Park City was a hidden ski gem before the Salt Lake City area burst onto the world stage with the 2002 Winter Olympics. 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. Wintery magic without ski-slopes is all over Europe and several of the prettiest and chilliest places have low-cost direct flights from the UK too. One year I was very pregnant and another I had a broken shoulder. 1/5 Beautiful, chocolaty, World Heritage Bruges I had never heard of it before either until we did it in Spain a couple of months ago. You can eat tasty mountain dishes, like the hot Canederli, polenta with mushrooms and meat, speck and typical cheese. The very best views and cuisine in the region can be found at the Cliff House Restaurant, which sits atop Mt. 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. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. There are lots to do in ski areas that doesnt involve skiing Wishing your wife a wonderful birthday. Wed love to hear any other tips you may have for things do to at a ski resort if you dont ski. About 25 minutes north of North Conway, enjoy a unique snowcoach tour up the mountain or stay at the base and burn through a weekends worth of calories by snowshoeing or cross country skiing. There are many great ski towns in the USA that you can enjoy without hitting the slopes. You'll also have access to an onsite lodge with a snack bar, a . The picturesque town of Aspen is the ideal destination for both skiers and non-skiers looking for a luxury winter getaway. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. In some winter destinations, you may have the option to try your hand at ice fishing. 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. Dont miss the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where the seats are saddles, and there is often live music on the weekends. It is similar to going to Napa Valley as a non-drinker, there are many wonderful things to see and do in the area that dont involve wine, but you have to try a little harder to find them. During your stay, dont forget to venture off the resort properly to explore the town. Hotel Aava. 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. The even better news is that a winter holiday for the non-skier won't break the bank. 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. Plus, its a lot more affordable than Zermatt, which sits just across the Swiss border. The skiing is incredible and the Chamonix accommodations are beautiful, but they also offer a massive . For a more laid-back mountain experience, hop aboard theAspen Mountain gondolafor a 15-minute ride that takes you up 3200ft to lunch on the sundeck. Not only does it offer plenty of great skiing, but there is also practically an endless number of other things to do. However, some places also offer ones for adults. Some we did together as a couple and some I did alone while Laurence was off skiing. You can even enjoy lunch at the traditional Riguio Guide del Cervinia on the Plateau Rosa glacier. However, this resort offers so much more than the freshly groomed, uncrowded ski slopes for which it is so well known. 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. Utah Olympic Park is the perfect first stop on any non-skiing adventure. Most snowmobiles can be ridden by one or two people at a time, and most companies offer guided tours as well as hires. Following dinner, Boyne provides nightly bonfires around the resort. Other options include alpine zip-line tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. 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. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding theres something for everyone who wants a taste of winter off the slopes. 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. 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. Some places may also offer cooking classes which is a great way to learn to make some new local dishes. Best, Jessica. 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. 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! Hi Samuel, Haha, I have a feeling Id be a terrible skier as well which is why I have never tried. The geothermal spring will keep you warm with its consistent 90-96 degrees while your friends enjoy the chilly slopes. There is a range of shopping and dining options in downtown Jackson. If youd like to try cross-country skiing, this is one of the best places in the world for the sport. Sun Valley Resort has been voted the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine readers two years running. Currently, she manages brand partnerships, site enhancements, and new marketing initiatives. Then lace up your ice skates for a glide around the outdoor rink in the shadow of Mt Mansfield at the Lodge at Spruce Peak before grabbing a drink in the lobby of Stowe Mountain Lodge and watching the snow fall through floor-to-ceiling windows. 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. At the top, you can dine alfresco at the Summit House, the states highest elevation restaurant. I would definitely like to try snowshoeing though because I think it is more my pace. A plastic trash can cover, lunch tray, trash bag, or large frisbee can be a sled (list of 7 things that can be used as a sled), so even if there isnt a course or designated hills available you can try finding your own hill (away from the ski slopes of course!) Hope this helps and have a great trip to Austria! Lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, the uphill (or downhill) stroll is worth a few hours of your time. All were originally built in the 1800s and perfect for a nice drive and photo ops! Most places that have a lot of winter ski activities, also offer dog sledding trips. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this Grand Teton National Park Mountain, you can let a team of Iditarod-inspired dogs pull you on a fast-paced tour around the nearby forests, or if you want to explore it at a slower pace, try snowshoeing. However, for the non-skiers, the town of Breck (as those in the know call it) offers plenty of ways to enjoy the serene winter setting. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. 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. Ski Touring Verbier (Switzerland) Winter Walks in Chamonix During the day (and sometimes the evenings as well) at ski resorts, meals tend to be the cafeteria or buffet variety. 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. Ive always been more interested in the apres ski than the ski! Allbirds Review: The Best Shoes for Travel. Snow holidays for non-skiers and boarders in Aspen are chock-full of fun winter activities. My family and I are going to have our 1st Winter/ snow holiday in Austria next Jan, while non of us can do ski! Allison is the Sr. Director of Marketing at TravelAwaits. Jessica, Its not so much that I dont ski its more that I cant ski lol. Once at the top, stopping at Corbets Cabin for a homemade waffle and an Irish coffee is a must. Not actually by choice, we were just born into hot climates and never moved! I know I am not alone, and wanted to share some tips on how to enjoy a ski holiday as a non-skier. 6 US ski towns for non-skiers - Lonely Planet Travel Stories 6 great US winter resorts you can enjoy even if you hate skiing Berne Broudy Nov 29, 2022 6 min read Beyond the slopes, winter resorts like Telluride offer shopping, fine dining, outdoor activities beyond skiing and more Getty Images/Lonely Planet RF The idea of skiing terrifies you. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Our research is editorially independent but we The ride offers panoramic views of the Teton Mountains, the town of Jackson, the Snake River Valley, and Grand Teton National Park. skishoeing/ sledding/ tobboganing etc? There are also tons of other fun wintertime experiences that non-skiers can seek out from exploring Christmas markets to relaxing in a thermal bath. I love all of the ideas and am even a bit surprised to see winter segway rides! 10 Key Things To Know If Youre Visiting Yosemite In 2023, 14 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Venice, Florida, Plus Where To Eat And Stay, 9 Amazing Experiences At One Of New Brunswicks Most Popular Tourist Attractions, 10 Amazing Ski Resorts In North America Our Readers Love, 7 Luxury Ski Resorts To Experience Around The World, 7 Fabulous Ski Resorts Around The World For All Levels, 5 Fabulous Mountain Experiences Skiing The Cascade Volcanoes, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Company. Kind of like the difference between cuddling with someone elses baby vs. having your very own baby). Snow tubing is one of my favorite snow activities although it can can sometimes be hard to find good courses or hills for adults. Next, make a stop at the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museumto learn the history of skiing and riding in the Green Mountain State. If not, youll likely be able to find one within driving distance in many ski resort locations. Copyright 2013 - 2023, Ski Holidays for Non-Skiers: 25 Things to Do at a Ski Resort if you Dont Ski, 25 Things to Do at a Ski Resort if you Dont Ski, If you havent spent much time doing cold weather photography, take a look at our. The factory has historically offered behind-the-scenes tours (due to COVID, the tours are paused until 2022) and continues to offer walk-up treats from the Scoop Shop. The 4*S Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl offers wellness snowshoe walking tobogganing and much more . 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. If you do ski, what other activities do you enjoy on a winter holiday? 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. If you dont know how to ski and want to try it, a trip to a ski resort is obviously an ideal time to learn or take your kids to lessons. At these resorts, there are a host of activities that are sure to please just about everyone. I was hoping snowboarding would be easier somehow, but it was actually even harder for me than skiing was. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard. 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. The resort and surrounding areas offer plenty of excitement and activities for skiers and non-skiers alike. One of my favorite things to do at a ski resort is simple to snuggle up in front of warm fire with a book and a hot drink. Even as a non-skier you will find happiness during your winter holiday in Tyrol. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. Forty Acres Tavern, located at the base of the slopes and open for both lunch and dinner, is another excellent pick for winter comfort food. Where will you go next? 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. Hi Jon, I am glad you found our tips helpful, and I hope you and your wife have a great ski holiday together! Then silence, only the soft sound of paws crunching on snow as the brakes are released and we speed through Lapland's winter landscape. If you have been wanting to try a Segway trip, some places are now offering winter Segway trips that have specially designed Segways that can go on paths that may have some snow or ice on them. If downhill skiing isnt your thing, you may want to consider trying cross-country skiing, also called Nordic skiing. Chamonix - The best hiking in the French Alps. Skiing is quite simply outside of many people's budget. Get If you want to escape the winter chill, duck into theTelluride Historical Museumor one of the towns many independentshopsand boutiques. We loved our massage at SpaTerre in Teton Mountain Lodge. 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. Amazing! Most places that have a lot of winter ski activities, also offer dog sledding trips. 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. Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range. Following dinner, stop by The Chocolate Foundry to satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the worlds finest chocolate-y treats. Food is always good too, and you cant beat the beauty. One thing thats a definite must-do for enjoying some of the most epic views on the planet is to take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Although most of the larger bars and restaurant are normally at the base of the mountains. My husband and daughter ski, but I dont. Snowmobiling, coach tours, paragliding, and tubing are just some of the other options. These can be a great way to spend time while your partner or family hits the slopes. Sacred to local Indigenous populations, Spirit Mountain (or Avi Kwa Ame) might become the newest federal national monument. The landscapes are stunning. Mansfield, the tallest mountain in the state. Ponder the scope of the Grand Canyon, delve into the history of a nation of immigrants at Ellis Island or wander across architectural grandeur at Golden Gate Bridge. I would definitely seek local advice before heading out as you dont want to suddenly find yourself wandering across a not so frozen lake! 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