Vail SNOWSHOEING
Immerse yourself in the winter beauty of Vail with a guided snowshoeing adventure through serene alpine landscapes. Perfect for all experience levels, this is a peaceful yet invigorating way to explore the winter wilderness.
Winter Guided
Vail Snowshoeing
What experience level do I need?
Snowshoeing in Vail is suitable for all experience levels—from first-timers to seasoned winter hikers. Guided tours are adapted to your pace and skill.
Do I need my own snowshoe equipment?
Nope! Snowshoes and trekking poles are provided by Apex Mountain School—just bring your clothing and personal items.
What happens in bad weather or low snow?
Tours are usually still a go—guides pick routes that work in varying conditions. In extreme weather or unsafe conditions, trips may be postponed or canceled with guidance from your guide.
Is snowshoeing physically demanding?
Snowshoeing can be as easy or as challenging as you’d like. Apex customizes each tour to suit your comfort level, making it great for both casual walkers and avid hikers.
What types of trails will we explore?
You’ll explore pristine backcountry trails in the Vail Valley, often away from crowded areas—ranging from open meadows to scenic forested routes with stunning views.
Testimonials
Vail Snowshoeing
On a day of Snowshoeing in Vail your personal Guide will create a tour plan that is specific to the goals and objectives that your group has for the outing. Whether you are new to snowshoeing or are experienced with the activity and simply want to explore a new area, apex Throughout the day your guide can work with you on skills and techniques specific to your groups objectives, or if you want to reach the summit of a peak checkout our Mountaineering 101 courses.
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Duration:
5 hours
Location:
Vail Valley or Fremont Pass
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
- Meet your guide in Vail, Colorado
- Quick safety talk and tour overview
- Get fitted with snowshoes and poles (gear provided)
- Start snowshoe hike on peaceful mountain trails
- Learn about local wildlife, trees, and the snowy landscape
- Enjoy scenic views and take photo breaks
- Short rest break (bring snacks and water)
- Hike lasts around 2–3 hours
- Return to starting point and wrap up the tour
Available Daily
Select date on booking calendar above.
Apex Mountain School Provides
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Professional Trail Guide: Private leadership and local navigation from an expert Apex Mountain School guide.
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Natural History & Education: Guided interpretation of the Vail Valley’s unique winter ecosystems, local wildlife tracking, flora, fauna, and alpine geology.
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Premium Snowshoe Equipment: Full use of high-quality, terrain-matched snowshoes and adjustable trekking poles adjusted to your size.
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Customized Route Pacing: An itinerary designed entirely around your group’s desired fitness level, ranging from a casual, flat meadow stroll to an active, high-alpine ridge hike.
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Group First Aid Kit: Essential safety supplies and emergency communication equipment carried by your guide.
What’s Excluded
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Personal Transportation: Apex Mountain School does not provide transit under any circumstances. All guests are 100% responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the designated Vail Valley trailhead or meeting location.
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Winter Outerwear & Layers: Guests must provide their own warm clothing, including moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket/pants, warm winter boots, insulated gloves, a beanie, and sunglasses to protect against high-altitude snow glare.
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Nutrition & Hydration: Personal trail snacks and water bottles to maintain your energy and hydration during your winter trek.
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Guide Gratuities: Tipping is completely optional but greatly appreciated by our guiding staff for providing an exceptional mountain experience.
- Snowshoes (included)
- Beacon (transceiver -rental available-).
- Water bottle or thermos with fluid
- Lunch and high energy snacks such as bars, cookies, chocolate, or trail mix
- Headwear – Visor or Cap, Hat and Sunglasses
- Balaclava or neck gaiter (all participants will receive a complimentary Apex Buff)
- One pair of light weight gloves and one pair of heavy weight gloves or mittens
- Synthetic or wool base layer (Please avoid wearing any cotton clothing)
- Mid Weight base layer fleece or sweater
- Puffy Jacket
- Shell Jacket
- Synthetic or wool long johns
- Ski pants with zippered vents OR mid weight fleece layer and shell pants
- Synthetic or wool socks- optimum weight for your boot fit
- Sunscreen
- Pack that can accommodate shovel, probe, water bottle or thermos, lunch, snacks, and extra clothing
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Lip balm
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
- Dress in warm, layered clothing(avoid cotton; use moisture-wicking layers)
- Bringhat, gloves, and sunglassesto protect against sun and cold
- Wear a waterproof outer layer(jacket and pants)
- Usewaterproof winter bootswith good ankle support
- Carry a small backpackfor snacks, water, and extra layers
- Applysunscreen and lip balm(sun reflects off the snow)
- Bringwaterto stay hydrated
- Packlight snacks or energy bars
- Bring a camera or phonefor pictures
- Carry a valid IDif required for check-in
- Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before the hike
- Let the guide know about any health conditions or concerns
Other Outings You Might Like
Backcountry Skiing
The Colorado Backcountry is world renown. The backcountry skiing in and around Vail is hands down the best in the state.
Mountaineering
Embark on a mountaineering adventure with courses ranging from 101 to advanced skills training. Learn essential techniques to safely explore alpine environments.
Ice Climbing
Conquer frozen waterfalls and ice formations with knowledgeable guides by your side.
Mixed Climbing
Blend ice and rock climbing in this exhilarating sport. Climbers use specialized equipment, including ice axes and crampons, to ascend routes that feature both rock and frozen terrain.
Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering is a challenging and exhilarating activity that combines skiing and mountaineering techniques. Master the skills of ski mountaineering, combining skiing and climbing in high alpine terrain. Ideal for adventurous skiers seeking new challenges.
Breckenridge Backcountry Skiing
Explore the untracked terrain of the Colorado Rockies between Breckenridge and Vail with our backcountry skiing experience.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620