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. Great ideas here! 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. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. We never knew such experiences were possible and were amazed to see people who arrived in wheelchairs be able to use equipment or be accompanied by another skier to be able to still experience the slopes. Winter discovery holidays Featuring charming, unspoiled villages surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, and aimed squarely at non-skiers, our 'discovery holidays' promise a winter holiday with a difference, with the freedom to explore your surroundings independently, as the mood takes you. Winter snow breaks. And that means we have a beautiful winter ahead of us. Walking the town square, youll find art galleries, boutiques, western wear shops, and more. Best, Jessica. 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. There are high mountains on either side of a relatively flat and wide valley floor and a glacier ski area at the far end. Dont miss the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where the seats are saddles, and there is often live music on the weekends. Youll often find walking tours, food tours, and museum passes in towns/cities to help you get more out of your visit. If youre looking for a less taxing way to explore the wilderness, dont miss the whimsical horse-drawn sleigh ride experience! Part of a small grocery store, the owners produce much of what they serve on their farm. You can snowshoe, sled, take a sleigh ride, ice fish, go snowmobiling, ice skate, and play ice hockey too. Being a subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly travel and photography giveaways! 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. But you do need to buy proper cold weather clothing (which may or may not be classified as ski clothing( and I would purchase a set of boots, jackets, gloves, and probably pants that are waterproof (or at least highly water resistant). With picturesque Innsbruck less than 15 miles away, the city makes for an ideal and easily accessible day trip too. 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. In fact, there is so much to do here that youll probably run out of time way before you run out of ways to spend it. Other options include alpine zip-line tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. It has fun activities in the summer and winter but is a great ski or snowboarding destination it has a cute little village of shops and restaurants, funicular lifts, free shuttles, etc. Boyne makes full use of the natural surroundings, and regardless of if youre a skier, you, too, can zip through the trees. There is a range of shopping and dining options in downtown Jackson. One of the best ways to take in all of natures beauty is on the Aerial Tram in Teton Village. There are a number of spas and spa services available in downtown Jackson and Teton Village. While the rest of the group skis, head into town and explore the history. First, youll often find attractions that are packed in the summer months are almost deserted in the winter. We also love trying out local winter staples wherever we go. Winter snow breaks Take a winter break in Europe away from the crowds. Snowmobiling and sitting in front of a hot fire are definitely two great things to do! Sip hot cocoa by the fire or try a little back-country snowshoeing. Its also home to the sub-tropical Aquariaz water park, which features a waterfall, a series of pools, slides, and water jets with currents at various speeds. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. Lastly, the skies are often clearer in the winter making for great day and night photography opportunities. It is easier to find places without people and snow often bring a stillness. Yet that doesnt mean you have to miss out on a fun winter vacation or a last-minute getaway. If you do ski, what other activities do you enjoy on a winter holiday? 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. Try your hand at Nordic skiing. As a non-skier, it is important be involved in the trip planning process if you can so that you can also be sure to include some of the winter activities you want to do and have a say in where you stay as many resorts offer loads of non-ski related activities and amenities. For those opting to skip the slopes, we detailed some of our favorite non-skiing activities in these top skiing destinations. Build snowmen, make snow angels, build a snow fort, have a snowball fight, and catch snowflakes on your tongue! During the day when others are skiing or snowboarding, you should definitely be able to find other less strenuous ways to play in the snow. Then youll also probably want to each pack a warm hat, coat, a thermal baselayer, warm boot socks, and then just bring clothing to layer so you can adjust based on the weather (T-shirts, long-sleeved tees, sweaters). Located in the Catskills Mountains, this resort offers a variety of non-skiing activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. Our research is editorially independent but we But don't despair. Two- and five-day winter mountaineering courses in Glen Coe and the Cairngorms include accommodation, food and the first of your winter challenges - a 7am start. Picturesque Breckenridge has been called one of Americas most beautiful Christmas towns. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll through Zebs General Store and other quaint shops for a wonderful afternoon. Hi Ashley, First, I am sorry to hear about your back injury but glad to hear that you can still go on the trip. I get to enjoy the winter atmosphere without all the pressure to get down the mountain time after time in one piece. While the lodge is a resort itself, it also provides plenty of activities open to the public. However, it is also liable to be super cold so be sure to wrap up warm and consider taking along a thermos with some hot coffee or tea. Tamarack Lodge stands out in my memory we didnt stay there but had a nice dinner in their restaurant and they have a scenic location with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing being popular here. 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. History buffs can deep dive into the gold rush origins of the town by exploring the ten museums and preserved gold mining sites. At these 10 best winter vacations for non-skiers, you can dash through the snow in an open sleigh, sled, or tube. The things you can do are pretty endless. In cross-country skiing you use your own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain and dont need to be moving downhill. Here are five ways to experience the USAs national parks for spring break 2023. Allbirds Review: The Best Shoes for Travel. Fancy a romantic ride in a sleigh pulled by horses or reindeer? Your email address will not be published. so we have gotten good at seeking out places with other things to do. 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. Wyomings famous vacation destination isnt just for well-do-doskiers: theres plenty to do on and off the mountains. Im just too clumsy and awkward for it it seems. 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. Winter snow breaks. Prefer to stay in? Shoppers looking for a unique keepsake will delight at the quaint storefronts down Main Street, offering everything from stylish boutique clothing, rare books, and local artwork. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. 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. 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. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. In some winter destinations, you may have the option to try your hand at ice fishing. However, some places also offer ones for adults. If you dont live in an area that gets much snow, it is a great time to release your inner kid and have fun in the snow. We loved our massage at SpaTerre in Teton Mountain Lodge. In many areas where skiing is popular, youll find little ski villages have popped up with stores and restaurants to cater to visitors. Find the perfect driving route for you in Yellowstone National Park with this road-tripping guide. While skiing was the original focus of the resort, they have become so popular thanks to their other activities, including golf, hiking, beach activities, and a calendar full of family events. 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. Food is always good too, and you cant beat the beauty. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. Amtraks USA Rail Pass lets you do it. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? Jackson Hole has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery weve ever experienced. While the resort offers plenty of on-mountain activities, Aspen Snowmass is truly known for its aprs ski. Sun Valley Resort has been voted the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine readers two years running. From delicious New Mexican food to unique art and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos, New Mexico, has plenty to offer travelers. Off Main, Squatters and Burgers and Bourbon are great choices for casual fare. and do your own sledding! 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. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. My idea of a good ski resort or hotel is one that has fireplaces and lots of wood paneling. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. When youre ready to relax, the resort offers a full-service spa, a full-size lap pool, sauna, and steam rooms. If you're looking to get away this season to play in the powder but have no desire to hit the slopes, then consider these unforgettable winter snow holidays. The 4*S Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl offers wellness snowshoe walking tobogganing and much more . Fans flock to the former silver mining town for the famous powder, but no skiing is required. 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. Non-skiers can sled for free at Carter Park, enjoy 30 miles of perfectly-manicured trails for snowshoeing or go winter biking on some of the countrys best mountain biking terrain. Plus there is a chance to experience history here (though, luckily, in a not-so-hands-on way!). 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. We recommend The Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, about 40 minutes from the resort. Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in Colorado. Whether you are looking for some warm winter clothes, a new handbag, delicious chocolate treats, or a Christmas gift, youll likely find some interesting local stores to check out. Even as a non-skier you will find happiness during your winter holiday in Tyrol. When you want to treat yourself to some fabulous stress relief, enjoy massage and all types of other treatments at the full-service spa. Now, sometimes places cant have real wood burning fireplaces due to environmental or fire hazard regulations, but we are happy to curl up in front of anything with a flame! In and around Park City, all of the favorite winter pastimes await. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, The charming, lodge-like resort also offers its own live music series in the Foeger Ballroom and even hosts ice skating shows in its theater. And the Spa at Sun Valley Lodge offers a relaxing oasis for massages, body rituals like Ayurvedic balancing treatments, and other wellness and healing modalities. Rainier Gondola, which will whisk you by beautiful evergreen trees as you take in a birds eye view of the surrounding snow-covered mountain peaks. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. There are lots to do in ski areas that doesnt involve skiing Wishing your wife a wonderful birthday. Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Stubai valley is one of the most picturesque locations near Innsbruck. If you want to escape the winter chill, duck into theTelluride Historical Museumor one of the towns many independentshopsand boutiques. The Twin Zip Ride and Zipline Adventure Tour, open year round, takes you down the slopes of Boyne Mountain at speeds up to 25 miles per hour to satisfy your inner thrillseeker. Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national historic landmark. Winter is a great time to eat some hearty meals, especially if you are spending the days burning off calories on winter related activities. If you don't like skiing or you've never tried it but still want to spend a week in the mountains, we have a winter holiday offer for you here in Trentino, the Italian Alpine region which has so much more to offer besides skiing! During many winter weekends, a host of other entertainment options are often available too, including tastings, demonstrations, and music. All were originally built in the 1800s and perfect for a nice drive and photo ops! Best, Jessica. This car-free resort, the only one of its kind in France, offers a relaxed, safe village with lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops that are all accessed by foot or horse-drawn sleigh. Hi Dini, Yes, it can be challenging to pack for winter destinations, especially if you have never experienced a cold weather winter before! Naturhotel Moosmair, Ahornach. You can hop on a snowmobile and take a tour of the breathtaking winter wonderland, be entertained by performers with their electric mix of music, dance, and spinning fire, or experience a high-flying adventure with the network of zip-lines and suspension bridges at Ziptrek. This article was first published October 2020 and updated November 2022. Just pick up a map with descriptions of all of its winter hiking paths and trails at the Seefeld Tourist Information Office. in the Spanish Pyrenees which included three obstacle courses (each a different level of difficulty), zip lining, climbing, and snowshoeing activities. Its streets are car-free for a more peaceful atmosphere and are lined with many upscale nightclubs and shops, while the larger-than-life Matterhorn looms in the background. Beautiful Mont Tremblant is situated 80 miles north of Montreal and is frequently named the top resort in eastern North America. We are delighted to bring the opportunity to experience the magical winter season to a wider audience. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. When youre done, be sure to stop in for mulled red wine at Igloo Bar, made almost entirely out of ice. Utah Olympic Park is the perfect first stop on any non-skiing adventure. 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. Our Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers: Les Gets Les Gets is a great ski resort for non-skiers as it has a wide array of non-skiing activities on offer for both adults and children including a cinema, 10 pin bowling alley, and over 100 shops, bars and restaurants sourcing local crafts and produce. Next, make a stop at the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museumto learn the history of skiing and riding in the Green Mountain State. 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