More people than ever are looking for the benefits of a holiday in the snow – gentle silence, immersion in winter nature, magical views – without the stormy, high-adrenaline and environmentally harmful aspects of traditional slopes. Holidays without skiing have officially become fashionable.
Slow holiday specialist Inntravel reports that non-ski snow holiday bookings have increased by 150 percent compared to last year. “When the mountains are covered in snow and the mountain views stretch out into the distance, there is a certain sense of peace,” says Amber Welford of Inntravel.
“Being in the mountains is good for well-being and also helps gain a broader perspective. Snow holidays for non-skiers are a growing trend as people are discovering more benefits of this type of holiday beyond just skiing.”
From relaxing activities like winter hiking, snowshoeing or yoga in the snow to high-octane thrills like sledding, snowmobiling or dog sledding, ski resorts are brimming with winter activities for those who have ditched their skis for good or for those who don’t ski. I’m looking for alternative ways to spend a week in the mountains.
Here we reveal the 10 best ski resorts for non-skiers.
1. Samoëns, France
Best for village atmosphere
Despite being within the Grand Massif ski area, the charming village of Samoëns has retained its own identity. In fact, it is France’s only winter sports resort classified as a national heritage site. People come not only to ski, but also to visit the old square and the grand bazaar. For cold dips: Samoëns hosted the 2023 World Ice Swimming Championships, and ice swimming courses are held in Lac aux Dames. Alternatively, try cold yoga or winter rafting on the Giffre River.
Distinguish it: Peak Retreats offers self-catering La Residence Club Samoëns Village from £296, based on five sharing, including Eurotunnel pass.
2. Seefeld, Austria
Best for winter hiking
Seefeld skis, but the main focus in this Tyrolean town is more on gentle adventures. Here you’ll find 245 kilometers of cross-country skiing, sled dog workshops, biathlon trials and curling lessons. It is particularly excellent for those on foot, with 142 km of clean winter hiking trails and 35 km of snowshoe routes. Options range from short walks around the Wildsee to guided moonlight tours and Tirol’s first long-distance winter hike along the Leutasch valley.
Distinguish it: Crystal Ski Holidays offers Hotel Bergland from £1,172 all-inclusive.
3. Jungfrau, Switzerland
Best for dizzying heights
You don’t need skiing or any other special skills to reach the Top of Europe. For more than a century, trains have been ascending to the 3,454-meter Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, offering a perfect winter view. In fact, what makes this area so good for non-ski explorers is the excellent transportation. Trains, mountain railways and cable cars connect points such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken and Wengen, and from here you can access winter hiking and tobogganing routes, including Europe’s longest toboggan run.
Distinguish it: Skiline offers Grindelwald’s Sunstar Hotel from £1,449.
4. Ukkohalla, Finland
Best for uncrowded snow
Out-of-the-way Ukkohalla is better value than Finnish Lapland’s more established resorts and is also less crowded. But this wilderness in the Arctic Lake District is no less spectacular. There is a ski resort here, but Ukkohalla is also perfect for non-skiers; Instead of going downhill, try husky sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, or relax in Finnish saunas and hot tubs. You can also sleep in the Sky Cabin Glass Suite to watch the northern lights.
Distinguish it: Best Served Scandinavia offers four nights in a glass suite from £1,450, including some activities.
5. Corvara, Italy
Best for food lovers
Skiers love Alta Badia. But maybe foodies love it more? This delicious part of the Dolomites is home to plenty of delicious winter activities: Michelin-starred chefs prepare meals for mountain huts, there are sunrise snow breakfasts (accessed by snowcat) and cooking experiences with local Ladin bakers. Make Corvara your base: you’ll have easy access to both the mountain cable car and the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil. The new SkyAlps London-Bolzano flight also makes transportation faster.
Distinguish it: Ski Solutions offers La Perla from £1,695.
6. Beitostolen, Norway
Best for skiing – not for skiing
Located below Jotunheimen National Park, Beitostolen is a real find for groups looking for different winter holidays. Skiers can enjoy uncrowded slopes (especially good for beginners). The rest can take on 200 miles of cross-country trails, go on husky rides, ice fish and build snow rafts; This is where this adventure, which involves snowmobiling inflatable boats, was invented. Or relax at the wilderness spa with a dip in a frozen lake before warming up with a glass of soda in the hot tub.
Distinguish it: Magnetic North Travel is offering five self-catered nights in Beitostolen from £1,295, excluding flights.
7. Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Germany
Best for off-piste pleasures
The traditional Bavarian village of Ramsau in Berchtesgaden National Park looks nothing like a ski resort. This village, Germany’s first official mountaineering village, is a place where you can go in the winter without the noise of forests, lakes and people descending from the mountains. Take snowy hikes, misty boat rides and chairlift rides to breathtaking landscapes and visit historic villages; Winter is a great time to stroll through Berchtesgaden’s frescoed streets, which are packed during the summer months. Stay at the family-run Berghotel Rehlegg for mountain views, a spa and pool, and hearty German cuisine.
Distinguish it: Inntravel offers Berghotel Rehlegg from £1,635 on a full board basis.
8. Les Houches, Chamonix, France
Best for Mont Blanc explosion
Located just below Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the ultimate outdoorsy town. From paragliding and ice climbing to bars and boutiques, there’s plenty of excitement for non-skiers. Alternatively, Les Houches (a short bus ride away) is nestled in the same mountains but much cooler. Both are just an hour away from Geneva, making them perfect for snowy short breaks; It’s a growing trend: heidi.com saw a 2,300 percent increase in two-night ski trips this year.
Distinguish it: BA Holidays is offering a family of four two nights with bed and breakfast accommodation at RockyPop Les Houches for £156.
9. Château-d’Oex and Rougemont, Switzerland
Best for food and flying
These two Vaud villages offer easy access to great skiing opportunities; Gstaad is nearby. But there is no need to leave. Foodies will love Rougemont, a growing gastronomic center with great regional and world-class restaurants; especially La Table du Valrose, which was awarded two Michelin stars in 2023. High flyers will prefer Chateau-d’Oex, the capital of hot air ballooning. Alps; Book a flight, come to the International Balloon Festival or visit the newly opened Espace Ballon museum.
Distinguish it: Hotel Ermitage offers double bed and breakfast from £180pn, excluding travel. IMAGE
10. St. Johann, Austria
Best for family fun
Close to legendary Kitzbühel, the chocolate box town of St Johann is its humbler sibling. It is ideal for families looking for snow fun with its friendly atmosphere. In the winter, try segway tours, ziplines, snowshoe hikes, and horse-drawn carriage rides, and take day trips to other beautiful villages. Get the St Johann Card for free transport and guided winter walks, as well as useful discounts at indoor pools, cafes and museums.
Distinguish it: Crystal Ski offers Hotel Park from £691.
Prices are per person, seven nights, half board, including flight and transfer, based on two sharing, unless otherwise stated.