Skiing is quite simply outside of many people's budget. Get Its a lot of fun and isnt too hard to learn the basics, but do be careful as you can get it stuck in a snowdrift (as Laurence has done) and the machine can tip so do pay careful attention to safety instructions and go only as fast as you (and your partner) feel comfortable. Non-skiers can enjoy a snow holiday on the Dolomites also for night fun, especially in the typical restaurants that can be easily reached by the snowcats. I love your list. Ive always been more interested in the apres ski than the ski! Picturesque Breckenridge has been called one of Americas most beautiful Christmas towns. 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. Other options include alpine zip-line tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. We come from tropical country, thus lots to prepare including clothes etc. Such gorgeous photos of the snow on the trees here! During your stay, dont forget to venture off the resort properly to explore the town. If your family, school group, or partner is busy planning a ski holiday, you dont have to stay home or spend your time watching TV in the hotel room if you are a non-skier. 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. After all of the shopping, you can refuel on authentic New Mexican fare featuring traditional green chiles and mole and grab a drink and enjoy live music at Taos Mesa Brewery. The idea of skiing terrifies you. Boyne Mountain Resort is the premier resort in northern Michigan, welcoming families for over 65 years. Depending on where you are in the world, you may also have a chance to catch the Northern Lights. 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. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. First, youll often find attractions that are packed in the summer months are almost deserted in the winter. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. Yet that doesnt mean you have to miss out on a fun winter vacation or a last-minute getaway. While the resort offers plenty of on-mountain activities, Aspen Snowmass is truly known for its aprs ski. Youll also have the chance to take part in movie nights, watch blacksmith demonstrations, swim in the indoor pool, or join in on daily group exercise sessions. Now, if you are not skiing, you dont need to buy specific ski or snowboarding clothing or gear. There are high mountains on either side of a relatively flat and wide valley floor and a glacier ski area at the far end. Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range. 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. 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. History buffs will love the towns idyllicMain St, with its47 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. If youre looking for a less taxing way to explore the wilderness, dont miss the whimsical horse-drawn sleigh ride experience! The Viking Yurtwelcomes guests by sleigh ride to an elaborate, Norwegian-inspired tent. Mansfield along the way. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. At Montage Deer Valley, you can experience the thrill of snow tubing at Powder Park or test your bowling skills at the resorts four-lane regulation bowling alley. Additional ways to have frozen fun include snowshoeing, tubing, wildlife observation tours, fat tire biking, guided forest hikes with a trapper and more. Here are the best. 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. Finally, pure relaxation can be realized at many of the amazing spas. Winter Wonderlands: Snow holidays for non-skiersThere's more to the slopes than skiingWhether you can't ski or won't ski, you don't have to be a powder hound. 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. A lift whisks tubers to the top of the run, where circular tubes spin down the slope at lightning speeds. Sun Valleys original restaurant, The Ram, has welcomed diners since 1937, just one year after the resort opened its doors to the public in 1936. Head to the tubing hill to enjoy everything from a gentle ride to more heart-pounding thrills. There was also a frozen lake where people were playing ice hockey when we visited. Best, Jessica. There are options for the non-skier to enjoy a fabulous fun-filled and action-packed winter holiday in a spectacular snowy winter wonderland. 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. A perfect place to sip drinks, read, and while away time talking. Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. The resort offers speciality equipment and adapted slopes, toilets, lifts, and lessons. In the glorious mountains of Idaho, Sun Valley Nordic Center hasalmost 125 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, in addition tosnowshoeing and fat biking. in the Spanish Pyrenees which included three obstacle courses (each a different level of difficulty), zip lining, climbing, and snowshoeing activities. 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. Tour the estate and learn the true story of the familys history before settling in with some authentic Austrian fare and freshly-brewed beer at the bierhall. Its just like a roller coaster, but youll get to enjoy the gorgeous, snowy mountain scenery of Park City. Winter is a great time to eat some hearty meals, especially if you are spending the days burning off calories on winter related activities. The 11 Best Uncrowded Ski Resorts In The U.S. 6 Fabulous Winter Experiences At U.S. National Parks From Mild To Wild, Winter Park, Colorado: 10 Best Things To Do During Winter Besides Skiing, 7 Best Things To Do In Innsbruck, Austria All Year Round Besides Skiing. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. I dont have too much experience with lodges in the Swiss or French Alps but Laurence says that they are some of the best in terms of offering that idyllic picturesque wood paneled place you just have to do a bit of looking. History buffs can deep dive into the gold rush origins of the town by exploring the ten museums and preserved gold mining sites. Youll receive complimentary popcorn when you sit down, and the pizza to follow is amazing. This is a popular destination for French Alps winter snow holidays for non-skiers. Mountains close to Denver are some of the best places to snowboard in Colorado. 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. If you want an ideal destination that's great for families with non-skiing and skiing members, Cervinia is a great choice. The Best New England Winter Getaways for Non-Skiers From tried-and-true winter favorites like ice skating and sledding to more unusual activities like curling and snow biking, here are the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors during New England winter getaways. 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. 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. At the heart of Park City is Main Street. 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. AtUtah Olympic Parkyou can race down the same track used the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. Read our Privacy Policy. A lake may be frozen solid on top, but if you can drill down through the ice youll find water and fish. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? Also send me the latest blog posts by e-mail, Independent Travel Cats Monthly Newsletter, Logos, images, and content all protected by copyright. Winter discovery holidays +44 (0)1653 617001 If not, there is likely a skating rink within driving distance. Some of my favorite fireplaces are at the Hotel Majestic in, If you want to have some sledding fun and there is no sledding area or sled rentals, dont despair. After a days worth of activities, nothing is better than spending happy hour enjoying a local craft beer. The Resort at Squaw Creek is just 10 minutes from the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe. 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. 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. But don't despair. The historic Trapp Family Lodge, made famous by The Sound Of Music, is less than 10 miles from the resort. Order upThe Bartenders Box, an at-home (or at-hotel) delivery that comes with all the makings of a delicious cocktail. I was hoping snowboarding would be easier somehow, but it was actually even harder for me than skiing was. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. Winter snow breaks Take a winter break in Europe away from the crowds. Many ski resorts offer hot tubs and you may also see if there are any natural hot springs around. A winter holiday for non-skiers. Kind of like the difference between cuddling with someone elses baby vs. having your very own baby). Hope this helps and have a great trip to Austria! 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. This article was first published October 2020 and updated November 2022. From delicious New Mexican food to unique art and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos, New Mexico, has plenty to offer travelers. You can head across covered bridges, along winding brooks, and through the snowy forest. Crystal Mountain is a renowned ski resort known for its alpine skiing, but it offers all sorts of other ways to enjoy the great outdoors and the fresh, frosty air. The Stubai valley is one of the most picturesque locations near Innsbruck. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! Your email address will not be published. Hotel Aava. There are a lot of fun winter snow activities that dont involve skiing or snowboarding such as sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Then browse the towns 50 unique boutiques, country stores, galleries, specialty markets, sporting goods stores and other retailers. Best, Jessica. 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. 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 resort is also home to five different spas, and the village is famous for its happening nightlife scene. Thanks for sharing such impressive details. Rush origins of the run, where circular tubes spin down the slope at lightning.... 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