For those opting to skip the slopes, we detailed some of our favorite non-skiing activities in these top skiing destinations. There are options for the non-skier to enjoy a fabulous fun-filled and action-packed winter holiday in a spectacular snowy winter wonderland. Yay, snow! In both Iceland and France, we have been lucky to find outdoor thermal pools or hot tubs where we were able to watch the snow come down around us. You dont have to be a skier to ride the Mt. Perched on the sunny side of the unspoiled Ahrn Valley, this high-quality hotel offers wonderful hospitality and a real sense of history, with origins stretching back 500 years. Boring ! Picturesque Breckenridge has been called one of Americas most beautiful Christmas towns. The park has 5 different Nordic ski trails with beautiful views around the lake. While skiers appreciate its wide runs that are occasionally dotted with moguls, its the town that earns honors as much as the mountain itself. 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 We also love trying out local winter staples wherever we go. The shopping district is world-renowned for encompassing the Colorado/Western feel meshed with glitz and glam. 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. Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. (This will thrill the kids.) In fact I think I prefer it when I cant ski. 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. Kind of like the difference between cuddling with someone elses baby vs. having your very own baby). If you prefer a cozy space to snuggle in, the Limelight Lounge embodies living room-esque vibes situated around the fireplace. History buffs will love the towns idyllicMain St, with its47 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Some we did together as a couple and some I did alone while Laurence was off skiing. that may be fun to try out next time! Additional ways to have frozen fun include snowshoeing, tubing, wildlife observation tours, fat tire biking, guided forest hikes with a trapper and more. There are high mountains on either side of a relatively flat and wide valley floor and a glacier ski area at the far end. To take in the views, make the Wet Deck your happy hour destination it offers 8,000 square feet of open-air rooftop dining and drinking space. Job Title: Non-Certified Snowboard Instructor Type of Position: Seasonal - Full-Time/Part-Time Schedule: Weekends and holidays required. As always we welcome any questions you may have, just ask away below! 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. Delta Whistler Village Suites. If youre in the mood for a different kind of winter adventure, arrange for a sleigh ride, dog sledding, snowmobiling or snow-coach tour through the National Elk Refuge. The US is home to some of the most diverse spots on the planet for a natural soak outside. If dog sledding is on your list, be sure to book in advance. Now, if you are not skiing, you dont need to buy specific ski or snowboarding clothing or gear. During the day (and sometimes the evenings as well) at ski resorts, meals tend to be the cafeteria or buffet variety. 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. 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. There are lots to do in ski areas that doesnt involve skiing Wishing your wife a wonderful birthday. On the more relaxing end of the spectrum, a beloved activity for visitors to North Conway is the Conway Scenic Railroad. 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. Lastly, the skies are often clearer in the winter making for great day and night photography opportunities. Since it doesnt require any technical expertise, it is perfect for just about anyone who can walk and is a good family activity. It plays host to the Banff Springs Bowling and Entertainment Center and the Willow Stream Spa. Yet even during a winter break you can soak up some movie magic. A popular escape for east-coast dwellers, Stowe is a rustic compound that excels at catering to everyones idea of the perfect winter vacation. Such gorgeous photos of the snow on the trees here! The wide tires on this bike enable you to easily glide through the snowy, groomed trails. Laurence and his friends normally rented a rustic but well-equipped cabins together as a group for a week. 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? Build snowmen, make snow angels, build a snow fort, have a snowball fight, and catch snowflakes on your tongue! Finally, visiting a few shops and restaurants is a must. 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. Utah Olympic Park is the perfect first stop on any non-skiing adventure. 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. 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 pictures are fantastic! Boyne Mountain Resort is the premier resort in northern Michigan, welcoming families for over 65 years. Perhaps you fancy a little retail therapy? Plus, its a lot more affordable than Zermatt, which sits just across the Swiss border. and do your own sledding! Named for its bright blue skies and frequently sunny weather, Sun Valley is ideal for slope-seekers as well as anyone else in search of an adventurous resort escape. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. When youre hungry, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Company has been delighting diners for more than twenty years. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. Jessica, I think you wrote this just for me!! 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. The resort even offers a few unique activities like sumo wrestling in the snow and organized snowball fights. At the skating rink, you can rent skates and glide around or make use of the hockey nets, curling and broomball equipment for free. A perfect place to sip drinks, read, and while away time talking. Consider these eight intriguing destinations for couples, all over the US. All you need is a pair of winter boots as most resorts offer poles and snowshoe rentals that will attach to your boots. These can be a great way to spend time while your partner or family hits the slopes. Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I am afraid to even try to ski but love to play in the snow. 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. They have free smores in the evening, plus cold beers or hot chocolate for the littles. Best, Jessica. 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 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. I still loved every minute of being in the mountains though. 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. I also like a good ski lodge where I can settle in with a local beer or glass of wine and a book. If not, there is likely a skating rink within driving distance. Hotel Aava. There are many other fun non-skiing options too, like the Flying Eagle zipline that will allow you to soar above the trees while propelled 110 feet over the resorts ski runs at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. 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. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. It will depend on the rules of the specific ski resort, but at some places you may need to purchase a ski lift pass or ticket to access some of the bars or restaurants if they are at the top of the mountains. Donner Memorial State Park located on beautiful Donner Lake is another great Tahoe winter destination. Whether you choose to stay on the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort property or explore the town, we guarantee youll never run out of things to do. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. Known for some of the countrys most beautiful fall foliage and as the Alpine Ski Capital of the East, Stowe Mountain Resort attracts the majority of its visitors during fall and winter. Snow resorts often have a course or hill set up for those who want to rent a sled or go snow tubing or tobogganing. Wyomings famous vacation destination isnt just for well-do-doskiers: theres plenty to do on and off the mountains. Sip hot cocoa by the fire or try a little back-country snowshoeing. 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. 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. In Teton Village, the Mangy Moose has a lively atmosphere perfect for the whole family; or check out Il Villagio Osteria for a more intimate experience. The very best views and cuisine in the region can be found at the Cliff House Restaurant, which sits atop Mt. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? Winter snow breaks. I get to enjoy the winter atmosphere without all the pressure to get down the mountain time after time in one piece. Winter Holidays In Switzerland Holidays in stunning snowscapes for non-skiers Switzerland is a year round destination and you may be intrigued to find that the snow-covered mountains are not just for skiers! This is a popular destination for French Alps winter snow holidays for non-skiers. Snowboarding was invented in 1965 in Michigan and became very popular, especially among younger adults, in the later part of the 20th century. This is perfect for me because I dont ski. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! Many ski resorts offer hot tubs and you may also see if there are any natural hot springs around. For something more adventurous, rent fat-tire bikes from San Juan Outdoor Adventuresto cycle steadily across the snow. 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. Also a great way to learn more about local customs and culture of a destination. 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. Prefer to stay in? We did a winter Segway trip at. Some resorts have specific groomed cross-country ski trails and many may offer guided tours for those trying it out for the first time. At the top, you can dine alfresco at the Summit House, the states highest elevation restaurant. An indoor pool, spa and Gallic-inspired cuisine are welcome touches. Its an amazing weekend getaway even if you have no plans to enjoy the slopes. This post may contain affiliate links. Crystal Lodge & Suites. Some ski resorts may have a frozen over pond or indoor skating rink you can use. This charming town has avoided commercialization and managed to keep its original mountain charm. Just strolling the streets in the winter makes for a fun experience, though its also renowned for its skiing and a host of other activities. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Head to the tubing hill to enjoy everything from a gentle ride to more heart-pounding thrills. 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