It plays host to the Banff Springs Bowling and Entertainment Center and the Willow Stream Spa. Check out our ski holiday packing list to get your started. The picturesque town of Aspen is the ideal destination for both skiers and non-skiers looking for a luxury winter getaway. 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! Currently, she manages brand partnerships, site enhancements, and new marketing initiatives. The resorts Lakeside Village is home to the largest outdoor ice skating rink in America and the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rink anywhere in the world. 10 locations for people who love snow but don't ski here's what you can do Italy is a mountain paradise that in winter offers endless opportunities to spend memorable holidays in the snow. There is a lot to do! Another option is to snowshoe through the alpine forest of the Bullion Basin area. But you do need to buy proper cold weather clothing (which may or may not be classified as ski clothing( and I would purchase a set of boots, jackets, gloves, and probably pants that are waterproof (or at least highly water resistant). Following a day of luxurious spoiling, join the skiers and snowboarders in your group for a dinner youll all be raving about. Ever wondered what it feels like to soar down a bobsled course? During the day (and sometimes the evenings as well) at ski resorts, meals tend to be the cafeteria or buffet variety. I would LOVE to go dog sledding some day. 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. I didnt realize a Segway can work on snow as well. Snowboarding was invented in 1965 in Michigan and became very popular, especially among younger adults, in the later part of the 20th century. It allows you to move at your own pace and ski off-piste, allowing a wider range of people to be able to do it. A plastic trash can cover, lunch tray, trash bag, or large frisbee can be a sled (list of, 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. If downhill skiing isnt your thing, you may want to consider trying cross-country skiing, also called Nordic skiing. If you don't like skiing or you've never tried it but still want to spend a week in the mountains, we have a winter holiday offer for you here in Trentino, the Italian Alpine region which has so much more to offer besides skiing! If not, youll likely be able to find one within driving distance in many ski resort locations. 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. Youll find a dizzying number of breweries and distilleries to enjoy, too, with something for all tastes. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this Grand Teton National Park Mountain, you can let a team of Iditarod-inspired dogs pull you on a fast-paced tour around the nearby forests, or if you want to explore it at a slower pace, try snowshoeing. There's a new reason to travel to Charleton, South Carolina later this year: the new International African American Museum. Looming large over the area is Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. You can snowshoe, sled, take a sleigh ride, ice fish, go snowmobiling, ice skate, and play ice hockey too. For exercise, consider stand-up-paddleboard yoga in a geothermal crater withPark City Yoga Adventures, or snow-season fly fishing in blue-ribbon-awarded riverways throughPark City Fly Fishing Guides. that may be fun to try out next time! This destination is also considered a foodie heaven, with five Michelin star restaurants, and it also receives an incredible 300+ days of sunshine each year. Perfect! There is also ice climbing, ice skating, ice hockey, and mountain excursions. 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. Any inputs would be much appreciated! For more tame activities, try cozying up on an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh or take a Viking Yurt adventure a snowcat-pulled sleigh ride that will bring you up to your very own yurt nestled among a nighttime winter wonderland. Now, if you are not skiing, you dont need to buy specific ski or snowboarding clothing or gear. Stellar food and drink options abound in Park City. 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. Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers There are many ski resorts that offer Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers with aquatic centres with various mini slides, small pools and spas. 05 December 2022 6 minutes Index What to do in Roccaraso without skiing What to do in Madonna di Campiglio if you don't ski Try your hand at Nordic skiing. 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. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. While skiing was the original focus of the resort, they have become so popular thanks to their other activities, including golf, hiking, beach activities, and a calendar full of family events. If you don't see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam folder. 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. This charming town has avoided commercialization and managed to keep its original mountain charm. 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. 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. And that means we have a beautiful winter ahead of us. The towering Rocky Mountains arent the only thing that will take your breath away when you visit Aspen/Snowmass. I am taking my first ski vacation with a group. and do your own sledding! Many top designers, including Gucci, Prada, and Ralph Lauren, pinpointed Aspen as their ideal store location. Thanks again! Tamarack Lodge stands out in my memory we didnt stay there but had a nice dinner in their restaurant and they have a scenic location with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing being popular here. A perfect example of this lifestyle can be found at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, where the cork pops each day at 1 p.m., and the bubbly flows abundantly. You can even enjoy lunch at the traditional Riguio Guide del Cervinia on the Plateau Rosa glacier. Here are the best. I do ski and I love it but there has been the occasional year when I have found myself at a ski resort when I couldnt ski. Winter discovery holidays +44 (0)1653 617001 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). In both Iceland and France, we have been lucky to find outdoor thermal pools or hot tubs where we were able to watch the snow come down around us. There are several resorts close to where we live (not close, close but a couple of hours away). Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Most places that have a lot of winter ski activities, also offer dog sledding trips. The elevated track winds through over a mile of loops and curves at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Located in the Catskills Mountains, this resort offers a variety of non-skiing activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. If a motorized adventure is more appealing, take a guided tour on a snow machine atSmiley Creek Lodgein Sawtooth City. In fact I think I prefer it when I cant ski. Jackson Hole may be renowned for its extreme slopes for experts, but it really offers something for everyone with a family-friendly side too. Not only does it offer plenty of great skiing, but there is also practically an endless number of other things to do. So, i kinda browse around (and panicking a bit) of what to prepare lol. When I lived in Montana I went ice fishing a few times and it was cool, but got boring quickly as I dont eat fish anyways! Beyond the slopes, winter resorts like Telluride offer shopping, fine dining, outdoor activities beyond skiing and more Getty Images/Lonely Planet RF, 6 great US winter resorts you can enjoy even if you hate skiing. AtAstoria Hot SpringsParkon the banks of the Snake River, you can soak your cares away in the shadow of the Tetons surrounded by a 95-acre park. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll through Zebs General Store and other quaint shops for a wonderful afternoon. Dont miss the incredible rooftop hot tub, with stunning views of the mountain slopes. 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! While the lodge is a resort itself, it also provides plenty of activities open to the public. Weve done dog sledding in Finland a couple of times and it was also available during our Mammoth Lakes and Spanish Pyrenees trips. From delicious New Mexican food to unique art and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos, New Mexico, has plenty to offer travelers. Winter snow breaks. 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. If you dont know how to ski and want to try it, a trip to a ski resort is obviously an ideal time to learn or take your kids to lessons. 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. 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. Learn about the infamous Donner Party and their struggle for . 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 There are practically endless shopping opportunities as well as outstanding restaurants and plenty of fun activities too. Most places that have a lot of winter ski activities, also offer dog sledding trips. Keystone is one of the most popular ski resorts for families. Hi Anda, Skiing is obviously a good thing to do at a ski resort and Laurence enjoys spending several hours a day on the slopes when we are at a resort Yes, haha, they just put larger tires on tougher Segways and they can handle winter and cover tougher terrain! There are high mountains on either side of a relatively flat and wide valley floor and a glacier ski area at the far end. Snow tubing is one of my favorite snow activities although it can can sometimes be hard to find good courses or hills for adults. Breckenridge Brewery opened over 30 years ago, and their most popular brews can now be found nationwide. While on Main Street, grab a bite at Riverhorse On Main or the No Name Saloon. 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 resort offers speciality equipment and adapted slopes, toilets, lifts, and lessons. 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. Just pick up a map with descriptions of all of its winter hiking paths and trails at the Seefeld Tourist Information Office. It boasts a full-service spa, a hot tub, and pool complex, as well as a shopping promenade and multiple restaurants which focus on regionally-sourced ingredients. On the more relaxing end of the spectrum, a beloved activity for visitors to North Conway is the Conway Scenic Railroad. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard, Hi Lolo, It turns out a lot of people who read this blog dont ski like me! Plus, its a lot more affordable than Zermatt, which sits just across the Swiss border. It is easier to find places without people and snow often bring a stillness. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. There you have it our guide to 25 things to do at a ski resort if you dont ski! Beautiful Mont Tremblant is situated 80 miles north of Montreal and is frequently named the top resort in eastern North America. At the heart of Park City is Main Street. Hi Ruth, From L.A., I highly recommend Mammoth Lakes. Following dinner, stop by The Chocolate Foundry to satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the worlds finest chocolate-y treats. The wide tires on this bike enable you to easily glide through the snowy, groomed trails. During your stay, dont forget to venture off the resort properly to explore the town. It is a great way to head out for a walk without worrying about sinking into the snow drifts! in the Spanish Pyrenees which included three obstacle courses (each a different level of difficulty), zip lining, climbing, and snowshoeing activities. 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. 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. Perhaps you fancy a little retail therapy? Stroll through the historic Taos Plaza and youll find shops filled with handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Mansfield along the way. Crystal Lodge & Suites. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Their loaded grilled cheese is to die for and pairs perfectly with one of the local Michigan beers on tap. Also a great way to learn more about local customs and culture of a destination. Finally, visiting a few shops and restaurants is a must. I need to explore the possibility of doing some of these. Your email address will not be published. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Fun post! Thank you so much for this wonderful and informative article! 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. Next door, Table + Tonic is a great option for breakfast and lunch. The resorts village has so much to do, it almost feels like a big city thats been dropped right into the mountains. About 25 minutes north of North Conway, enjoy a unique snowcoach tour up the mountain or stay at the base and burn through a weekends worth of calories by snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Another site worth seeking out is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which stretches high above the river. The site hosted the bobsled, skeleton, and ski jumps in 2002. 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. Weve gone snowshoeing a couple of times now, and really enjoy it. 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. For those opting to skip the slopes, we detailed some of our favorite non-skiing activities in these top skiing destinations. Im just too clumsy and awkward for it it seems. 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. It is great to see how much there is to do at a ski resort if you dont ski! 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. Wed love to hear any other tips you may have for things do to at a ski resort if you dont ski. Or sign up forUllr Nights,select Friday nights that offer coaster rides, tubing, smores, music, dinner and other fun things. 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. Youll often find walking tours, food tours, and museum passes in towns/cities to help you get more out of your visit. For an extra special evening out, make a reservation to eat in one of their yurts! At the bottom of the main slope, they also have food trucks, so you can grab some later evening snacks while you enjoy the fire. 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. Of course, if youre budgeting, its always fun shopping for a hidden gem at The Aspen Thrift Shop or Susies Limited Consignments. The Twin Zip Ride and Zipline Adventure Tour, open year round, takes you down the slopes of Boyne Mountain at speeds up to 25 miles per hour to satisfy your inner thrillseeker. Hi Jaz, Glad you found the post helpful in thinking about some winter activities for non-skiers. In Teton Village, the Mangy Moose has a lively atmosphere perfect for the whole family; or check out Il Villagio Osteria for a more intimate experience. 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. Thanks to the regions southerly location, youre likely to enjoy it all in the sunshine too, as over 80 percent of the days here are blizzard free and sunny. If you want to have some sledding fun and there is no sledding area or sled rentals, dont despair. The skiing is incredible and the Chamonix accommodations are beautiful, but they also offer a massive . Second, it is a great time to get some surreal winter landscape photos or practice your action photography by capturing those skiing, skating, or snowboarding moments. If youre so inclined, you can try out the bobsled track for yourself. At the top, you can dine alfresco at the Summit House, the states highest elevation restaurant. Park City was a hidden ski gem before the Salt Lake City area burst onto the world stage with the 2002 Winter Olympics. I get to enjoy the winter atmosphere without all the pressure to get down the mountain time after time in one piece. When we were in the Spanish Pyrenees we visited a lot of the local towns and villages in between ski resorts so the trip was a good mix of skiing for Laurence and culture stops and exploring for me. 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. Whether youre a designer brand shopper or not, these shops are worth a visit. Ski Touring Verbier (Switzerland) Winter Walks in Chamonix Laurence and his friends normally rented a rustic but well-equipped cabins together as a group for a week. I associate winter with being a more quiet and peaceful time outside. The resort even offers a few unique activities like sumo wrestling in the snow and organized snowball fights. Often youll find a fireplace in the shared lobby or restaurant but If youre not on a budget, consider booking a place with a fireplace in the room or suite. Chamonix - The best hiking in the French Alps. Utah Olympic Park is the perfect first stop on any non-skiing adventure. Many area shops offer fatbike rentals and can direct you to one of the many free-to-explore trails. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. Wintery magic without ski-slopes is all over Europe and several of the prettiest and chilliest places have low-cost direct flights from the UK too. Non-skiers can sled for free at Carter Park, enjoy 30 miles of perfectly-manicured trails for snowshoeing or go winter biking on some of the countrys best mountain biking terrain. In some winter destinations, you may have the option to try your hand at ice fishing. We loved our massage at SpaTerre in Teton Mountain Lodge. Aprs ski involves more than something to do after skiing, its a lifestyle, they boast. Actual rate could vary depending on experience and level of schedule commitment (26 days/2-4 regular days/full time). Sure, there are lots of things to do at a ski resort if you dont ski. If alpine skiing isnt your jam, try the Nordic (or cross-country) variety. Located in the former Old First National Bank Building, the historic Nugget Theateroffers the charm of an old-school cinema. You'll also have access to an onsite lodge with a snack bar, a . Snow holidays | Winter holidays for non-skiers in 2022 and 2023 Travel Europe and further afield Snow holidays: 5 of the best escapes for winter 2022 and 2023 With scenery that looks like it's straight off the front of a Christmas card, these snowy holiday destinations are some of the world's most impressive winter wonderlands By Jo Blyth We did a winter Segway trip at. If youd like to try cross-country skiing, this is one of the best places in the world for the sport. Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. We never knew such experiences were possible and were amazed to see people who arrived in wheelchairs be able to use equipment or be accompanied by another skier to be able to still experience the slopes. Jackson Hole has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery weve ever experienced. When youre done, be sure to stop in for mulled red wine at Igloo Bar, made almost entirely out of ice. If you're looking to get away this season to play in the powder but have no desire to hit the slopes, then consider these unforgettable winter snow holidays. Do we really need ski clothing (if we decide not to skiing) e.g. 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. 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. Other options include alpine zip-line tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. Winter Holidays In Switzerland Holidays in stunning snowscapes for non-skiers Switzerland is a year round destination and you may be intrigued to find that the snow-covered mountains are not just for skiers! There are lots to do in ski areas that doesnt involve skiing Wishing your wife a wonderful birthday. Theres also freeice skatingin the Snowmass Base Village and complimentary snow tubing at the Snowmass Limelight hotel. Hi Ashley, First, I am sorry to hear about your back injury but glad to hear that you can still go on the trip. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. 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. 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! Other activities include taking a stroll through Europes highest shopping street, Via Serlas, which hosts all of the top brands and boutiques, enjoying spectator sports like cricket on ice and the Cartier Polo World Cup. Boyne Mountain Resort is the premier resort in northern Michigan, welcoming families for over 65 years. Some we did together as a couple and some I did alone while Laurence was off skiing. Wildflowers, snow-capped mountains or fall foliage? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. 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. Whether you are looking for some warm winter clothes, a new handbag, delicious chocolate treats, or a Christmas gift, youll likely find some interesting local stores to check out.