Yes, it is possible to have Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers! Of course, when people think of snow holidays, a lot of people think automatically that it is to go skiing from 9 till 5 for 6 days a week. This may have been the case before, but not anymore! You can be a lover of the cold fluffy stuff and never have to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard. There are so many activities for you to see and do which can be done throughout your holiday in many ski resorts. In fact, it is becoming more and more necessary for ski resorts to offer activities outside the traditional ski slopes to cater for those who simply dislike skiing, are unable to ski the entire day, prefer to only ski a couple of hours and those who have finally realised that the mountains offer so much excitement. They are now ready to discover what is waiting for them off the slopes and why ski resorts offer Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers.
- Driving on ice in Tignes
Try your hand at driving on ice in Tignes. You are accompanied by a professional who will advise and guide you how take corners, accelerate and decelerate which are all totally different compared to driving on regular roads. It is a truly exciting experience when you slide on the snow and ice but in a controlled manner, in a high powered car, safe in the knowledge that a professional is on hand to help, plus it is not your car in case there is a problem! You’ll follow a set course which is dedicated to people learning to drive on ice and you’ll have an incredible experience taking in the views whilst calmly mastering the curves. Remember, don’t take what you’ve learnt from this experience and practise on the open road as this will naturally be very dangerous to both yourself and others.
Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers
- Ice cave in Alpe d’Huez
Visit the original and wonderful ice cave in Alpe d’Huez. There are many individual ice sculptures as well as pieces built into the cave itself. This is something for the whole family to appreciate. You’ll see bears, cars, buildings and even dinosaurs. It is always being changed so you could visit it every year, and every time there will be something different. In addition to seeing this rare wonder only found in a select number of resorts, you’ll be able to enjoy the views travelling up and down the gondola that you’ll take to get to the 2700 metres point that this cave is located.
Non-skier’s guide to winter
- Bowling in Les Saisies
As part of our non-skier’s guide to winter, have a look at the edge of Les Saisies village, 5 minutes’ walk from the centre is the new Le Signal bowling alley. Have a great afternoon or evening with family and friends and try your hand at some ten pin bowling, whilst listening to a live band and drinking some cocktails (non-alcoholic ones available). Whilst this activity may not have anything to do with snow directly, how often can you say you have been able to do some bowling in a ski resort! Offering wonderful facilities, friendly staff and fun for all ages.
- Ice climbing
For those of you who want to something that gets your adrenaline going, then ice climbing is for you. You’ll be given the necessary equipment along with the harness, spikes to put around your shoes and a helmet, and then you’ll have to do the rest! Climbing up the ice using the pick to give you grip is very exciting and not for the faint hearted. Of course, you’ll be totally protected by a professional who’ll make sure you are safely strapped to them so you can’t fall if you lose your grip. Once you make it to the top, you’ll have a wonderful sense of achievement and of course an incredible view of the valleys below. Tignes is one of the resorts to offer this activity.
- Husky dog sledding
Non-skier holiday activities can also include these beautiful animals that offer you the opportunity to not only stroke them, they’ll even take you out into the wilderness whilst pulling your sleigh. Such a magical moment for everyone involved with no physical activity involved. Just sit back and relax, whilst being drawn through a forest, stop off and feed these incredible animals and then continue on your way back to the ski resort. You’ll be wrapped up nice and warm in the sleigh but remember to wear the appropriate winter clothing with hats and gloves as you won’t be moving, so it can get cold if you are not prepared. There are many resorts that offer this activity, however one of our favourites is Chamonix because you can either choose to simply sit back and enjoy the ride, but you can also choose to take control of the sleigh and steer these doggies around the course.
Non-skier holiday activities
- Snowmobiling through the mountains
This activity is again for those who love a bit of adrenaline but can also be for those who love automobiles and nature. You can either choose to ride your own one, share one with a friend taking turns to drive, or if you feel more comfortable then you can go on the back of a professional’s snowmobile who’ll then take you around the resort, winding through the forests, climbing up the pistes and riding through some fresh powder (dependent on the conditions). You can learn some history about this loved sport and hobby here. It can be done in many resorts, with some leaving in the afternoon and others the evening. Be sure to check in advance if you have a particular day or time you would like to do it.
- Aqua centre with slides, pools and saunas
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 one that took our breath away, and is considered one of the best ski resort based aquatic centres in the world is the Aquamotion in Courchevel 1550. This place is simply breath taking and has to be seen to be believed. It has long water slides, shoots, several swimming pools both inside and outside and a wonderful spa with steam rooms and saunas. However, the ultimate activity here is the ride wave machine where you can practise surfing, and body boarding! This extra activity has to be booked separately from the entrance to the centre, but it is definitely worth it. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because you can snowboard (if you can), then you can automatically do this. It is a real challenge but if you succeed, it is seriously fun for everyone!
- Visit historical sites
Believe it or not but you can even find history and heritage in certain ski resorts. Take the example of Samoens which offers buildings dating back to the 15th century. You can wander the streets and take some incredible photos which will confuse you into thinking you had stepped back in time to a medieval village. Many of the buildings are originals which also date from the 17th and 19th centuries. Whilst the others are off skiing, you can soak up this rich history, have a coffee or hot wine in front and imagine what life was like here over 500 years ago. If you want to have some in depth knowledge of the village, the tourist office can give you pamphlets and information that will further your fascination with this wonderful resort.