However, for the non-skiers, the town of Breck (as those in the know call it) offers plenty of ways to enjoy the serene winter setting. If downhill skiing isnt your thing, you may want to consider trying cross-country skiing, also called Nordic skiing. 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! The valley is known for its extensive winter walking options, all accessed with your free local travelcard . I get to enjoy the winter atmosphere without all the pressure to get down the mountain time after time in one piece. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard, Hi Lolo, It turns out a lot of people who read this blog dont ski like me! Part of a small grocery store, the owners produce much of what they serve on their farm. You probably wont have to wander far from your ski resort to find some time of peace to appreciate it, especially if you venture out in the morning or after dinner. For a casual and comfortable dinner at the resort, check out the family-friendly Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria. It plays host to the Banff Springs Bowling and Entertainment Center and the Willow Stream Spa. Order upThe Bartenders Box, an at-home (or at-hotel) delivery that comes with all the makings of a delicious cocktail. 6 US ski towns for non-skiers - Lonely Planet Travel Stories 6 great US winter resorts you can enjoy even if you hate skiing Berne Broudy Nov 29, 2022 6 min read Beyond the slopes, winter resorts like Telluride offer shopping, fine dining, outdoor activities beyond skiing and more Getty Images/Lonely Planet RF The idea of skiing terrifies you. A favorite place to be for non-skiers, it offers an oasis of year-round water fun, including its highlight, the 65-foot drop, La Chute, a frightening plunge where the floor disappears beneath riders just before sending them plummeting at an almost free-fall rate and then scaling a large 360-degree turn. Wow! We normally do guided treks since guides tend to know the safest and most scenic places to walk but you can also head off on your own. 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. Youll find a dizzying number of breweries and distilleries to enjoy, too, with something for all tastes. The site hosted the bobsled, skeleton, and ski jumps in 2002. It also offers kids playgrounds and snowparks as well as a natural ice rink that features a bar and sun terrace. Travelers can experience Taos history firsthand during a visit to the Taos Pueblo, an active Native American community and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. At the top, you can dine alfresco at the Summit House, the states highest elevation restaurant. The shopping district is world-renowned for encompassing the Colorado/Western feel meshed with glitz and glam. You dont have to be a skier to ride the Mt. There you have it our guide to 25 things to do at a ski resort if you dont ski! Winter snow breaks Take a winter break in Europe away from the crowds. Experience being on a sled pulled by Alaskan huskies with a sledding excursion or hop aboard one of Gentle Giants sleigh rides driven by gentle Percheron and Belgian draft horses with beautifully lit Santa-style sleighs gliding among the breathtaking New England scenery. It also has a number of wellness activities. And I must say this is perfect plan to make her bday special. Donner Memorial State Park located on beautiful Donner Lake is another great Tahoe winter destination. Now, sometimes places cant have real wood burning fireplaces due to environmental or fire hazard regulations, but we are happy to curl up in front of anything with a flame! Park City was a hidden ski gem before the Salt Lake City area burst onto the world stage with the 2002 Winter Olympics. The frozen lake is the place for trout fishing, ice skating and Canada's national pastime, ice hockey. 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. The tram takes you from the Mountain Resort to the summit of Rendevous Mountain. Best, Jessica. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! Best, Jessica. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. Also a great way to learn more about local customs and culture of a destination. Otherwise, you can just pack as normal. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. Hello Rob & Ann, Yes, it is great that there are so many things for non-skiers to do at a ski resort if they dont ski! Snow holidays for non-skiers and boarders in Aspen are chock-full of fun winter activities. Of course, if youre budgeting, its always fun shopping for a hidden gem at The Aspen Thrift Shop or Susies Limited Consignments. Those looking to get away from it all know Colorado is one of the best states to unwind. If dog sledding is on your list, be sure to book in advance. Out of all the ski resorts in France, these offer some unique activity options to keep you busy on holiday! Hope this helps and have a great trip to Austria! They have free smores in the evening, plus cold beers or hot chocolate for the littles. After a days worth of activities, nothing is better than spending happy hour enjoying a local craft beer. Allison is the Sr. Director of Marketing at TravelAwaits. Mountain Magic (07946 331916 . Ever wondered what it feels like to soar down a bobsled course? Take the Elk Camp Gondola to the top of Snowmass to board theBreathtaker Alpine Coaster, whichsoars through the Snowmass wilderness and over ski runs at up to 28 miles per hour. Head out on your own or enjoy a nature hike with a guide to learn more about the local flora and fauna. I love your list. 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. Many of the hot springs destinations have spas on site for the ultimate relaxing experience. Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in Colorado. Most ski resorts allow snowboarders to use all the ski runs and can rent you all the equipment youd need. 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. History buffs will love the towns idyllicMain St, with its47 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Even if you are planning to ski, there is nothing better than returning from a long day of skiing to relax with a massage, hot bath, sauna, or hot tub. After a long day of play, head to Spa Montage to indulge in some relaxation in its redwood saunas and copper-soaking tubs. This post is perfect for me because I am not a skier and to be honest, I it is not something that attracts me a lot. Looking for something with a bit more punch, try an Irish coffee, hot toddy, glgg (mulled wine), or hot buttered rum. First, take the legendary Jackson Hole Aerial Tram:in 12 minutes, youll ascend 4139ft as you enjoy 360-degree views of the Tetonsand Jackson Hole valley. 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. These winter snow holidays for non-skiers mean you can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of a snow-covered landscape without having to descend a mountain on a pair of skis. And the Spa at Sun Valley Lodge offers a relaxing oasis for massages, body rituals like Ayurvedic balancing treatments, and other wellness and healing modalities. Finally, pure relaxation can be realized at many of the amazing spas. Another site worth seeking out is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which stretches high above the river. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard. Just because you are staying at a ski resort doesnt mean you have to spend all your time there. How about discovering the magical under water universe with some ice diving in Tignes' frozen lake, or getting a taste of the big thrill with a Bun J Ride jump, or even admiring the magnificent snowy mountain landscape from far above during a paragliding flight over the resort .. I love all of the ideas and am even a bit surprised to see winter segway rides! Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. When youre ready to relax, the resort offers a full-service spa, a full-size lap pool, sauna, and steam rooms. You wont find them everywhere, but there are several in both Europe and the United States. 10 Key Things To Know If Youre Visiting Yosemite In 2023, 14 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Venice, Florida, Plus Where To Eat And Stay, 9 Amazing Experiences At One Of New Brunswicks Most Popular Tourist Attractions, 10 Amazing Ski Resorts In North America Our Readers Love, 7 Luxury Ski Resorts To Experience Around The World, 7 Fabulous Ski Resorts Around The World For All Levels, 5 Fabulous Mountain Experiences Skiing The Cascade Volcanoes, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Company. The resorts village has so much to do, it almost feels like a big city thats been dropped right into the mountains. Also send me the latest blog posts by e-mail, Independent Travel Cats Monthly Newsletter, Logos, images, and content all protected by copyright. If you don't see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam folder. The trails are self-guided and vary in difficulty, making it the perfect activity for the entire family. Most snowmobiles can be ridden by one or two people at a time, and most companies offer guided tours as well as hires. You can hop on a snowmobile and take a tour of the breathtaking winter wonderland, be entertained by performers with their electric mix of music, dance, and spinning fire, or experience a high-flying adventure with the network of zip-lines and suspension bridges at Ziptrek. 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. Great ideas here! 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. She has a strong passion for the outdoors and loves spending her weekends hiking, horseback riding, and exploring with her family and three oversized dogs. Most people do this as part of a tour, but you could also do it alone if you rent or have access to the equipment, know where to go, and have any necessary permissions. The waterproof outer layers will be especially important for the kids as the main issue is that even if it is not that cold outside, if they play in the snow, the snow will melt on them and soak their clothing unless it is waterproof, making them cold and uncomfortable. There are a lot of fun winter snow activities that don't involve skiing or snowboarding such as sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. Thanks for the tips and love the pics! Another option is to snowshoe through the alpine forest of the Bullion Basin area. We come from tropical country, thus lots to prepare including clothes etc. Some of these gems are located near ski resorts, while others are in vibrant cities (and you just may find a few destinations in quiet, tucked-away locations). We also love trying out local winter staples wherever we go. If pub food doesnt make your mouth water, Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge is the towns top fine dining restaurant, located just a block off Main Street. skishoeing/ sledding/ tobboganing etc? If youre in the mood for a different kind of winter adventure, arrange for a sleigh ride, dog sledding, snowmobiling or snow-coach tour through the National Elk Refuge. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. Wed love to hear any other tips you may have for things do to at a ski resort if you dont ski. Additional ways to have frozen fun include snowshoeing, tubing, wildlife observation tours, fat tire biking, guided forest hikes with a trapper and more. A lake may be frozen solid on top, but if you can drill down through the ice youll find water and fish. My husband and daughter ski, but I dont. (full board in a . Ranked the #1 spa in Idaho (and #39 in the entire country) by Spas of America, the Spa offers myriad options for pampering yourself. There are options for the non-skier to enjoy a fabulous fun-filled and action-packed winter holiday in a spectacular snowy winter wonderland. This is a popular destination for French Alps winter snow holidays for non-skiers. I also would love some spa time or just time relaxing by the fire with a warm beverage! Below is of course just a partial list of some of the things you can do on your own snow holiday, but hopefully it will help get you started on planning your own non-ski winter holiday! It is made of traditional adobe, with no running water or electricity. There are plenty of ways to plan a fun ski holiday for non-skiers, and to get you started well share 25 things to do at a ski resort if you dont ski. Sun Valley has hundreds of miles of groomed trails as well as backcountry bowls that are open to snowmobiles. We recommend making a stop at local tourist information offices if you can, these places are usually great sources of info for local things to do as well as to learn about any special events. For the non-skier looking for outdoor adventure or the avid skier who needs a day off to rest their legs, Sun Valley offers bountiful winter outdoor activities that dont involve a chairlift. Finally, visiting a few shops and restaurants is a must. No matter which one you choose, here are ski townswhose variety of activities and experiences make them well worth a visit this winter. Many people who are scared to try downhill skiing, come to enjoy cross-country skiing. Walking the town square, youll find art galleries, boutiques, western wear shops, and more. Many ski resorts offer hot tubs and you may also see if there are any natural hot springs around. The elevated track winds through over a mile of loops and curves at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. And as you said, some people may have physical health issues that prevent them from skiing so they need to look for alternatives. Not only does this walkable village offer a rich array of international eateries and one of the most vibrant aprs-ski scenes in the region, but visitors will also have access to all sorts of activities like ice climbing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more. If you want to head out on your own, ask if the resort has a map of suggested snowshoe treks. Snowmobiling and sitting in front of a hot fire are definitely two great things to do! If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Snowboarding was invented in 1965 in Michigan and became very popular, especially among younger adults, in the later part of the 20th century. The picturesque town of Aspen is the ideal destination for both skiers and non-skiers looking for a luxury winter getaway. Just remember to do your research before your trip so that you know what kind of activities will be available at the ski destination and book any activities you really want to do in advance. To take in the views, make the Wet Deck your happy hour destination it offers 8,000 square feet of open-air rooftop dining and drinking space. Many area shops offer fatbike rentals and can direct you to one of the many free-to-explore trails. The resort also boasts a rustic Nordic center for outdoor explorers, a multitude of outstanding dining options and it even has its very own indoor water park. Weve gone snowshoeing a couple of times now, and really enjoy it. No matter what you do, be sure to take time to check out the national park for the chance to see moose grazing in frozen meadows, bison roaming snow-filled plains, and geysers spouting all minus the big summer crowds. Most snowmobiles can be ridden by one or two people at a time, and most companies offer guided tours as well as hires. Ive been DYING to go to a winter ski resort, somewhere cute and quaint, maybe in Switzerland to unwind form the city, but we dont ski haha. These are such great pictures, I feel like I need another ski vacation right now. Its an easy destination to get to, and the 1,600 acres of groomed ski trails will keep anyone entertained for days. For photography tips in photography the night sky, check out our astrophotography tips and how to take photos of the Northern Lights guide. All you need is a pair of winter boots as most resorts offer poles and snowshoe rentals that will attach to your boots. If youre looking for a less taxing way to explore the wilderness, dont miss the whimsical horse-drawn sleigh ride experience! However, it is also liable to be super cold so be sure to wrap up warm and consider taking along a thermos with some hot coffee or tea. I associate winter with being a more quiet and peaceful time outside. One Ski Hill sits at the base of Peak 8 and is a luxury ski-in, ski-out experience with a private aquatics center, two indoor pools, two hot tubs, and a fire pit, as well as a Rejuvenation Center with signature facials and deep-conditioning treatments. Read our Privacy Policy. It's snow time: 10 new winter holidays in Europe for skiers and non-skiers Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) in the Dolomites dominate forest trails used for snowshoeing and. At these resorts, there are a host of activities that are sure to please just about everyone. 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. If youre afraid of heights, it may be better to view the bridge from a distance, but you can walk across it for a breathtaking view of the river far below. I still loved every minute of being in the mountains though. There are also lots of great options for sledding the toboggan run on the Gornergrat is known as one of the finest in the Alps. Telluride is offering several hot springs nearby, allowing you to soak in natures mineral path while taking in the stunning mountain scenery. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy. With paths from the door, it makes a delightful base for a week of winter walking and snowshoeing in glorious scenery. These can be a great way to spend time while your partner or family hits the slopes. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Youll often find walking tours, food tours, and museum passes in towns/cities to help you get more out of your visit. Youll also be treated to views of Vermonts highest peak, Mt. Depending on where you are in the world, you may also have a chance to catch the Northern Lights. Hotel Aava. 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. Eating well, sitting by a fire and the hot drinks also sound like a great way to pass time not skiing. 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