Struggling for a new Valentine’s Day idea? How about one fitting for the mountain lifestyle? Read more to get this quality tip perfect for people in Vail, Colorado!

Sometimes the big heart holiday causes stress for even the most creative person. It can be a forced fun holiday something you are supposed to enjoy and an opportunity to spend a little extra time with someone you love.

The complaints about the commercialism, the pressure and the high-cost crowdedness of professing your love are plentiful.

Forget about that and let’s focus on a winter wonderland experience that sparks interest, incorporates the mountain lifestyle and is off the beaten path.

Equipment

Majority of the people who call Vail home enjoy the outdoors. Stuffed in our storage spaces or closets are a backpack, small camping stove, pots, stuff sack sleeping bag, headlamp, and snowshoes. For a little extra love bring hand and toe warmers.

Sounds unusual for the Love holiday but stay with me. Pull these items out and set aside. If you are visiting Vail you can rent equipment, from local sporting good stores to enjoy this adventure!

Snacks

A trip to the grocery and liquor stores is necessary to fill the backpack for this adventure.

Your list should include strawberries, organic chocolate bars, some of the higher quality cheeses, Dill Havarti, Gouda, Blue Cheese or other preferable selections. Sabra Hummus, corn chips or rice crackers, carrots, celery, and red peppers.

Soft and crunchy items are best for snacking. Of course, you can choose what you are interested in, this is what I would grab for myself.

Libations

A good bottle of bubbly is essential. I’ve been into Sofia Sparkling Wine lately, thanks to my friend Dionne. LaMarca Prosecco and Veuve Cliquot Champagne and my top picks for delicious bubbly.

These items will fit nicely into your camelback or backpack especially if you have the “hawg” like I do.

If you are not drinkers you can find any fun libation to bring along!

That’s it for supplies.

Assemble the pack, slip into your warmest ski clothes, grab your snowshoes and head to Vail Mountain, the Lionshead area. Park in Lionshead and make your way to the Gondola.

If you are staying in town your hotel will give you are ride the Gondola or take the in-town bus.

The Adventure

Yes, it’s the gondola that is part of this adventure. It’s free in the evening so you can hop on and head to the top. Even at night, the views are gorgeous. This Valentine’s Day night does not have a full moon, but there is enough light for you to snowshoe across the top.

Once you exit the Gondola Building, head outside and to your left is a cat track across the top of Vail Mountain. Put on your snowshoes, yak tracks or microspikes and begin walking up that cat track.

You are walking uphill, but the cat track which is groomed in case you were wondering, so it’s a smooth trek. Yes, it ’s uphill, but you are not in any hurry!

Most people are not excited for strenuous exercise on this happy day, but a short distance across the top of Vail Mountain is the gazebo. The gazebo has a picnic table for relaxing, and you are away from the lights of Eagle’s Nest.

The gazebo is perfect for gazing at Holy Cross Mountain Range and down valley towards Avon and Edwards, Colorado. Since you hike up to the gazebo, your blood will be pumping and keep you warm.

Sitting down at the Gazebo, the chill will set in but that’s when you cozy up to your loved one for warmth under the sleeping bag. Hand warmers are always a good idea for these outings. They can be picked up at sporting good stores and the grocery stores.

Once at the gazebo get the camping stove out, set out the snacks, crack the bottle of sparkling wine, melt the chocolate and send the strawberries swimming.

If you are visiting and you don’t have all the equipment like the stove, go to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and get your dipped strawberry’s and get an extra blanket from your hotel or condo and bring that along.

The Experience

Being up on Vail Mountain at night is incredible, it’s so quiet, peaceful, and feels fresh and exhilarating. Your senses come alive and the bonus of a good company, a tasty drink and chocolate create a memorable experience.

Valentine’s Day Gifts

If you would like to add a special gift to this event, read an article written by The Gilded Spruce about Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas!

The Gilded Spruce is a small, locally owned Christmas and Gift store in Vail Village. You can find the best, most unique and fun gifts and Christmas items in that store (always plugging local businesses)!

Enjoy your heart holiday in Vail, Colorado!