A snow holiday without skiing?

Snookercues

Hi all

This might be a completely ridiculous question - but does anyone have any advice for going to a Winter / Snow resort that doesn't involve having to ski?

I just love the idea of going somewhere really snowy and cozy and looking out at the snow - going for walks (as much as the weather will permit) - more for the ambiance of the weather and surroundings than anything else. Preferably over the Christmas - New Year break.

I am the definition of clutzy and would cause an avalanche if I ventured out on the slopes

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. :)

geotrig

Depending on what you want id probably look at the likes of Sweden /finland etc during the winter ! I'm sure many people go to various places all over the alps and don't ski either

Atlantic Dawn

Iceland would be a nice place to explore, no need for skiing.

pjproby

Krakow?

irish_goat

You can go to a ski resort and not ski. Plenty have spa facilities and other activities.

Snookercues

Thanks PJ - we were in Krakow last year - WOW!

boombang

Would you consider nordic skiing as opposed to downhill? I haven't done it, but apparently it offers all the outdoor and snowy benefits of a "normal" skiing holiday without having to be particularly coordinated? I imagine it would be much like a walking holiday in the snow. Maybe those with experience of nordic skiing could advise.

fits

Agree, nordic skiing is really easy to pick up and very lovely to do. The catch is, most parts of finland and sweden might not have snow before the new year, unless you go up to lapland, in which case it would be very dark still.

You could go to the alps and just not ski?

masseyno9

The Nordic countries would be a good shout (Sweden, Finland etc.) You could look for snowshoeing activities, husky rides etc. All the magic of the snowy wonderland without the skiing/boarding aspect. Maybe start with a google search for snowshoeing holidays or groups. You might find yourself in a small village with little in the way of 'resort-type' amenities, but that might be cool, too. I know over here (Western Canada) you can book into a group for a week long trek, staying at different cabins each night, but it's more ski-touring with hardcore outdoorsy types of people.

Personally, I think you're nuts (I can't see snow without thinking about strapping my board on!) but each to their own and there are definite winter options for non-skiers! Might be a bit cheesy/expensive but have you checked out Lapland? Or even any of the seasonal ice hotels? Places with ice hotels might have a full offering of activities?


If money is no object, take a look at Lake Louise in Canada. Fairmont Springs hotel is right on the frozen lake and you can walk around and across the lake and there are tons of day hikes around. You can skate on the lake, watch/play ice hockey or go find some ice-climbers hanging off a frozen waterfall. I've only ever parked there and walked/skated on the lake, but the hotel is supposed to be amazing! There is surely something similar in Europe, maybe the ticino valley...easy access from Milan?

EDIT: Just re-read that and it's a bit all over the map, but might get you started. Frozen lakes are cool!

syklops

Snookercues wrote: »

Hi all

This might be a completely ridiculous question - but does anyone have any advice for going to a Winter / Snow resort that doesn't involve having to ski?

I just love the idea of going somewhere really snowy and cozy and looking out at the snow - going for walks (as much as the weather will permit) - more for the ambiance of the weather and surroundings than anything else. Preferably over the Christmas - New Year break.

I am the definition of clutzy and would cause an avalanche if I ventured out on the slopes

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. :)

2 years ago we spent Christmas in the Carpathian mountains in Poland. We had snow some of the days, not everyday, but it was very cold and crisp. We stayed in little cabins and walked, had hot drinks in the evenings, it was really nice. I'll see if I can find a link for you.

Snookercues

Hi Syklops - that would be terrific! That sounds exactly what I am after