The non-skier's guide to Winter

Over the past few years, statistics have shown that more and more people are booking a holiday to a ski resort without intending to ski at all. Holidaymakers are going on a winter holiday purely to enjoy the après entertainment and alternative activities in the snow. 

We can all agree that there’s usually someone in the family, couple or group of friends that doesn’t ski at all but that shouldn't mean they have to sit in the hotel room all day or can only go on short walks in the town or village. Ski Resorts nowadays offer so much more than endless slopes for skiing and snowboarding! There are a lot of super fun winter activities such as sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more! 

Check out our incredible ski deals NOW!

What are the top alternatives for non-skiers in a ski resort? 

Snowshoeing

This is a great way to explore the ski resort without skiing. Find out if there are local guides available that know the resort well enough to take you to the coolest spots. 

Tips to enjoy snowshoeing:

❄ Get snowshoes that are right for your weight as well as the snow conditions and terrain of your route. 

❄ Wear waterproof boots. 

❄ We layers of clothing that can handle cold and wet weather. 

❄ Carry adjustable poles. 

❄ Take some snacks and water. 

Spa Time

Most mountain hotels have a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and indoor pool. Some of them also have massage treatments. Splurge a little and take some time during your winter holiday to unwind and relax. 

Thermal pool and natural hot springs

A lot of ski resorts in Europe are located close to natural hot springs and thermal pools. Find out where is the closest to you and take in the beautiful views of nature whilst dipping in a natural pool. 

Cross-country skiing

Most of us think that there’s only one kind of skiing but we’re wrong! Cross-country or Nordic skiing is another way of hitting the slopes and exploring the ski resorts. And it’s a great work out! 

Visit nearby towns and villages

Take the time to get to know the towns and villages surrounding the ski resort and do some sightseeing. Find out if there’s a local museum, high street with shops and cafés or any other spot that is worth visiting during your stay. 

Sleigh Rides 

If you’re visiting a ski resort in Switzerland or Austria, they all have loads of routes for sledding or tobogganing.  This is a super fun activity to do as family or with friends. Some of the best sledding routes are a bit of a trek to get to but the views will definitely make it worth your time!

Christmas Markets and Holidays Events

If you’re going on a Christmas holiday to a snow destination, you obviously need to find out if the local town or village is holding a Christmas market. I mean, who doesn’t love one? Nothing gets you more into the Christmas spirit than sipping mulled wine or hot cocoa whilst strolling round the stalls and trying some local treats. 

Ice skating

Ice skating is always good fun with children and a laugh with your friends! Some ski resorts in France like Tignes have an outdoor ice-skating rink you can visit during your winter holiday or if you’re going to Andorra, there’s the Palau de Get ice-skating rink in Canillo where there’s also ice-karting! 

Snowmobiles

If you’ve gone jet skiing during a summer holiday, you know that this activity is loads of fun. Well imagine doing the same on the snow! This activity is perfectly suitable for adults and children, as long as the driver is an adult of course! And don’t forget your driver's license! 

Go Shopping 

We believe that this is an essential activity on any holiday! If you’re a foodie like us, make sure you take some local delicacies back home with you like cheese, chocolates or any other speciality the town or village may have. If you’re going on holiday to Andorra, don’t forget this place is a tax haven so you can buy clothes, cosmetics and electronic devices  at a really cheap price! A lot of the ski destinations also have loads of outlets where you can buy winter gear at a discount price. 

What are the best ski resorts for non-skiers? 

Zermatt, Switzerland. 

✔Take the Matterhorn Express Gondola up to Trockener Steg. Have lunch in the Pizzeria whilst taking in the most incredible views at 2.939 metres high! 

✔Take the Gornergat Bahn up the mountain and enjoy the most incredible view of the iconic mount Matterhorn. 

✔Go ice skating or give Curling a go! There are a total of 6 outdoor ice rinks in Zermatt that are free access. All you need to do is rent the skates. 

Where to stay in Zermatt:

The best place to stay in Zermatt is the Hotel Alpenhof****, located right in the town centre. It’s a short walk to the Gonergrat train and a short drive to the Schwarzsee. The hotel also has a spa and you can book your room with either breakfast or half board. The food here is absolutely out of this world! 

Chamonix, France. 

✔ The Aguile du Midi cable car has the highest vertical ascent in the world and will give you an excellent closeup of the Mont Blanc. 

✔Visit Step into the Void, a glass box that hangs over the edge. You’ll have an open space of 3.842 metres beneath your feet! 

✔Visit the Mer de Glace ice cave, a man-made grotto full of sculptures. 

Where to stay in Chamonix: 

If you really want to experience the aprés-ski atmosphere during your winter holiday, you need to book a room in La Folie Douce Hotel Chamonix. This hotel hosts weekly themed parties. It’s the party central of Chamonix! 

St. Moritz, Switzerland. 

✔Great walking area in the Engadin Valley and the Natural Park. 

✔Loads of foodie festivals throughout the year. 

✔The frozen lake of St. Moritz holds loads of events such as horse racing, polo and cricket. 

✔Take the Rhaetian Railway from St. Mortiz to Filisur, a beautiful small Alpine village,  and you’ll travel over the Landwasser Viaduct. 

Where to stay in St. Mortiz: 

If you’re going to visit St. Moritz, we recommend you to stay in the Hotel San Gian****. It’s a short walk to the St. Moritzersee (the lake) and next to the Inn Lake. You can book a room with breakfast and there’s an outdoor heated pool with incredible views of the mountain. 

Courchevel, France. 

✔The Aquamotion centre is perfect to spend a day with friends and family. 

✔Take the pedestrian lift pass to see the views of Les 3 Vallées.

✔There are plenty of hiking trails around the valley that range from easy to difficult. Head to the tourist office where they will give you a map of the routes. 

✔Foodies: this place is one of the best places to try the Savoyard Cuisine. Head to one of the local restaurants and try the raclette, fondue or tartiflette. 

Where to stay in Courchevel: 

If you’re going to visit Courchevel, we recommend you to stay in the Hotel Mercure Courchevel 1850****. It’s a short walk to the Courchevel 1850 ski slopes and is overlooking lake Biollay and the Massif de la Saulire.

Val d’Isère, France. 

✔It’s a total paradise for foodies. 

Restaurants in Val d'Isère you need to try: 

- La Fruitiere restaurant, La Folie Douce’s sister restaurant. Here you can sample wine and cheese from France’s 4 corners. Delish! 

- La Table de l’Ours offers an excellent tasting menu. 

- L’Atelier d’Edmond bistro is recommendable for lunch. 

- Maison Chevallot is one of the finest pastisseries in France.

✔Purchase a pedestrian lift pass at the tourist office and access some impressive walks through loads of pine trees. 

✔Book a guided snowshoe hike and get a glimpse of local history. 

✔Spend a day in the Centre Aquasportif Val d'Isère, the local spa centre. 

Where to stay in Val d’Isère: 

If you’re visiting Val d’Isère, you should definitely book a room in the Hotel Avenue Lodge***** with continental breakfast. All of the rooms are super sophisticated and there’s a cosy lounge bar with a fireplace. There’s also a spa and massage parlour. 

How to pack the perfect suitcase to fully enjoy your winter holiday

We can all agree that packing the perfect suitcase is crucial to enjoying your winter holiday. Nothing is more annoying than leaving some of your essentials behind which will have you feeling cold and grumpy throughout the entire holiday. 

If you’re planning on doing some of the activities we have suggested in this guide, make sure you take: 

❄ Comfy warm boots

❄ Hiking boots (if hiking is part of your winter holiday)

❄ Plenty of socks and leg warmers 

❄ Fleece Layers 

❄ Fleece-lined leggings

❄ Waterproof clothes (especially for snowshoeing)

❄ Beanies, scarves and gloves. 

❄ Sunscreen (you’d be surprised how quickly you catch the sun in the mountains) and lip balm. 

So, now you have the perfect guide for a non-skiing winter holiday, where are you headed? Looking for the best mountain hotels with a Spa in Europe?