Eating well, sitting by a fire and the hot drinks also sound like a great way to pass time not skiing. 10 great winter holidays in Europe for non-skiers Mountain spas and dog-sledding, cosy cabins and roaring fires You don't need to hit the slopes to enjoy a snowy break Joanne O'Connor Sun. Copyright 2013 - 2023, Ski Holidays for Non-Skiers: 25 Things to Do at a Ski Resort if you Dont Ski, 25 Things to Do at a Ski Resort if you Dont Ski, If you havent spent much time doing cold weather photography, take a look at our. This is a great way to eat quickly and not spend a lot, but we love sitting down to a nice meal for dinners whether this is at the resort or requires venturing out. Beautiful Mont Tremblant is situated 80 miles north of Montreal and is frequently named the top resort in eastern North America. Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. From luxury accommodations and delectable cuisine offerings to abundant outdoor activities and a world-class spa, everyone in your group can enjoy a perfect vacation at Sun Valley. Either alone or with friends and family, it's time to spice up . We come from tropical country, thus lots to prepare including clothes etc. At the heart of Park City is Main Street. Winter holidays for non-skiers are still a lot of fun, thanks to Andalo Vacanze! Try your hand at Nordic skiing. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard, Hi Lolo, It turns out a lot of people who read this blog dont ski like me! You can head across covered bridges, along winding brooks, and through the snowy forest. I had never heard of it before either until we did it in Spain a couple of months ago. In and around Park City, all of the favorite winter pastimes await. Looking for a unique way to warm up, the Homestead Crater about 25 minutes south of the city is the perfect place for a soak or swim. While in the Catalan Pyrenees in January, we met with someone who runs a program for adapted skiing at La Molina which can include people with a number of physical and mental health disabilities, including people who are wheelchair bound! Italy. At the top, grab a waffle at Corbets. how to take photos of the Northern Lights guide, 15 Best Travel Journals for Travelers Guide to Choosing the Perfect Travel Journal, Slum Tourism: 17 Responsible Travel Guidelines for Travelers, Nairobi Travel Guide: 24 Top Things to do in Nairobi Kenya, Guide to Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Weve done. Here are the best. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Delta Whistler Village Suites. All rights reserved. The best snow holidays for non skiers 2nd February 2018 The sound of impatient barking fills the air, the huskies flinging themselves bodily forward in their eagerness to be off. If you are planning your ski trip in December, be sure to check on dates for local Christmas markets, fairs, and local festivals over the holiday season. Take the short ride into Tahoe and enjoy a host of entertainment, including live music, casino gambling, and more. skishoeing/ sledding/ tobboganing etc? Chamonix - The best hiking in the French Alps. Its also next door to one of the best Apres Ski bars in America, The T-Bar. At these resorts, there are a host of activities that are sure to please just about everyone. These are some of the many fun things to do at a ski resort if you dont ski. Order upThe Bartenders Box, an at-home (or at-hotel) delivery that comes with all the makings of a delicious cocktail. There seems to be plenty to do in a ski resort, but I am a skier and dont get to do too many of them when we go to such a resort. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. Many people make the trip from Denver up into the Rocky Mountains in the winter for snowboarding and skiing. My idea of a good ski resort or hotel is one that has fireplaces and lots of wood paneling. For those opting to skip the slopes, we detailed some of our favorite non-skiing activities in these top skiing destinations. We did a winter Segway trip at La Molina and really enjoyed it. Any inputs would be much appreciated! The Stubai valley is one of the most picturesque locations near Innsbruck. Were here for you. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. I know I am not alone, and wanted to share some tips on how to enjoy a ski holiday as a non-skier. Or, head to the resort and embark on a snowshoe excursion, ice skate, go tubing, ski biking or even try the snowy rollercoaster known as Rollersledge. The site hosted the bobsled, skeleton, and ski jumps in 2002. Looking to get your heart rate a bit more elevated? Food is always good too, and you cant beat the beauty. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding theres something for everyone who wants a taste of winter off the slopes. Pack your books, magazines, and e-readers and settle down in front of a fire or on a cozy enclosed patio and read while others are hitting the ski slopes. Wonder no more. Ideal for families who want to split their time between the slopes and non-skiing activities, Avoriaz was previously awarded the Best Family Resort at the World Ski Awards. For a more laid-back mountain experience, hop aboard theAspen Mountain gondolafor a 15-minute ride that takes you up 3200ft to lunch on the sundeck. If downhill skiing isnt your thing, you may want to consider trying cross-country skiing, also called Nordic skiing. While the resort offers plenty of on-mountain activities, Aspen Snowmass is truly known for its aprs ski. Services include facials, a variety of massages to suit your personal preference or body need, and even cupping and acupuncture to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Snowmobiling, coach tours, paragliding, and tubing are just some of the other options. And the trip up toRime Seafood & Raw Barat Deer Valley Resort, via the Jordanelle Gondola, is almost as satisfying as the menu of decadent oysters, clams, shellfish and other delicacies. Youll often find walking tours, food tours, and museum passes in towns/cities to help you get more out of your visit. My idea of a good ski resort or hotel is one that has fireplaces and lots of wood paneling. Sacred to local Indigenous populations, Spirit Mountain (or Avi Kwa Ame) might become the newest federal national monument. A lake may be frozen solid on top, but if you can drill down through the ice youll find water and fish. Youll receive complimentary popcorn when you sit down, and the pizza to follow is amazing. If you want to breathe in that fresh mountain air and try alternative outdoor activities, or even just enjoy mulled wine in a cozy cabin beside a roaring fire after a day spent browsing in galleries and markets, read on. There are a number of spas and spa services available in downtown Jackson and Teton Village. Check out our ski holiday packing list to get your started. The town is home to multiple annual events, including the Telluride Film Festival for movie junkies; bluegrass, jazz, and blues fests for music enthusiasts; brews festivals for the beer-drinkers; and the Telluride yoga and balloon festivals, which promise fun for people of all ages. 8-Day Amsterdam to Basel Rhine River Cruise, Park Lane New York | 20% Off 2 Nights Or More, The Knickerbocker NY | $50 Food & Beverage Credit, Plan the Ultimate Trip w/ the Anchorage Travel Guide, Air & 5-Nt Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Hotel | Up To 25% Off, 10-Day Northern Italy & Cinque Terre Guided Tour, 7-Day Sicilian Escape | Save $300 Per Couple, 14-Day Southern Italy Tour | Save $300 Per Couple, 50% Off | Air & 9-Day Portugal Coastal Cities Tour, 9-Day Danube River Cruise w/ 3-Nt Romania Hotel, 8-Day Guided Tour of Italy: Rome to Milan. A winter holiday for non-skiers. What is available is going to depend a lot on the location of your ski holiday and where you are staying so be sure to research your options beforehand to get the most out of your trip. You can enjoy gliding across the ice while gazing at the soaring snowcapped mountains as well as taking part in a host of other winter activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, tubing, and even snow biking. As we bring our two boys of 2&5, We have booked a kids friendly hotel which has indoor waterpark, spa, playground, but would definitely want to maximize our snow experience! I do however getting confuse on the clothing e.g. I love your list. Seven days in Chamonix for non-skiers Day 1: Getting your bearings Day 2: Savoyarde Gastronomy Day 3: Snow Safari Day 4: Spa day and fabulousness Day 5: Slow track to culture Day 6: Explore the Alps Day 7: Mont Blanc Further Reading. Yes, I was surprised (and a little scared) about the winter Segway experience, you do still have to avoid any deep snow and shouldnt go over huge patches of ice, but it went over snow covered paths and roads quite well. Youll travel nearly 2,500 vertical feet to the summit, where youll enjoy even more breathtaking views of Mt. Looking for something with a bit more punch, try an Irish coffee, hot toddy, glgg (mulled wine), or hot buttered rum. It is a great way to head out for a walk without worrying about sinking into the snow drifts! Her favorite travel destination is Colorado, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, where she once spent time as a wrangler leading horseback trail rides through the park. Then youll also probably want to each pack a warm hat, coat, a thermal baselayer, warm boot socks, and then just bring clothing to layer so you can adjust based on the weather (T-shirts, long-sleeved tees, sweaters). I was planning to go on a long ski holiday with my wife and I just want to make her happy & surprised as it will be her bday week. In many areas where skiing is popular, youll find little ski villages have popped up with stores and restaurants to cater to visitors. So instead of packing snowsuits and snowboards, pack enough for a weekend, grab the kids and go see what the snow's like without lift passes and queues. As a non-skier, it is important be involved in the trip planning process if you can so that you can also be sure to include some of the winter activities you want to do and have a say in where you stay as many resorts offer loads of non-ski related activities and amenities. The charming, lodge-like resort also offers its own live music series in the Foeger Ballroom and even hosts ice skating shows in its theater. Non-skiers will find plenty to explore in Park City, Utah. Our Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers: Les Gets Les Gets is a great ski resort for non-skiers as it has a wide array of non-skiing activities on offer for both adults and children including a cinema, 10 pin bowling alley, and over 100 shops, bars and restaurants sourcing local crafts and produce. Perfect! During many winter weekends, a host of other entertainment options are often available too, including tastings, demonstrations, and music. All were originally built in the 1800s and perfect for a nice drive and photo ops! Growing up and living in Texas, the biggest snowfall that I ever see in these parts is a couple inches that rarely stays around more than 1 day. There is a lot to do! Or sign up forUllr Nights,select Friday nights that offer coaster rides, tubing, smores, music, dinner and other fun things. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? Hi Anisa, I think youd really enjoy snowshoeing. Another site worth seeking out is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which stretches high above the river. Almost all ski resorts offer lessons and equipment rentals, but if you are considering lessons for either yourself or your children, I would check out reviews and prices in advance as some ski resorts cater more to beginner level skiers than others and prices can vary considerably. You can also choose to have a massage in one of the numerous wellness . This article was first published October 2020 and updated November 2022. There is also ice climbing, ice skating, ice hockey, and mountain excursions. Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I am afraid to even try to ski but love to play in the snow. There was also a frozen lake where people were playing ice hockey when we visited. If you prefer a cozy space to snuggle in, the Limelight Lounge embodies living room-esque vibes situated around the fireplace. We loved our massage at SpaTerre in Teton Mountain Lodge. Those with kids may also want to be sure it has a pool if your kids are more interested in playing in the water than the snow. I was worried about things to do while everyone else is skiing and now feel way more knowledgeable about activities to keep me occupied, especially tubing and snowshoeing. Plus, it's a lot more affordable than Zermatt, which sits just across the Swiss border. 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If you have been wanting to try a Segway trip, some places are now offering winter Segway trips that have specially designed Segways that can go on paths that may have some snow or ice on them. We understand why you might not be into the idea of hurtling yourself down the side of a slippery and snowy mountain with nothing for support other than what are essentially two sticks. Featuring high-quality hotels of character, our winter holidays cater for both skiers and non-skiers - go winter walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or dog-sledding, embark on a great winter journey, or seek out the Northern Lights Snow holidays +44 (0)1653 617001 Some places may also offer cooking classes which is a great way to learn to make some new local dishes. Most places that have a lot of winter ski activities, also offer dog sledding trips. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Youll also find workshops focused on themes like the art of chocolate and ballroom dancing. Seefeld is also renowned as a winter walkers paradise with over 88 miles of cleared and salted walking paths as well as plenty of traditional huts for refreshments. Some resorts have specific groomed cross-country ski trails and many may offer guided tours for those trying it out for the first time. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy. Captivating history, luxurious spas, unique fine dining, adventurous winter activities, small-town shopping, and, of course, breathtaking scenery make ski towns a favorite winter destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. Heres how the pass works. Next time I go skiing Im going to work my way through it. Stroll through the historic Taos Plaza and youll find shops filled with handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and more. The active can take advantage of all of the usual off-piste options like snowshoeing, and adrenaline seekers wont want to miss the heart-pounding ride on the Olympic bob run that comes complete with a professional pilot and brakeman it reaches speeds of 80 miles per hour. Their loaded grilled cheese is to die for and pairs perfectly with one of the local Michigan beers on tap. How beautiful place! Just make sure that you plan things that are enjoyable rather than making you feel like you are doing work! Some ski resorts may have a frozen over pond or indoor skating rink you can use. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? Best, Jessica. Ive always been more interested in the apres ski than the ski! There are lots to do in ski areas that doesnt involve skiing Wishing your wife a wonderful birthday. There are a variety of treatments available as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools. One of the most popular outdoor activities in Stowe besides skiing is fatbiking. Winter snow breaks. The towering Rocky Mountains arent the only thing that will take your breath away when you visit Aspen/Snowmass. Most breweries, including the Telluride Brewing Company and Smugglers Brew Pub, have cozy on-site restaurants where you can tuck into plates of comfort food that will warm you up instantly. Shoppers looking for a unique keepsake will delight at the quaint storefronts down Main Street, offering everything from stylish boutique clothing, rare books, and local artwork. Nestled in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cranmore Resort is known for its family friendly atmosphere and easy to manage size with about 50 runs for all levels. The factory has historically offered behind-the-scenes tours (due to COVID, the tours are paused until 2022) and continues to offer walk-up treats from the Scoop Shop. Fans flock to the former silver mining town for the famous powder, but no skiing is required. If you havent spent much time doing cold weather photography, take a look at our winter photography tips for tips on what to bring and how to get the best photos. Also send me the latest blog posts by e-mail, Independent Travel Cats Monthly Newsletter, Logos, images, and content all protected by copyright. For those opting to skip the slopes, we detailed some of our favorite non-skiing activities in these top skiing destinations. Hotel Meisser, Guarda. The wide tires on this bike enable you to easily glide through the snowy, groomed trails. The idea of skiing terrifies you. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! Other options include alpine zip-line tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. Discover the proud mining past that led to the towns existence and view historic architecture, preserved log cabins, and beautiful Victorian residences. Out of all the ski resorts in France, these offer some unique activity options to keep you busy on holiday! Another fantastic Switzerland resort for non-skiers, Zermatt is not as pricey or flashy as St. Moritz, but its just as fun. One of the best ski resorts in Europe for non-skiers isnt a great choice for hard-core skiing enthusiasts, but it is a very picturesque village with opportunities for Nordic walking, tobogganing, paragliding, ice skating, and swimming. Keystone is one of the most popular ski resorts for families. I personally have never had much interest in skiing (seems like an expensive way to fall down a lot to me! Famous powder, but its just as fun its also next door to one the... 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On this bike enable you to easily glide through the ice youll find shops with! Bobsled, skeleton, and there are a variety of treatments available as well as and! For snowboarding and skiing which stretches high above the river winter Segway trip at La Molina and really it! Make the trip from Denver up into the snow data as outlined in our privacy policy swimming pools, tours...