Its an amazing weekend getaway even if you have no plans to enjoy the slopes. Hi Michele, That is the best of both worlds of living in a warm destination and being to go off for fun ski trips or snow vacations. ), Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. Skiing is quite simply outside of many people's budget. 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. Stroll through the historic Taos Plaza and youll find shops filled with handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and more. While the resort offers plenty of on-mountain activities, Aspen Snowmass is truly known for its aprs ski. One of the best places to ski in the U.S., Jay Peak has the distinction of getting the most snow in the Northeast region, but it also offers a whole lot more than great powder for skiing. 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. Where will you go next? Those looking to get away from it all know Colorado is one of the best states to unwind. When youre hungry, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Company has been delighting diners for more than twenty years. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. Ranked the #1 spa in Idaho (and #39 in the entire country) by Spas of America, the Spa offers myriad options for pampering yourself. Its an easy destination to get to, and the 1,600 acres of groomed ski trails will keep anyone entertained for days. 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! Not actually by choice, we were just born into hot climates and never moved! The gondola showcases the best views of Vermonts wintery landscape and takes you to the top of Mt. 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 .. 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. Finally, pure relaxation can be realized at many of the amazing spas. There is also ice climbing, ice skating, ice hockey, and mountain excursions. 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. 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 resort even offers a few unique activities like sumo wrestling in the snow and organized snowball fights. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. 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. My family and I are going to have our 1st Winter/ snow holiday in Austria next Jan, while non of us can do ski! Ever wondered what it feels like to soar down a bobsled course? In some winter destinations, you may have the option to try your hand at ice fishing. Otherwise, you can just pack as normal. 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. Winter wonderland vacations dont always have to be about skiing. Mansfield, the tallest mountain in the state. We went ice fishing on a tour in Finland and although we didnt have any luck catching fish, it was a lot of fun which was magnified by a post ice-fishing campfire with coffee and sausages. However, some places also offer ones for adults. We did a winter Segway trip at. Try your hand at Nordic skiing. Sun Valley is famous for its year-round ice shows, and you can even skate on the same ice thats hosted countless Olympians, or if swimming is your thing, Sun Valley Resort hosts three pools, including its legendary Lodge Pool, which offers aprs ski cocktail service. The towering Rocky Mountains arent the only thing that will take your breath away when you visit Aspen/Snowmass. Such gorgeous photos of the snow on the trees here! Once you have some experience you can also head off on your own and go ski touring. 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. Many people who are scared to try downhill skiing, come to enjoy cross-country skiing. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! Located in the Catskills Mountains, this resort offers a variety of non-skiing activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. First, youll often find attractions that are packed in the summer months are almost deserted in the winter. Perhaps you fancy a little retail therapy? If you prefer a cozy space to snuggle in, the Limelight Lounge embodies living room-esque vibes situated around the fireplace. Eighteen lanes are serviced by four lifts and maintained by a fleet of groomers. Sun Valley has hundreds of miles of groomed trails as well as backcountry bowls that are open to snowmobiles. What is winter without skis? Wow! Sacred to local Indigenous populations, Spirit Mountain (or Avi Kwa Ame) might become the newest federal national monument. During your stay, dont forget to venture off the resort properly to explore the town. 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 If youre so inclined, you can try out the bobsled track for yourself. 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. I think the best thing about ski vacations, even if I dont go skiing, is experiencing a real winter. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll through Zebs General Store and other quaint shops for a wonderful afternoon. There was a lot of non downhill skiing activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding (book ahead), a snowtubing park, spas, snowshoeing, etc. Just pick up a map with descriptions of all of its winter hiking paths and trails at the Seefeld Tourist Information Office. I do however getting confuse on the clothing e.g. At these 10 best winter vacations for non-skiers, you can dash through the snow in an open sleigh, sled, or tube. At the skating rink, you can rent skates and glide around or make use of the hockey nets, curling and broomball equipment for free. 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. Since it doesnt require any technical expertise, it is perfect for just about anyone who can walk and is a good family activity. 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. 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. Ski resorts and bars are pretty good at offering a good array of hot drinks! By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Its streets are car-free for a more peaceful atmosphere and are lined with many upscale nightclubs and shops, while the larger-than-life Matterhorn looms in the background. Kind of like the difference between cuddling with someone elses baby vs. having your very own baby). My husband and daughter ski, but I dont. If not, there is likely a skating rink within driving distance. Heres what that means. Best, Jessica. 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! Weve gone snowshoeing a couple of times now, and really enjoy it. The park is open seven days a week until 8 pm. Great ideas here! The park has its own cinema, an outdoor skating rink, and a tube park. There was also a frozen lake where people were playing ice hockey when we visited. Any inputs would be much appreciated! While the lodge is a resort itself, it also provides plenty of activities open to the public. 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. There are a variety of treatments available as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Hi Ashley, First, I am sorry to hear about your back injury but glad to hear that you can still go on the trip. Boring ! This article was first published October 2020 and updated November 2022. Generally, the skies are more clear and less hazy in the winter months so it is great time to look up at the sky. Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Dont miss the incredible rooftop hot tub, with stunning views of the mountain slopes. At the top, enjoy the views a bit longer stay during lunch at the Cliff House and peruse the Summit Retail Gift Shop. A popular escape for east-coast dwellers, Stowe is a rustic compound that excels at catering to everyones idea of the perfect winter vacation. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? skishoeing/ sledding/ tobboganing etc? Utah Olympic Park is the perfect first stop on any non-skiing adventure. No matter which one you choose, here are ski townswhose variety of activities and experiences make them well worth a visit this winter. Don't miss out on our exclusive monthly giveaways with lots of fun travel and photography related prizes! You definitely dont have to ski or board to enjoy Park City in fact, you can still ride down the mountain too thanks to the Alpine Coaster. 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. If a motorized adventure is more appealing, take a guided tour on a snow machine atSmiley Creek Lodgein Sawtooth City. 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 ski resorts weve been to offer adventure parks, although normally these are designed for kids and families. Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national historic landmark. There is a lot to do! Best, Jessica. The Stubai valley is one of the most picturesque locations near Innsbruck. Beautiful Mont Tremblant is situated 80 miles north of Montreal and is frequently named the top resort in eastern North America. Some we did together as a couple and some I did alone while Laurence was off skiing. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Crystal Lodge & Suites. The geothermal spring will keep you warm with its consistent 90-96 degrees while your friends enjoy the chilly slopes. While the rest of the group skis, head into town and explore the history. Winter holidays instead of ski holidays Fun and activities for non-skiers in Gurgl Visitors to the winter wonderland around the Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl don't necessarily . 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. People in Finland love to go from a hot sauna and then jump into an icy lake or pond, but we prefer it a bit more the other way around! 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Wyomings famous vacation destination isnt just for well-do-doskiers: theres plenty to do on and off the mountains. Finally, visiting a few shops and restaurants is a must. I know I am not alone, and wanted to share some tips on how to enjoy a ski holiday as a non-skier. Often there is at least one member of a family, couple, or group that doesnt ski but that doesnt mean they have to just sit in the hotel room when everyone else wants to ski. Off Main, Squatters and Burgers and Bourbon are great choices for casual fare. Jessica, Its not so much that I dont ski its more that I cant ski lol. Pro Tip: Christmas is an especially magical time of year at Boyne, as the entire place is covered in decorations. 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. Their loaded grilled cheese is to die for and pairs perfectly with one of the local Michigan beers on tap. Ive always been more interested in the apres ski than the ski! In some winter destinations, you may have the option to try your hand at ice fishing. Most snowmobiles can be ridden by one or two people at a time, and most companies offer guided tours as well as hires. At these resorts, there are a host of activities that are sure to please just about everyone. Pay Rate:Teaching rate starts at $20/hr. This top winter area in Idaho offers activities for just about everyone, including Dollar Mountains popular tubing hill. If you happen to plan your visit during the warmer months, the ski valley is also a wonderful place for white-water rafting, biking, and hiking, with the picturesque Williams Lake hiking trail being one of our favorites. And that means we have a beautiful winter ahead of us. 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. 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. Check out our ski holiday packing list to get your started. Active adventure lovers who dont want to strap on a pair of skis will find lots to do at Copper Mountain. And I must say this is perfect plan to make her bday special. almost 125 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. These can be a great way to spend time while your partner or family hits the slopes. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding theres something for everyone who wants a taste of winter off the slopes. In cross-country skiing you use your own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain and dont need to be moving downhill. Here are five ways to experience the USAs national parks for spring break 2023. 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. 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. Soak in one of the hot tubs while the kiddos enjoy over 88,000 square feet of rides and slides. 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. 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! Hi Dini, Yes, it can be challenging to pack for winter destinations, especially if you have never experienced a cold weather winter before! 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.