Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers in Europe
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One of the things that I love about living in Europe is the emphasis on being outdoors, among nature, regardless of the season.
I GREW UP IN A PART OF THE U.S. THAT HAS FOUR SEASONS, BUT WINTER WAS ALWAYS A SEASON FOR SITTING BY THE FIRE AND WARMING UP WITH A HOT BEVERAGE.
The winter landscape wasn’t much of a draw, and the cold, icy elements were to be avoided.
I didn’t grow up skiing, and winter activities were limited to the occasional snowman or an afternoon of sledding with friends.
But spending time outdoors in winter wasn’t a routine thing; I don’t think I even owned a snowsuit past the age of four.
IN EUROPE, IT’S TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
Europeans embrace the winter transformation of their landscapes, and regard the season as a good time as any to be outside, enjoying nature.
That willingness to immerse themselves in winter - that was a different cultural experience for me.
I’VE WRITTEN A LOT ON THIS BLOG ABOUT MY JOURNEY TOWARDS BECOMING A SKIER AFTER MOVING TO EUROPE, AND IT’S SOMETHING I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS SKI-CURIOUS TO PURSUE.
Alpine skiing is such a fun activity and subculture, but maybe you’re not enticed by the idea of flying down the side of a mountain at 40 miles per hour.
I GET IT!
I still get a little bit scared if I go too fast, and not going to lie, hearing stories of people injuring themselves while skiing really spooks me.
Even if you’re not a fan of downhill skiing, I think you should borrow European affinity for spending time outdoors in winter.
It really is an unbelievable time to be out in nature.
Yes, it’s cold.
Sure, it might be snowing.
Of course it gets dark too early.
WINTER ISN’T LOUD LIKE SUMMER, OR BRIGHT LIKE AUTUMN, OR FRAGRANT LIKE SPRING.
But there’s a serene side to winter, and I find nothing more reflective than peering out over a landscape covered in fresh snow.
Snowbound activities like Alpine skiing are just the start, and there are plenty of winter snow activities that will make your holidays a delight.
If you’re aching to be outside in winter but don’t fancy yourself a skier, then read on!
Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers in Europe
Ski Alternatives
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is an excellent winter sport for both burning calories and enjoying nature. And it has some noticeable differences from downhill skiing.
Both forms of skiing have their own type of gear and techniques.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE, THOUGH, IS TERRAIN.
Cross-country skiing happens on a flat landscape.
The terrain is groomed into trails that wind through forests or across open fields.
Cross-country skiing is high on my list of winter activities to try next.
The sport focuses on traversing long distances rather than navigating the steep, downhill descents of Alpine skiing.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ENGAGES YOUR WHOLE BODY FOR A FORWARD MOVEMENT THAT RESEMBLES GLIDING OR SKATING.
The skis used for cross-country skiing are narrower and lighter weight, and the back of the boots actually lift off the skis to produce that essential gliding motion.
One of the biggest attractions of cross-country skiing is that you’re able to glide through these winter landscapes at a slower pace.
I remember driving through northeastern Italy in the winter, through a village called Dobbiaco in the Dolomites, and watching the cross-country skiers glide across the flat pistes.
It looked so peaceful, and it made me really, really want to try cross-country skiing next winter.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to see the natural landscape, even if you don't have a ton of physicality or the technique to try cross-country skiing.
SIMPLY STRAP ON A PAIR OF SNOWSHOES, GRAB A COUPLE OF POLES FOR STABILITY, AND START WALKING.
Similar to hiking, snowshoeing relies on footwear that will prevent you from sinking too deep into the snow.
Snowshoes are specially designed to make it easier to walk atop the snow, and are usually available at the same shops that rent skis.
Snowshoes are built with a wide foot pad that spreads your weight across the snow so that you can walk on top of the snow rather than sinking into it.
It’s a fantastic workout and a great way to immerse yourself in the peaceful winter scenery.
Most ski rental shops also rent snowshoes, and some resorts even offer complimentary rental of snowshoes for their guests.
Winter Hiking
If the idea of walking through the snow with snowshoes on your feet sounds less than appealing, you could forgo them altogether and brave the terrain for a winter hike.
Alpine destinations like Innsbruck, Austria have marked winter trails that allow guests to experience incredible mountain views without having to hit the slopes.
Winter hiking trails can bring you just as close to the mountains as can the ski slopes.
Zermatt, Switzerland is another destination with an impressive network of winter hiking trails for those who want to see the Matterhorn up close, but don’t ski.
IF YOU’RE OPTING FOR WINTER HIKING, THOUGH, MAKE SURE YOU WEAR RELIABLE FOOTWEAR LIKE HEAVY HIKING BOOTS IN CASE YOU RUN INTO ICE PATCHES.
Exhilarating Winter Rides
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
A WINTER SLEIGH RIDE IS LIKE STEPPING INTO A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Most sleigh rides are still led by horses, and the sound of hooves clapping cobblestones or the jingle of sleigh bells only adds to the sensory experience.
Wrapping up in blankets is a must, and the best sleigh ride operators will even offer a hot beverage before beginning.
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE COZY?
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular activity in Megève, France.
A sleigh ride is a great option for those who like the idea of gliding through frosty forests or snowy fields, but aren’t too excited about cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
While plenty of winter sleighs are built for two people and ideal for romantic rides, others can accommodate as many as six passengers, ideal for groups or families.
EVEN IF YOU’RE A SKIER, DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO CLIMB ABOARD THIS DELIGHTFUL RIDE.
Dog Sledding
IF YOUR TRAVELS TAKE YOU TO NORDIC COUNTRIES LIKE NORWAY, SWEDEN, OR FINLAND, TRY DOG SLEDDING.
A much more thrilling ride than you’ll find in a horse-drawn sleigh, dog sledding is done at higher speeds and much lower to the ground.
Dog sledding is a traditional method of transport in snowbound regions, but it also makes for an exhilarating ride.
Sleds are often pulled by husky breeds, either Alaskan or Siberian, though in Europe’s Nordic reaches, you may also encounter Alaskan Malamutes, Greenland Dogs, or Eurohounds.
Dog sledding experiences are most common in far-north destinations, like Lapland, Finland or Tromsø, Norway.
IT’S AN INCREDIBLY UNIQUE WAY TO EXPLORE THESE SNOWY TERRAINS, AND EXHILARATING, TOO.
Snowmobiling
ALMOST EVERY WINTER RESORT RELIES UPON SNOWMOBILES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF GOODS AND PERSONNEL BETWEEN TOWNS AND THE MOUNTAINS.
But at a few select resorts in Europe, you can ride through nature on these winter all-terrain vehicles.
Now, I have a snowmobiling story from my very first ski trip, but, uh, I don’t recommend that you experience a snowmobile the way that I did.
(Hint: I took the wrong chairlift up to an advanced slope and discovered that if I couldn’t ski down, the only alternative was on the back of a snowmobile with a surly Italian snow patroller. 🤷🏻♀️)
Snowmobiles are winter all-terrain vehicles that can drive incredibly fast over snow and ice.
THE BETTER WAY TO EXPERIENCE SNOWMOBILING IS THROUGH A DEDICATED TOUR.
Snowmobile tours are common in Iceland, Norway and Finland, as well as in certain parts of the Italian Alps.
These are powerful machines, and they’ll take you through the winter scenery at speeds you can only imagine!
Icy Experiences
Ice Climbing
SOME FOLKS ACTUALLY TIRE OF SKIING BECAUSE IT'S NOT ADVENTUROUS ENOUGH.
If you find yourself in this camp, maybe you’re a good candidate for ice climbing.
Ice climbing is a winter sport in which you climb up frozen waterfalls, iced covered rock faces, or glaciers.
It requires special equipment like ice axes and crampons.
A lot like rock climbing, but on frozen surfaces, ice climbing is an entirely different challenge due to the need to constantly find new handholds and footholds.
Needless to say, ice climbing is not a one-man show - you need to be roped up for safety, along with a partner or guide to secure you from below.
Ice-climbing is a great winter activity for those looking for adventure and a physical challenge.
The basic technique of ice climbing is that you use crampons, or sharp spikes on the bottom of your boots, to kick into the ice to create stable footholds, and then you swing your ice ax into the ice above to make handholds.
It’s this balancing act that makes ice climbing a strength building exercise like no other.
If you hit the ice too hard, your ax might get stuck.
Hit it too soft, and your ax won’t hold.
THIS IS A CHALLENGING ACTIVITY THAT’S NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.
A lot of European mountain resorts offer some form of ice climbing in the winter, especially those places that are snow sure or located next to a glacier.
Ice Skating
ICE SKATING IS A CLASSIC WINTER ACTIVITY THAT'S BOTH FUN AND A LITTLE BIT OF A WORKOUT.
It's also accessible to a wide variety of skill levels.
If you're anything like me, ice skating makes you want to pretend like you're in the Olympics, and that alone is a lot of fun 😂.
While locals may venture out onto frozen lakes for ice skating, as a traveler it's always best to only skate on sanctioned outdoor or indoor rinks.
You'll rent a pair of ice skates, shoes with thin metal blades on the bottom that allow you to glide along the ice.
IN THE BEGINNING, EXPECT TO BE A LITTLE BIT WOBBLY.
Once you get the hang of moving in ice skates and master your balance, you'll be able to start doing gentle laps around a rink.
If you're really good, you'll be able to do spins or even small jumps!
Every time I go ice skating I spend the first half holding on to the rink’s outer edge, or latching on to the arm of whoever I'm skating with.
But by the second half of the outing, I’m doing laps and living my Winter Olympics fantasy!
Igloo Dining or Overnight Stays
One intriguing winter activity for non-skiers is less of a physical test than a mental one:
WOULD YOU SLEEP OVERNIGHT IN AN IGLOO MADE OF ICE?
Well in Europe, you can!
These specially constructed igloos that host guests for overnight stays can be found in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, as well as Finland and Norway.
Igloo beds made of blocks of ice. Don’t worry, mattresses go on top.
This is the Iglu Dorf at the Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
ACCOMMODATIONS ARE KEPT AT A STEADY, BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURE.
Guests are equipped with thermal sleeping bags and reindeer skins and thick blankets for extra warmth.
These Igloo hotels often feature restaurants or a small ice bar; a few even have attached saunas.
It’s certainly a bit of an adventure, staying overnight in a structure made of ice, but with the right sleeping bag and proper layers, a lot of folks find it comfortable.
EITHER WAY, YOU'LL HAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY TO TELL FOREVER! ❄️
Rest & Relaxation
Thermal Spa Visits
A visit to the spa is always a good idea, but it’s especially wonderful as a refuge from the cold, icy conditions outside.
AND THERMAL SPAS ARE THE MOST PURE WAY TO RELAX AND UNWIND IN EUROPE.
Thermal spas are wellness centers built around native hot springs.
The main attractions are the naturally heated, mineral-rich waters, with multiple treatment rooms like soaking pools, steam baths, and aromatherapy rooms.
Thermal spas boast health benefits like relieving muscle tension and improving circulation.
RENOWNED SPAS LIKE LEUKERBAD THERME IN SWITZERLAND, OR BAD GASTEIN FELSENTHERME IN AUSTRIA ARE PARTICULARLY POPULAR.
Aurora Borealis Watching
Another winter activity for those traveling to the far north of Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland, or even Iceland, is watching the aurora borealis.
Seeing the northern lights are a bucket list activity for most travelers.
ALSO COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, WATCHING THE AURORA BOREALIS IS A BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE FOR LOTS OF TRAVELERS.
There are tons of hotels and accommodations in places like Sweden’s Abisko National Park or Iceland’s remote regions that specialize in hosting folks that have come to see this natural wonder.
For prime views of the northern lights, consider taking a guided tour to enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Winter might feel like a season to hibernate, but embracing the outdoors during the colder months can be incredibly rewarding.
Whether it’s a peaceful hike through a snowy landscape, or a sleigh ride through a proverbial winter wonderland, there’s something special about winter’s quiet beauty.
AND IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO A WINTER RESORT BUT AREN’T PSYCHED ABOUT SKIING, FEAR NOT.
All of the above activities are fantastic alternatives that will bring you in touch with all that winter has to offer.
So bundle up, head outside, and discover how refreshing and restorative wintertime in nature can be!
Stay warm!
xx,
Angela