Cookie	Cookie type	Time of Expiry
save_grouper	Used to distinguish users for statistical purposes.	1 month
grouper_id	Used to distinguish users for statistical purposes.	1 month
all_skiers	Identifies whether all users in the booking are skiing or if someone is not.	1 day
user	Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.	1 day
SkiID	Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.	1 day
loguejat	Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.	1 day
user_remember	Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.	1 day
accept_cookies	Records whether the user has accepted the Esquiades cookie policy.	3 months
PHPSESSID	PHP session cookie that enables session variables to be stored on the web server. Essential for website functionality.	1 day
user-last-searches	Stores the user’s most recent searches.	3 days

Cookie type

Time of Expiry

save_grouper

Used to distinguish users for statistical purposes.

1 month

grouper_id

Used to distinguish users for statistical purposes.

1 month

all_skiers

Identifies whether all users in the booking are skiing or if someone is not.

1 day

user

Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.

1 day

SkiID

Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.

1 day

loguejat

Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.

1 day

user_remember

Required to keep the user’s session active after logging in.

1 day

accept_cookies

Records whether the user has accepted the Esquiades cookie policy.

3 months

PHPSESSID

PHP session cookie that enables session variables to be stored on the web server. Essential for website functionality.

1 day

user-last-searches

Stores the user’s most recent searches.

3 days

Provider	Cookie	Cookie type	Use it	Expiration
Google	1P_JAR	Advertising cookie containing a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used to measure ad performance and provide product recommendations based on statistical data.	Google Adwords	1 month
Google	ANID	Advertising cookie with a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used for measuring ad performance and providing product recommendations.	Google Adwords	1 year
Google	CONSENT	Advertising cookie containing a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used for measuring ad performance and providing product recommendations.	Google Adwords	1 year
Google	APISID	Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 years
Google	HSID	Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 years
Google	NID	Used to display geographic locations on Google Maps.	Google Maps	6 months
Google	OGPC	Supports visualization of geographic locations using Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 months
Google	SAPISID	Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 years
Google	SID	Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 years
Google	SSID	Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.	Google Maps	2 years
Google	SIDCC	Provides services and extracts anonymous browsing information.	Google	3 months
Google	_ga	Distinguish users for statistical purposes.	Google Analytics	2 years
Google	_gid	Distinguish users for statistical purposes.	Google Analytics	24 hours
Google	_gat	Used to limit the percentage of requests through Google Tag Manager.	Google Analytics	1 minute
CloudFlare	__cfduid	Identifies trusted web traffic.	CloudFlare	1 year
Facebook	fbsr_*	Helps identify users who log in with their Facebook account.	Login with Facebook	1 year
Google	ACCOUNT_CHOOSER	Authentication cookies that remember the Google account previously used to log in and maintain sessions.	Google Accounts	2 years
Google	AEC	Security cookie ensuring that requests during a session are made by the user, not other sites.	Google	6 months
DoubleClick (Google)	DSID	Advertising purpose. Helps identify the user on non-Google sites and remember if you agreed to receive interest-based ads.	Google DoubleClick	10 days
Google	DV	Used for advertising and analytics purposes, linking user activity across devices.	Google	24 hours
DoubleClick (Google)	IDE	Advertising purpose. Used to improve and display relevant ads.	Google DoubleClick	1 year
Google	LSID	Authentication cookies that remember the Google account previously used to log in and maintain sessions.	Google Accounts	2 years
Google	OTZ	Used for advertising and analytics purposes, linking user activity across devices.	Google Analytics	1 month
Amazon Ads	ad-id	Advertising cookies that deliver relevant ads, measure performance, and manage privacy preferences.	Amazon Advertising	6 months
Amazon Ads	ad-privacy	Advertising cookies that deliver relevant ads, measure performance, and manage privacy preferences.	Amazon Advertising	2 years
DoubleClick (Google)	ar_debug	Cookie used to debug and optimize ad delivery.	Google DoubleClick	1 month
Facebook	datr	Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.	Facebook	1 year
Twitter	guest_id	Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.	Twitter	2 years
Twitter	guest_id_ads	Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.	Twitter	2 years
Twitter	guest_id_marketing	Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.	Twitter	2 years
Tiktok	_ttp	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok Analytics	3 months
Tiktok	tt_chain_token	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	5 months
Tiktok	ttwid	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	11 months
Twitter (t.co)	muc_ads	Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.	Twitter	2 years
Twitter	personalization_id	Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.	Twitter	2 years
Facebook	sb	Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.	Facebook	1 year
CloudFlare (t.co)	__cf_bm	Security cookie that manages traffic and filters malicious bots.	Cloudflare	30 minutes
Amazon CloudFront	CloudFront-Key-Pair-Id	Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.	Amazon CloudFront	Varies by configuration
Amazon CloudFront	CloudFront-Policy	Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.	Amazon CloudFront	Varies by configuration
Amazon CloudFront	CloudFront-Signature	Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.	Amazon CloudFront	Varies by configuration
Google	SMSV	Used to link device usage and website visits to the user's Google account.	Google	309 days
Google	SOCS	Used to store the user's status regarding their cookie choices.	Google	13 months
Google	__Host-1PLSID	Used for user login via Google account.	Google	2 years
Google	__Host-3PLSID	Used for user login via Google account.	Google	2 years
Google	__Host-GAPS	Used for user login via Google account.	Google	2 years
Google Ads	Secure-1PAPISID	Used to create a visitor's interest profile and display relevant Google ads.	Google Ads	2 years
Google Ads	__Secure-1PSID	Used to display relevant and personalized Google ads.	Google Ads	2 years
Google Ads	Secure-1PSIDCC	Used to create a user profile and show relevant and personalized Google Ads.	Google Ads	1 year
Google	__Secure-1PSIDTS	Stores an encrypted timestamp to maintain user sessions and preserve user preferences.	Google	1 year
Google Ads	__Secure-3PAPISID	Used to create a visitor interest profile and display relevant Google ads.	Google Ads	2 years
Google Ads	Secure-3PSID	Used to display relevant and personalized Google ads.	Google Ads	2 years
Google Ads	Secure-3PSIDCC	Used to create a user profile and display relevant and personalized Google Ads.	Google Ads	1 year
Google	__Secure-3PSIDTS	Stores an encrypted timestamp to maintain user sessions and preserve user preferences.	Google	1 year
Facebook	_fbp	Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.	Facebook	3 months
Google Analytics	_ga_F6BSWQWY45	Assigns a unique identifier to distinguish users.	Google Analytics	2 years
Google Analytics	_ga_S66E9HVXEC	Assigns a unique identifier to distinguish users.	Google Analytics	2 years
Google AdSense	_gcl_au	Stores and tracks ad conversions.	Google AdSense	3 months
TikTok	_tt_enable_cookie	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	13 months
Own website	cookies-accept	Records the user’s acceptance of cookies.	Own website	Varies according to configuration
TikTok	odin_tt	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	13 months
SendinBlue	sib_cuid	Identifies website visitors for marketing purposes.	SendinBlue	13 months
TikTok	user_web_id	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	13 months
TikTok	user_web_token	Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.	TikTok	13 months

Provider

Cookie type

Use it

Expiration

Google

1P_JAR

Advertising cookie containing a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used to measure ad performance and provide product recommendations based on statistical data.

Google Adwords

1 month

Google

ANID

Advertising cookie with a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used for measuring ad performance and providing product recommendations.

Google Adwords

1 year

Google

CONSENT

Advertising cookie containing a unique randomly generated value to distinguish browsers and devices. Used for measuring ad performance and providing product recommendations.

Google Adwords

1 year

Google

APISID

Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 years

Google

HSID

Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 years

Google

NID

Used to display geographic locations on Google Maps.

Google Maps

6 months

Google

OGPC

Supports visualization of geographic locations using Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 months

Google

SAPISID

Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 years

Google

SID

Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 years

Google

SSID

Used by Google to store user preferences and information when displaying pages with Google Maps.

Google Maps

2 years

Google

SIDCC

Provides services and extracts anonymous browsing information.

Google

3 months

Google

_ga

Distinguish users for statistical purposes.

Google Analytics

2 years

Google

_gid

Distinguish users for statistical purposes.

Google Analytics

24 hours

Google

_gat

Used to limit the percentage of requests through Google Tag Manager.

Google Analytics

1 minute

CloudFlare

__cfduid

Identifies trusted web traffic.

CloudFlare

1 year

Facebook

fbsr_*

Helps identify users who log in with their Facebook account.

1 year

Google

ACCOUNT_CHOOSER

Authentication cookies that remember the Google account previously used to log in and maintain sessions.

Google Accounts

2 years

Google

AEC

Security cookie ensuring that requests during a session are made by the user, not other sites.

Google

6 months

DoubleClick (Google)

DSID

Advertising purpose. Helps identify the user on non-Google sites and remember if you agreed to receive interest-based ads.

Google DoubleClick

10 days

Google

Used for advertising and analytics purposes, linking user activity across devices.

Google

24 hours

DoubleClick (Google)

IDE

Advertising purpose. Used to improve and display relevant ads.

Google DoubleClick

1 year

Google

LSID

Authentication cookies that remember the Google account previously used to log in and maintain sessions.

Google Accounts

2 years

Google

OTZ

Used for advertising and analytics purposes, linking user activity across devices.

Google Analytics

1 month

Amazon Ads

ad-id

Advertising cookies that deliver relevant ads, measure performance, and manage privacy preferences.

Amazon Advertising

6 months

Amazon Ads

ad-privacy

Advertising cookies that deliver relevant ads, measure performance, and manage privacy preferences.

Amazon Advertising

2 years

DoubleClick (Google)

ar_debug

Cookie used to debug and optimize ad delivery.

Google DoubleClick

1 month

Facebook

datr

Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.

Facebook

1 year

Twitter

guest_id

Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.

Twitter

2 years

Twitter

guest_id_ads

Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.

Twitter

2 years

Twitter

guest_id_marketing

Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.

Twitter

2 years

Tiktok

_ttp

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok Analytics

3 months

Tiktok

tt_chain_token

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

5 months

Tiktok

ttwid

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

11 months

Twitter (t.co)

muc_ads

Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.

Twitter

2 years

Twitter

personalization_id

Used for user identification, ad personalization, and content recommendations.

Twitter

2 years

Facebook

Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.

Facebook

1 year

CloudFlare (t.co)

__cf_bm

Security cookie that manages traffic and filters malicious bots.

Cloudflare

30 minutes

Amazon CloudFront

CloudFront-Key-Pair-Id

Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.

Amazon CloudFront

Varies by configuration

Amazon CloudFront

CloudFront-Policy

Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.

Amazon CloudFront

Varies by configuration

Amazon CloudFront

CloudFront-Signature

Used to control access to restricted content and verify authenticity.

Amazon CloudFront

Varies by configuration

Google

SMSV

Used to link device usage and website visits to the user's Google account.

Google

309 days

Google

SOCS

Used to store the user's status regarding their cookie choices.

Google

13 months

Google

__Host-1PLSID

Used for user login via Google account.

Google

2 years

Google

__Host-3PLSID

Used for user login via Google account.

Google

2 years

Google

__Host-GAPS

Used for user login via Google account.

Google

2 years

Google Ads

Secure-1PAPISID

Used to create a visitor's interest profile and display relevant Google ads.

Google Ads

2 years

Google Ads

__Secure-1PSID

Used to display relevant and personalized Google ads.

Google Ads

2 years

Google Ads

Secure-1PSIDCC

Used to create a user profile and show relevant and personalized Google Ads.

Google Ads

1 year

Google

__Secure-1PSIDTS

Stores an encrypted timestamp to maintain user sessions and preserve user preferences.

Google

1 year

Google Ads

__Secure-3PAPISID

Used to create a visitor interest profile and display relevant Google ads.

Google Ads

2 years

Google Ads

Secure-3PSID

Used to display relevant and personalized Google ads.

Google Ads

2 years

Google Ads

Secure-3PSIDCC

Used to create a user profile and display relevant and personalized Google Ads.

Google Ads

1 year

Google

__Secure-3PSIDTS

Stores an encrypted timestamp to maintain user sessions and preserve user preferences.

Google

1 year

Facebook

_fbp

Security and advertising cookies that identify browsers, improve platform integrity, and deliver targeted ads.

Facebook

3 months

Google Analytics

_ga_F6BSWQWY45

Assigns a unique identifier to distinguish users.

Google Analytics

2 years

Google Analytics

_ga_S66E9HVXEC

Assigns a unique identifier to distinguish users.

Google Analytics

2 years

Google AdSense

_gcl_au

Stores and tracks ad conversions.

Google AdSense

3 months

TikTok

_tt_enable_cookie

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

13 months

Own website

cookies-accept

Records the user’s acceptance of cookies.

Own website

Varies according to configuration

TikTok

odin_tt

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

13 months

SendinBlue

sib_cuid

Identifies website visitors for marketing purposes.

SendinBlue

13 months

TikTok

user_web_id

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

13 months

TikTok

user_web_token

Tracking and analytics cookies used to measure ad performance, track behavior, and authenticate users.

TikTok

13 months

The non-skier's guide to Winter

Content

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

1.1 Snowshoeing

1.2 Spa Time

1.3 Thermal pool and natural hot springs

1.4 Cross-country skiing

1.5 Visit nearby towns and villages

1.6 Sleigh Rides

1.7 Christmas Markets and Holidays Events

1.8 Ice skating

1.9 Snowmobiles

1.10 Go Shopping

2 What are the best ski resorts for non-skiers?

2.1 Zermatt, Switzerland.

2.2 Chamonix, France.

2.3 St. Moritz, Switzerland.

2.4 Courchevel, France.

2.5 Val d’Isère, France.

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

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.