Youll travel nearly 2,500 vertical feet to the summit, where youll enjoy even more breathtaking views of Mt. 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. My husband wants to spend as much time as possible on the ski slopes and by the time we make it back to the hotel we are both exhausted. Chances are if you are reading this article and you dont ski, you probably are not that interested in snowboarding either but I thought I would throw this in since it is such a popular activity at resorts. This is perfect for me because I dont ski. The very best views and cuisine in the region can be found at the Cliff House Restaurant, which sits atop Mt. Keystone is one of the most popular ski resorts for families. 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. 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. Mansfield along the way. 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. Ive always been more interested in the apres ski than the ski! Jessica, Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields Post author. 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. Snowshoe hire and a five-day local area travel pass are included. Park City was a hidden ski gem before the Salt Lake City area burst onto the world stage with the 2002 Winter Olympics. While the rest of the group skis, head into town and explore the history. Non-skiers will find plenty to explore in Park City, Utah. There is a range of shopping and dining options in downtown Jackson. With picturesque Innsbruck less than 15 miles away, the city makes for an ideal and easily accessible day trip too. These can be a great way to spend time while your partner or family hits the slopes. Those who dont want to hit the slopes can glide around on ice skates, go snowshoeing, sledding, or snowmobiling as well as take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sled tours. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. During the day, non-ski options include shopping the many chic boutiques, tandem paragliding, hiking, and snowshoeing. HOT AND COLD: 13 Best Winter Vacations in the U.S. for Families 1. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? Jessica, I think you wrote this just for me!! so we have gotten good at seeking out places with other things to do. 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. Generally, the skies are more clear and less hazy in the winter months so it is great time to look up at the sky. For an extra special evening out, make a reservation to eat in one of their yurts! 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). No matter which one you choose, here are ski townswhose variety of activities and experiences make them well worth a visit this winter. This car-free resort, the only one of its kind in France, offers a relaxed, safe village with lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops that are all accessed by foot or horse-drawn sleigh. Snow holidays for non-skiers and boarders in Aspen are chock-full of fun winter activities. Wed love to hear any other tips you may have for things do to at a ski resort if you dont ski. 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. 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. The Stubai valley is one of the most picturesque locations near Innsbruck. At the heart of Park City is Main Street. Chances are if you are reading this article and you dont ski, you probably are not that interested in snowboarding either but I thought I would throw this in since it is such a popular activity at resorts. 1/5 Beautiful, chocolaty, World Heritage Bruges 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. Some we did together as a couple and some I did alone while Laurence was off skiing. Not only does it offer plenty of great skiing, but there is also practically an endless number of other things to do. Next door, Table + Tonic is a great option for breakfast and lunch. However, this resort offers so much more than the freshly groomed, uncrowded ski slopes for which it is so well known. Fairmont Chateau Whistler. 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. Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park in Littleton, MA is the largest tubing park in New England and one of the best spots for a winter vacation with kids. 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. Hi Jon, I am glad you found our tips helpful, and I hope you and your wife have a great ski holiday together! 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. The park has its own cinema, an outdoor skating rink, and a tube park. Looking for something with a bit more punch, try an Irish coffee, hot toddy, glgg (mulled wine), or hot buttered rum. The skiing is incredible and the Chamonix accommodations are beautiful, but they also offer a massive . One of the most popular outdoor activities in Stowe besides skiing is fatbiking. 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. I love your list. Its also home to the sub-tropical Aquariaz water park, which features a waterfall, a series of pools, slides, and water jets with currents at various speeds. My husband and daughter ski, but I dont. The Rocky Mountain town is renowned for its ski resorts and over the years it has developed a variety of activities for non-skiers to enjoy in winter, too, with opportunities for snowshoeing, ice-skating, dog-sledding and more. 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. Next, make a stop at the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museumto learn the history of skiing and riding in the Green Mountain State. You wont find them everywhere, but there are several in both Europe and the United States. Snowmobiling, coach tours, paragliding, and tubing are just some of the other options. All you need is a pair of winter boots as most resorts offer poles and snowshoe rentals that will attach to your boots. 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. Non-skiers will enjoy the scenery and the different villages and areas to explore on the walking trails or bus system. Wander through this Western Saloon Town and youll find an abundance of boutique shops, restaurants and galleries to explore. 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. Breckenridge Brewery opened over 30 years ago, and their most popular brews can now be found nationwide. It has fun activities in the summer and winter but is a great ski or snowboarding destination it has a cute little village of shops and restaurants, funicular lifts, free shuttles, etc. Whether youre looking to explore history, enjoy a day of shopping, sip some fresh craft beer, or indulge in fine dining, Breckenridge offers it all. When youre hungry, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Company has been delighting diners for more than twenty years. Youll need an ice drill, fishing pole (which is amazingly tiny), and bait, along with a bit of luck. Enjoy a beer or two, or stay for dinner. Just pick up a map with descriptions of all of its winter hiking paths and trails at the Seefeld Tourist Information Office. Dont miss the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where the seats are saddles, and there is often live music on the weekends. AtUtah Olympic Parkyou can race down the same track used the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. The park has 5 different Nordic ski trails with beautiful views around the lake. Walking the town square, youll find art galleries, boutiques, western wear shops, and more. One of the most popular is a year-round 90-minute walking tour through Breckenridges national historic district. Some of my favorite fireplaces are at the Hotel Majestic in Yosemite National Park and I would love to live in that hotel in the winter months! History buffs can deep dive into the gold rush origins of the town by exploring the ten museums and preserved gold mining sites. Hope this helps and have a great trip to Austria! Next time I go skiing Im going to work my way through it. Don't miss out on our exclusive monthly giveaways with lots of fun travel and photography related prizes! For a more relaxing way to enjoy the resort, check out the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan, conveniently located on the resort property. 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. 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. 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 alpine skiing isnt your jam, try the Nordic (or cross-country) variety. 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. Try your hand at Nordic skiing. The one that took our breath away, and is considered one of the best ski resort based aquatic centres in the world is the Aquamotion in Courchevel 1550. To allow us to get to all the best bars and walk routes which may be higher, even as non-skiers do we need to buy a ski pass to use the ski lifts etc? 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. Even if you are skiing, the short days make for long nights which are perfect for spending some quiet time reading, watching a film, or playing cards or board games. If a motorized adventure is more appealing, take a guided tour on a snow machine atSmiley Creek Lodgein Sawtooth City. Down below, theres plenty of shopping in Teton Village, as well as in the historic town of Jackson(easy to access via public bus), whether youre looking for handmade knives, locally distilled spirits or trendy apparel. It plays host to the Banff Springs Bowling and Entertainment Center and the Willow Stream Spa. 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. I think the best thing about ski vacations, even if I dont go skiing, is experiencing a real winter. Perfect! If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Once you have some experience you can also head off on your own and go ski touring. Nothing beats sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold day! Here youll find all types of eateries, bars, and pubs that are sure to please. The Resort at Squaw Creek is just 10 minutes from the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe. 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. If you want to escape the winter chill, duck into theTelluride Historical Museumor one of the towns many independentshopsand boutiques. There is nothing quite like going from the cold snow into a hot thermal pool or hot tub. There are several resorts close to where we live (not close, close but a couple of hours away). Check out our ski holiday packing list to get your started. At the top, you can dine alfresco at the Summit House, the states highest elevation restaurant. 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. Snowmobiling and sitting in front of a hot fire are definitely two great things to do! may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Winter snow breaks Take a winter break in Europe away from the crowds. Kind of like the difference between cuddling with someone elses baby vs. having your very own baby). In cross-country skiing you use your own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain and dont need to be moving downhill. And I sometimes do spa days, too. Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard, Hi Lolo, It turns out a lot of people who read this blog dont ski like me! 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. 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. Just make sure you secure your day pass ahead of time on their website. All rights reserved. Two- and five-day winter mountaineering courses in Glen Coe and the Cairngorms include accommodation, food and the first of your winter challenges - a 7am start. 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. We took aski trip to the Spanish Pyrenees in January and we found loads of non-ski related things to do in the Spanish Pyrenees. Weve gone snowshoeing a couple of times now, and really enjoy it. Pay Rate:Teaching rate starts at $20/hr. While the vintage trains are most popular during the fall for leaf peeping, there is some availability in December and February. 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. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy. Find the perfect driving route for you in Yellowstone National Park with this road-tripping guide. Skiers know St. Moritz as one of the best ski destinations in Switzerland and as a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, but the possibilities for non-skiers are pretty amazing too. Best, Jessica. Hi Ruth, From L.A., I highly recommend Mammoth Lakes. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. The resort and surrounding areas offer plenty of excitement and activities for skiers and non-skiers alike. My idea of a good ski resort or hotel is one that has fireplaces and lots of wood paneling. The resort offers speciality equipment and adapted slopes, toilets, lifts, and lessons. 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. Following dinner, Boyne provides nightly bonfires around the resort. 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 To truly treat yourself, make an appointment to get your hair or nails spruced up, and finish it off with a professional makeup application before dinner. I do however getting confuse on the clothing e.g. Weve gone dog sledding in Finland but nearer to you I know there are opportunities in California, Colorado, and Alaska. Winter chill, duck into theTelluride Historical Museumor one of the other options difference between cuddling someone... Breaks take a guided tour on a cold day the Cliff winter snow holidays for non skiers Restaurant, which atop... The cold snow into a hot fire are definitely two great things to do in the U.S. families... 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