Winter doesn’t have to mean just skiing and snowboarding. For those who prefer to stay off the slopes, the world’s top ski destinations offer a variety of winter activities that don’t require ski gear but still provide a memorable and cozy experience. From luxurious spa retreats to snowshoeing through winter wonderlands, KAS Travel Co. has rounded up the best winter activities for non-skiers that will make your cold-weather getaway just as exciting as it is relaxing.

1. Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking – Explore Winter’s Beauty on Foot

If you love nature but aren’t interested in skiing, snowshoeing or winter hiking is the perfect way to experience snowy landscapes. Many top ski resorts, including Zermatt, Banff, and Whistler Blackcomb, offer guided snowshoeing tours that allow you to explore the stunning winter surroundings at your own pace. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to enjoy the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and winter silence while staying active.

Top Destinations for Snowshoeing:

• Zermatt, Switzerland: Explore the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
• Banff, Canada: Walk through the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
• Whistler, Canada: Discover the serenity of Whistler’s winter wonderland.

2. Relaxing in Luxurious Spas – Pamper Yourself After a Day in the Snow

After a day of outdoor adventures, there’s nothing better than unwinding at a world-class spa. Many ski resorts, such as Park City and St. Anton, offer luxurious spa services with hot tubs, saunas, and massage therapies to relax your muscles and soothe your mind. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a full-body massage or simply enjoy a soak in a hot tub with mountain views, these resorts are perfect for those seeking relaxation without hitting the slopes.

Top Destinations for Spa Lovers:

• Park City, Utah: Rejuvenate at The Lodge at Blue Sky with its tranquil spa treatments.
• St. Anton, Austria: Enjoy the spa facilities at Schlosshotel Fiss or Arlberg Hospiz.

3. Ice Skating – Classic Winter Fun

For those who enjoy outdoor activities but want something less strenuous than skiing, ice skating is a fantastic option. Many ski resorts feature picturesque outdoor ice skating rinks, where you can glide across the ice surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Whether in the heart of Aspen, the charming village of Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Lake Louise, ice skating is a fun, family-friendly activity that offers both excitement and serenity.

Top Ice Skating Destinations:

• Aspen, Colorado: Skate at the outdoor rink located in the heart of Aspen’s charming town center.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Glide on the rink in this stylish Italian ski resort.
• Lake Louise, Canada: Skate on the iconic, frozen lake with majestic mountains as your backdrop.

4. Sleigh Rides – Cozy Winter Adventures

For a romantic or family-friendly winter experience, a horse-drawn sleigh ride offers a cozy and magical way to explore the snowy landscapes. These rides are often accompanied by hot chocolate or mulled wine, perfect for warming up as you take in the scenic views. Resorts such as Vail, Banff, and Park City offer sleigh ride experiences that showcase the charm of winter in the most beautiful settings.

Top Sleigh Ride Destinations:

• Vail, Colorado: Enjoy a sleigh ride through the mountains followed by a gourmet meal.
• Banff, Canada: Take a scenic ride through the winter wonderland of the Canadian Rockies.
• Park City, Utah: Cozy up in a sleigh while surrounded by the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

5. Winter Wildlife Watching – Embrace Nature’s Beauty

Winter provides a unique opportunity to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. Many ski resorts are located in areas that are rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to observe animals in a serene, snowy environment. For example, Banff National Park in Canada is known for its elk, deer, and bighorn sheep, while Whistler is a great place to see black bears and eagles. Taking a guided wildlife tour is a perfect way to connect with nature while avoiding the slopes.

Top Destinations for Wildlife Watching:

• Banff, Canada: Spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep against the snowy backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
• Whistler, Canada: Take a wildlife safari to catch a glimpse of black bears, eagles, and more.
• Zermatt, Switzerland: Keep an eye out for ibex, marmots, and golden eagles.

6. Après-Ski Culture – Enjoy the Social Scene

Even if you’re not skiing, experiencing the après-ski culture is a must. Many ski towns, such as St. Anton, Zermatt, and Aspen, are famous for their après-ski scenes. Relax by a roaring fire, sip on mulled wine or hot cocoa, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. From elegant chalets to chic mountain bars, après-ski is a great way to socialize and soak in the winter charm of your destination.

Top Après-Ski Destinations:

• St. Anton, Austria: Known for its legendary après-ski bars and festive atmosphere.
• Zermatt, Switzerland: Enjoy après-ski in a cozy Swiss mountain bar with views of the Matterhorn.
• Aspen, Colorado: Experience luxurious après-ski venues like The Little Nell.

7. Winter Shopping – Unique Mountain Boutiques

Many ski resorts offer unique shopping experiences where you can browse high-end boutiques, art galleries, and cozy souvenir shops. Whether you’re in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Park City, you can find everything from luxury ski gear to mountain-inspired fashion, handmade jewelry, and art pieces. Shopping in these charming resort towns allows you to take home a special memento from your snowy escape.

Top Destinations for Winter Shopping:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Shop for luxury brands and alpine-inspired fashion.
• Park City, Utah: Explore local boutiques and art galleries after a relaxing day in town.

A Snowy Adventure for Everyone

Winter vacations aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures like snowshoeing, winter hiking, or ice skating, or prefer to unwind with a spa treatment or a sleigh ride, the top ski destinations offer something for everyone. KAS Travel Co. can help you craft the perfect winter getaway, even if you don’t plan to hit the slopes. Embrace the beauty and charm of winter destinations this season—there’s a snowy adventure waiting for you!