Do yetis exist? They apparently are hanging out in Ford Park in Vail. But they are not the typical furry creatures made popular in folklore, the yetis in the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are whimsical and so colorful that they don't blend in with the background.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Town of Vail's Art in Public Places just announced the launch of their newest interactive winter exhibit, Yeti Ford Alpine Adventure, featuring a dazzling display of large yetis transformed into unique works of art created by local students.
The town of Vail's Art in Public Places provided students at Homestake Peak School, Red Sandstone Elementary, Vail Mountain School and Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy with a unique canvas and artistic inspiration. Each school was given a seven-foot-tall, plywood blank yeti figure. Over the past few weeks, young artists have been designing and painting their yetis, turning them into vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpieces inspired by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Keith Haring and Henri Matisse. Partners also created artful yetis. Enjoy a Georgia O'Keeffe inspired yeti created by the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and a Piet Mondrian inspired yeti created by the Art in Public Places Board.
The public is invited to visit the gardens, complete a Yeti Scavenger Hunt -- details available at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center -- and enjoy this unique winter experience through March 2026. There is no cost and it's open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
WhoVail
At Four Seasons Resort Vail, kids of all ages can enjoy the return of WhoVail, inspired by the Dr. Seuss story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and Whoville.
Instead of being a large façade of the Grinch's house like in years past, this year the pastry team at Four Seasons Resort Vail made individual buildings as part of the WhoVail village. WhoVail consists of roughly 50 pounds of fondant and 30 pounds of royal icing with nearly 250 hours of creativity going into the display. WhoVail will be on display only until Dec. 26 and is located near the Tavernetta Vail restaurant by the elevators.
Kringle Crossing
Vail and Lionshead Villages are decked out in the holiday spirit, especially at Kringle Crossing, a miniature village that provides fun backdrops for photos. Kringle Crossing is located in Vail Village along the International Bridge and also at the main entrance to Lionshead. Check out DiscoverVail.com to learn more and to see other fun things going on like art workshops, silent discos and more.
Check out world class ice skaters at free shows this weekend. After being at the ice rink at the Arrabelle in Lionshead, the shows are moving to the ice rink at Solaris on Saturday. This is the last week to see special guest star Gabrielle Daleman, a two-time Canadian Champion, World Bronze Medalist and 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Team Figure Skating event. Other professional skaters include Jordan Moeller, a former Team USA member who currently works for the United States Olympic/Paralympic Training Center and will be attending the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy helping Team USA. Other performers include Naomi Williams and Lachlan Lewer of Team USA, who are World Junior medalists and US National Junior medalists. Lastly, welcome to the ice Winter Deardorff, a former three-time member of Team USA who toured in Walt Disney's World on Ice.
The shows are 15-minutes of high energy ice entertainment with the first one taking place from 4:45-5 p.m. and the second show at 5:30-5:45 p.m. For more information go to DiscoverVail.com.
Chasing Rabbits hosts all types of events from bingo, trivia and karaoke nights to world class DJs, but this weekend it's hosting an artist takeover as a part of the venue's Meet the Maker Series, profiling artists, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the globe. In partnership with Chandler Art Gallery, a Houston-based gallery that had a pop-up gallery just a few doors down from Chasing Rabbits this summer, the Moon Rabbit speakeasy will be transformed on Saturday and Sunday showcasing art work from internationally acclaimed artist, designer and architect Joel Amit .
Amit works mostly with laser-cut metal, creating domestic-scale wall sculptures as well as large-scale public installations. He draws inspiration from graceful movements found in nature. Amit has won a variety of global awards and has exhibitions across the world including China, Germany, South Africa, Singapore, Italy and Indonesia.
At 7 p.m. on Dec. 27 the community is invited to an event where they can meet Amit for a Q and A, learn the creative process behind his artistic journey and even sip on a custom cocktail based on his art. The event is free but there's limited availability. RSVP at ChasingRabbitsVail.com.
Meet the popular canine members of Vail Ski Patrol on Sundays at Dine with the Dogs, a weekly event that allows you see these highly trained avalanche dogs in action, take photos and ask questions about their role in safety and ambassadorship. Grab and early lunch at Buffalos at the top of Mountaintop Express (#4) to Henry's Hut between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. For more information, go to Vail.com.
Snowshoe at 10,000 feet above sea level and learn more about the nature that surrounds us. Join a naturalist from Walking Mountains Science Center on Vail Mountain for a free guided snowshoe tour. The tour is about 1/2 -3/4 mile of walking over the course of 90 minutes through the forests atop Vail Mountain. Here you will pause to learn about the critters who also share the trail with you and the plant life that can withstand our winters.
These free tours happen Wednesdays-Saturdays two times a day: 10:30-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. Meet at the Nature Discovery Center where snowshoes are provided. Dress for the elements with good winter boots or hiking shoes that will work with snowshoes and bring some water. This activity is best suited for ages 10 and up.
All visitors must have a valid ski pass or purchase a Scenic Ride Ticket from Vail Resorts, or valid lift ticket or Epic Pass, in order to ride the gondola to access the Nature Discovery Center. Go to WalkingMountains.org to register and for more information.
If you're taking a break from the slopes bring the kids to Imagination Station, which is a hands-on family discovery zone with several features to inspire experimental play. Located in the Lionshead Village parking structure, it is designed for children of all ages and their families to explore and play together. It features an Everbright that encourages creativity and collaborative art, a hyperbolic penny funnel that models the planetary motion and a health clinic that promotes imaginative play where children can provide care for dogs, cats and babies. The adjacent community programming room offers activities such as Paint Your Own Pottery, virtual reality and art and science projects. The cost is $18 per child and accompanying adults (17 years and older) are free. An adult/parent/guardian must accompany children. Go to VailRec.com for more information.