Holidaze, kicking off on the weekend of December 16th. Vail Holidaze is when Vail celebrates with everything from tree lighting, to caroling, and ice skating. You’ll feel the yuletide in the air this weekend as you experience the gentle snow falling and hear the sound of jingle bells outside the shops of the village. And after Saint Nicholas stores away his sled and reindeer for another season, stick around for an epic firework display on New Years Eve at Golden Peak. Early Season in Vail is a magical time, so grab your skis and poles and we will see you on the hill.

For a full-view of all events happening at the Antlers at Vail and beyond, we invite you to check out our events calender.

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Kids Ski Free with EPIC SCHOOLKIDS

Register your child(ren) for the FREE Epic Schoolkids Colorado by October 9, 2016 to receive 4 days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the state’s top-ranked resorts; Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone.

Register your child(ren) for the FREE Epic Schoolkids Colorado pass before October 9th, 2016 to receive 4 days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the state’s top-ranked resorts; Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone. Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts.

As a family-friendly resort, located in Vail, it makes us so happy to be able to share that Vail Resorts has brought back their EPIC SCHOOLKIDS Colorado pass. The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a FREE program for Kindergarten through 5th graders that provides 4 days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the state’s top-ranked resorts; Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone. Packs are valid up to 4 days at each resort and are subject to holiday restrictions. Register your child(ren) in person before October 9th, 2016!

The pack also includes one FREE first-timer ski or ride lesson with equipment rental between 12/3/16-12/17/16 and 1/17/17-1/31/17.  Just bring your child(ren) to a participating Front Range Colorado Ski & Golf, Colorado Ski & Sports or Boulder Ski Deals location to register your child in person before October 9th. When enrolling their child(ren) in Epic SchoolKids, remember to bring:

  • Your child (the child must be present at the time of registration);
  • Season pass application;
  • A physical or digital copy of the student report card/transcript/school ID or birth certificate/passport.
Complimentary amenities that the kids will love include hot cocoa awaiting in the lobby and loaner sleds.

Complimentary amenities that the kids will love include hot cocoa awaiting in the lobby and loaner sleds.

The Epic SchoolKids pass will enhance your family’s Antlers at Vail ski vacation. At the Antlers a full-service kitchen allows families to keep groceries on hand, serve homemade meals — and even enjoy a cook-out with the gas-fired barbeque grill. Two creekside hot tubs and a gas fireplace in each condo await you after a full day on the slopes. Complimentary amenities that the kids will love include hot cocoa in the lobby and loaner sleds. Large families can reserve a spacious multi-room suite, while smaller families may want to take advantage of the Antlers’ cozy 1-bedroom condominiums – with a separate bunkroom.

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Epic Discovery Vail Debuts

Epic Discovery Vail Debuted June 2016

Fun can be had at Epic Discovery simply exploring the new story stakes and viewfinders. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/Andrew Taylor.

Fun can be had at Epic Discovery simply exploring the new story stakes and viewfinders. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/Andrew Taylor.

Founded in the 1960s, Vail is one of the youngest towns and ski resorts in the nation. Since inception it has been a popular ski mountain, although the summers were a bit slower to grow. When almost every local resident will tell you, “I came for the winter but stayed for the summer,” you know that is bound to change. Vail may have just reached the tipping point for its attractiveness as a summer destination with the debut of Epic Discovery — the new on-mountain summer adventure at Vail with zip lines, alpine coaster, aerial adventures, and educational components.

Epic Discovery Vail provides a unique, connected, on-mountain summer experience, immersing guests in activities which provide big-time thrills, allow them to challenge themselves physically, guide them to explore and better understand their natural surroundings, and ultimately create lifelong memories. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive on-mountain summer adventure features components such as zip lines, an aerial adventure, alpine coaster, wildlife trail exploration, and interactive, “learn-through-play” activities.

The Eagle Bahn gondola has always taken summer visitor to fun activities atop Vail Mountain but the new additions as well as the connection to our natural environment that pull the whole experience together is pretty spectacular.

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The Forest Flyer winds its way 3,400 feet down the mountain, following the natural contours of the landscape through the forest. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/ Andrew Taylor.

As a parent I was excited to see activities even for young visitors. Many of the kids activities do require the child to be 3 years of age and more than 30 lbs, but once they meet those requirements there’s not much they can’t do on the kids course. Adults can also ride free with the children too small to ride by themselves on the Forest Flyer.

Speaking of… You will want to take time to ride the Forest Flyer which winds its way 3,400 feet down the mountain, following the natural contours of the landscape through the forest. Speed is your friend as you fly through the forest on a raised alpine coaster!

Grab a tube, hop a lift, get a rush on one of the two summer tubing hills. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/ Andrew Taylor.

Grab a tube, hop a lift, get a rush on one of the two summer tubing hills. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/ Andrew Taylor.

Adventurers young and old will love taking thrilling runs down the 550 ft-long Eagle’s Nest Summer Tubing hill. Music entertains you the whole way down, while the Adventure Bahn carpet ride will take you back to the top. The younger kids will want to grab a tube and glide down the mountain on a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled Marmot Mini Tubing ride. The multi-lane tubing hill features two runs, and easy-access surface lift gets you back up top fast.

There are two adventure courses available where you can put your strength and balance to the test as you explore challenging obstacle areas via ropes, bridges, logs and balance elements, all with a bird’s eye view of Vail’s surrounding mountain ranges.

Put your strength to the test on one of the two challenge courses atop Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/ Andrew Taylor.

Put your strength to the test on one of the two challenge courses atop Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts/ Jack Affleck.

There are two levels of thrilling zip lines available at the mountain top. BUT if you really want an aerial adventure try out the Game Creek Aerial Adventure. Fly through and above the forest habitat with an array of seven ziplines and aerial bridges. Learn about the mountain ecosystem while working your way through each course’s challenges. Experience nearly 2 miles of ziplining over the course of a 3-4 hour tour.

A variety of Epic Discovery passes are available including:

Ultimate Adventure Pass for $89 (TIP: Epic Season Pass 2016-17 holders receive $17 off for a $72 price)
The Ultimate Adventure Pass provides unlimited all-day access to an array of thrilling activities, including the Forest Flyer alpine coaster. Ideal for adults and kids alike, this pass includes a FREE companion ride-along ticket for the Forest Flyer (so parents can join their kids if they can’t ride alone) and a Scenic Gondola Ride up the mountain to reach Epic Discovery.

Little Explorer Pass for $49
The Little Explorer Pass, designed for the smallest guests, provides an introductory Epic Discovery experience. This pass includes a Scenic Gondola Ride up the mountain to reach Epic Discovery. (Note: The pass does not include access to the Forest Flyer alpine coaster.)

Game Creek Aerial Adventure for $189 (Includes the Ultimate Adventure Pass)
Activity Restrictions: Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 75-250lbs. Participants under 14 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult. Harness must fit properly. Fully enclosed footwear required for all activities. Reservations are required. Call 970-SKI-VAIL (754-8245) to reserve.

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Sun & Snow for Spring in Vail

Spring in Vail brings sun, a little warmer weather, iconic events and a little happiness, all in the snow.

Spring in Vail brings sun, a little warmer weather, iconic events and a little happiness, all in the snow.

Here in Vail we love the winter and we pray to Mother Nature asking her to send us lots and lots of fluffy powder. But when winter begins to turn to spring, the sun starts shining, things warm up just a bit and you notice the smiles brighten and everyone is just a little happier. Spring in Vail really is a fantastic time of year. Down valley the golf courses open up so you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. On the mountain we slather on the sunscreen and put on spring ski wear, and then we hit the mountain decks for après in the sun. And, Vail’s iconic events gear back up.

The world’s biggest, pinkest ski party in the world, Pink Vail, returns to Vail March 21, 2015. This non-competitive, fun day of skiing is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local Shaw Cancer Center.

Pink Vail, April Vail lodging deals

The world’s largest day to conquer cancer, Pink Vail, returns March 21, 2015.

March 26 – 29 the Vail Film Festival brings world premieres, independent films, panel discussions, live music, nightly galas, and the filmmaker reception to Vail. 12th annual Festival will showcase 74 films from across the globe, including 25 feature-length narrative and documentary films and 49 other films, including shorts, animated and student films.

Easter weekend is April 3 – 5 and while there is not one large event there are many lower key activities scattered around town. A sunrise service is available on the mountain and the Vail Recreation District hosts an Easter egg hunt in Lionshead village for children.

The Taste of Vail mountaintop picnic is always a local favorite.

The Taste of Vail mountaintop picnic is always a local favorite.

April 8 – 11 the Taste of Vail once again showcases more than 30 of Vail’s finest chefs and restaurateurs alongside the owners and winemakers from nearly 50 of the countries’ top wineries. Last year the Debut of Rosé event was added to the lineup and was a fun and light start to the weekend. The mountaintop picnic is always very popular and the weekend culminates with the Grand Tasting. The Antlers at Vail hotel is now offering a special Taste of Vail package that includes 4 nights of accommodations and two Signature Taste of Vail Passes.

World Championship Pond Skimming in Vail, Colorado

An athlete competes in the World Pond Skimming Championships. He takes to the air in the hopes of making it across a freezing pond before sinking. Photo Credit: Tom Green, Courtesy Vail Resorts

Spring Back to Vail, the biggest end-of-season bash in the Rocky Mountains, April 17 – 19 is a local favorite. The highlight is the closing day tradition of donning costumes and skimming across icy water as participants careen themselves off a snow jump in the hopes of coming out on the other side in the World Pond Skimming Championships. The entire weekend is filled with serious fun under the sun, including not just the Pond Skimming Championships but free live concerts, base area giveaways and more!

There really is a something for everyone during spring in Vail. Foodies to families are sure to have a good time. What is your favorite part of spring in Vail?

 

Holidays in Vail

The top 10 reasons to the holidays in Vail are special:

#10 Travel & Leisure says so.

Photo courtesy Tom Green, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Tom Green, Vail Resorts

# 9 Entertainment galore. Vail is known for not only its epic skiing, but also epic events and festivals. Many of these occur preceding, throughout and following the holidays. Mid December sees the return of Snow Daze with free concerts featuring bands such as 10,000 Maniacs. Holidaze returns this year on December 21 & 31 with the Vail Tree Lighting Ceremony,  Vail Lantern Walk and annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. And, New Year Eve celebrations abound. Schedule doesn’t work to spend the holidays in Vail? Well there is plenty more to enjoy throughout the winter from the 2015 World Championships to one of my favorites, Spring Back to Vail.

#8 Fresh Rocky Mountain air. In Vail we embrace the winter. We don’t stay indoors, but rather get out and breathe it into our lungs whether alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing or just riding sleds down a hill.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

#7 Winter mountain vistas. Whether you take in the views while heading up the chairlift or from a mountain top restaurant, you are sure to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountains during the winter. There’s not much that can compete with snow capped mountain views Vail has to offer, except maybe the luscious green Rocky Mountain views during the summer.

 

#6 Cozy fires. While we don’t spend the winter indoors we do enjoy curling up to a cozy fire in the fireplace. What is better than just getting to relax and curl up in front of the fireplace whether with friends or while just enjoying a good book or cup of hot coco? Every Antlers at Vail condo has a gas fireplace for guests to enjoy.

#5 Holiday lights. So, so many twinkling lights everywhere, and that stay on all winter.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

#4 Mountain village ambiance. From walking over the wooden covered bridge and cobblestone streets while taking in amazing outdoor art or watching kids ice skate, it is a luxury to be able to be able to enjoy a vacation without needing to get into a car.

#3 Snow. So, we can’t promise that it will snow on Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s or whatever occasion is special to you but it’s pretty darn likely AND we can promise that you can enjoy plenty of snow, and get to do any of the super fun activities that go along with it like skiing, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, skating, riding in a horse-drawn sled, etc., etc. Vail is truly a winter wonderland and fantastic place to create holiday memories.

Winter wonderland view from Antlers at Vail condo 405.

Winter wonderland view from Antlers at Vail condo 405.

#2 Snow. I know I already said it, but it deserves at least two spots on this list. Not only does the snow provide a venue for fun activities that you can’t find in warmer climates, but it also adds an ambiance to the town. It is an experience to walk down the cobblestone streets lined with twinkling holiday lights with soft snowflakes falling.

#1 Making memories. Whether you chose to spend the holidays in Vail with your family, or a special loved one, you will have the opportunity to experience something new and special. We hope that you will consider the Antlers at Vail hotel for your Vail holiday visit and we will do our very best to make your vacation one to remember!

This list is the opinion of the Antlers marketing gal, Liana.

Thanksgiving in Vail at the Antlers

Thanksgiving in Vail marks the start of ski season. And, while it may not yet be peak ski season it is still a fantastic time to enjoy winter in Vail. The holiday lights are twinkling in the snow, which has begun accumulating. The mountain is open, and the holiday crowds have yet to arrive. As a Vail family hotel with a variety of spacious condominiums from studios to 4-bedrooms, the Antlers at Vail hotel is the perfect place to spend this family holiday. This year we are making it even better by offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared by internationally trained chef, Barry Robinson, delivered right to your condo.

Thanksgiving at the Antlers at Vail hotel

Enjoy Thanksgiving at the Antlers at Vail hotel, including not only skiing but also a traditional dinner in the comfort of your own “home”.

Your Thanksgiving dinner will include roast turkey breast and gravy, garlic mash potatoes, roasted butternut squash, green beans with almonds, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mixed salad greens with herb dressing, and for dessert: pumpkin pie and vanilla ice-cream. This scrumptious feast is being offered for only $30.00 per person (includes 20% service fee) plus 8.4% sales tax.

Dinner will be delivered to your room in oven proof recyclable containers for heating and re-heating at your leisure. Reservations must be made by November 20th 2014. Call 800-843-8245 to book your Thanksgiving dinner at the Antlers.

The Vail Insider: Spring is Upon Us

The Antlers at Vail hotel’s new monthly column on upcoming events and activities

As a longtime local, I love spring in Vail!

SticksMud, spring vail, spring in vail

What kid wouldn’t want to play in spring mud?

Once upon a time April marked the start of “mud season” in Vail. Us local marketers and PR professionals soon banned that term. Now we refer to this season as “shoulder season,” or just spring. But I really kind of like the term “mud season” because it tells me that the sun is out and that we are enjoying warmer temperatures. It is the time when we really have the best of two seasons. Yes, you can find some mud, but so what. My kids love to play in it, and the smiles on their faces are so worth the mess. There are many other special things about this time of year.

vail golf, vail lodging, ski, vail

Golf courses start opening in the Vail area in April. Gypsum Creek is already open, Eagle Ranch opened this morning and Sonnenalp opens next weekend.

This spring in Vail, ski season is still in full swing and you can enjoy a ski break on a deck where you may even be able to get a tan and soak up some vitamin D. The Vail golf courses open. If you are an avid sportsperson and like to both ski and golf then this is the perfect season for you. How many other places in the world and times of the year can you brag that you skied in the morning and played golf in the afternoon?

The marketing entities in Vail have worked hard to attract visitors during this post Spring Break time of the year, but it is really the locals who reap the benefits. The town is buzzing with back-to-back and overlapping fun events. Wednesday was the kick off of Taste of Vail with a fun new event featuring great food and more refreshing rosé wines than you could possibly taste in one afternoon. Saturday the event culminates with the Grand Tasting. Pink Vail, the world’s largest ski day to conquer cancer, is today and we are already seeing lots of pink here at the hotel. The largest end of season celebration in the Rocky Mountains, Spring Back to Vail kicks off April 11. It also has something for everyone, from concerts to the always entertaining World Pond Skimming Championships. And, though they haven’t announced it yet, Vail Recreation District usually puts on a really fun Easter Egg hunt in Lionshead for the kids.

Every Wednesday from 4-5 pm one of our favorite restaurants, La Tour, is offering $12 French wine tasting perfectly paired with French lessons. This will continue through shoulder season though rumor has it that this may change to French Bingo. But regardless it is sure to be a fun outing.

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Spring in Vail is also a paradise for bargain shoppers. Hotels offer great lodging deals. Restaurants offer fantastic dining deals. Retails stores have epic sales.

Oh, and did I mention that the lift lines dissipate? Everything is a little quieter. You can get best table in your choice of restaurant, and you don’t have to wait for anything. And best of all everyone is relaxed and happy.

OlafI’d liken spring in Vail to summer in Arendelle. The best of two seasons, especially if you happen to be Olaf. Okay, that might be a bit of a stretch, but there are those days when it feels like it.

Pink Vail: The World’s Biggest Ski Day to Conquer Cancer

The Antlers at Vail hotel is offering special Pink Vail rates April 4-5, 2014

The Antlers at Vail hotel is offering special Pink Vail rates April 4-5, 2014

People walk, run, and even shave their heads to benefit cancer care. Here in Vail, we ski! 100% of the proceeds from Pink Vail stay local, benefiting patient care and survivorship programs at Shaw Regional Cancer Center – a boutique cancer center serving residents of Colorado and around the country. Unfortunately, many of us have been affected by cancer. Pink Vail celebrates the united fight against the disease in a fun and unforgettable way.

We at the Antlers at Vail like to support good causes and so are an official hotel and not only are we offering great Pink Vail lodging rates to participants but we will also donate $5 for each room booked to Pink Vail.

  • We are offering Pink Vail participants a special $199/night for April 4 & 5, 2014.
  • Participants who raise $300-$749 will receive a rate of $129/night in a studio, 1 BR, or 1 BR with bunks for April 4 & 5, 2014 .
  • Participants who raise $750 or more will receive a rate of $99/night in a studio, 1 BR, or 1 BR with bunks for April 4 & 5, 2014 .

Call (800) 843-8245 and mention code: Pink Vail or 142870 to book! To sign up to fundraise go to PinkVail.com.

 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Register solo or form a team at www.pinkvail.com and ask friends and family to support your fundraising efforts. Then, join us on April 5, 2014 for a day on Vail Mountain to celebrate our united fight against cancer. Incredible prizes are awarded to top fundraisers, best costumes, and winners of the “Checkpoint Challenge.” The event includes on-mountain deck parties, live music, and the Celebration Ski-Down—a tribute ski to those who have fought or lost their battle with cancer. All proceeds from Pink Vail benefit patient care and resources at Shaw Regional Cancer Center.

 

REGISTER AS AN INDIVIDUAL

START/JOIN A TEAM

DONATE

 

Vail Family-Friendly Winter Activities

Vail family-friendly winter activities

The Antlers at Vail hotel is the perfect home base for families coming to ski Vail or coming to enjoy all of the other exciting mountain activities in Vail.

The Antlers at Vail hotel is the perfect home base for families coming to ski Vail or coming to enjoy all of the other exciting mountain activities in Vail.

The Antlers at Vail hotel loves families! Our spacious studio to four-bedroom condominiums are perfect for families of all ages and sizes. And, we even have pet-friendly lodging for those who don’t want to leave that important member of the family at home. Our location is perfect for those looking for something to do instead of – or in addition to – skiing Vail. Here are our family-friendly top five ways to have winter fun outdoors – including stepping out in the snowshoes that we provide free for guests.

Make like Bigfoot: Those who’ve never tried snowshoes might worry about learning curve, but the sport really is as easy as strapping them on and walking outside and the Antlers recently added snowshoes to the many complimentary amenities the hotel provides for guests. We love catering to families, and snowshoes are an easy family-friendly activity – and a great spontaneous way to enjoy Vail’s snow and scenery. Vail golf course has good beginner trails – and snowshoe rentals for those not lucky enough to be staying at Antlers – or just stroll along the Gore Creek path right outside our door.

"Arches" by local artist Paul Wertin on display now at the Vail Triumph Winterfest

“Arches” by local artist Paul Wertin on display now at the Vail Triumph Winterfest

Frozen Arches: Travel through undulating walls sculpted from 36,000 pounds of ice by Vail artist Paul Wertin along the Gore Creek Promenade in Vail Village. Inspired by the work of Christo, Wertin’s “Arches” is illuminated by programmed LED lights, and is the second Art in Public Places ice sculpture installation of this year’s Triumph Winterfest – on display until the ice melts.

The New Home Movies: Capture winter outdoor adventures as they happen with a GoPro camera. Playing in the snow is just that much more fun with a video record to share with friends and family. To help guests remember Vail’s epic snow, the Antlers at Vail provides complimentary GoPro loaner cameras at the front desk – and might just post your first-person video debut on its Facebook page.

Tube Time: Nothing says hair-raising fun in the snow like flying down a mountain on an oversized inner tube. Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain offers a multi-lane tubing hill with an easy-access surface lift for a quick ride back to the top. And the perfect for families tubing hill is only one of the winter activities at Adventure Ridge, which also include ski biking, kids’ snowmobiling, and a new winter zipline.

Fun tubing on Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts, Bob Winslett

Fun tubing on Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts, Bob Winslett

Holiday on Ice: Vail Valley has several facilities for ice skating – both indoors and out – with perhaps the most picturesque experience to be had at the outdoor oval Alderhof Rink in the heart of Lionshead’s Vail Square, just steps from the Antlers. Ice skate rentals are available at the rink, which is open daily from 1:00 – 8:30 p.m.

With a policy of “The answer is ‘yes,’ now what was the question?” the Antlers offers a famously personalized guest experience. Want a cappuccino machine in your suite awaiting your arrival? Need a babysitter for a parents’ night out without the kids? Want groceries delivered before your arrival or during your stay? Just ask.

Families of all ages appreciate the Antlers at Vail’s comfortable condominium suites. Full-service kitchens allow families to serve homemade meals – with additional amenities including gas-fired barbeque grills and a “lending library” of upscale appliances from that cappuccino machine to a breadmaker. Large families can reserve a spacious multi-room suite, while smaller families may want to take advantage of the Antlers’ cozy one-bedroom condominiums – with a separate bunkroom included at no additional charge.

Check out special rates on an Antlers’ stay – including the opportunity to book a spring night April 7 – June 15, 2014, for $99 with any night’s stay during ski season.