When we think of a snow getaway, skis and snowboards are usually the first things that come to mind. Yet every winter, thousands of people visit the mountains with no intention of sliding down a slope at all. Some are there with family or friends who do ski, others prefer a calmer trip, and many families simply want their little ones to play in the snow and enjoy a different kind of experience. The good news is that ski resorts and mountain villages nowadays offer plenty of activities to enjoy winter without ever putting on a pair of skis. If you're planning a getaway as a couple, with friends, or with kids, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the snow in a different way.
If you're after something exciting, snowmobile tours are one of the most popular experiences at winter destinations.
With a guide leading the way, you'll ride through snowy trails and mountain areas that are usually well away from the ski slopes. Some routes run during the day, while others make the most of sunset or even night-time for an even more special experience.
Although we tend to think of it as an adult activity, many operators allow a passenger to ride along, which can turn it into an unforgettable adventure for families with older children too.
If there's one activity that never fails to amaze both kids and adults, it's mushing.
This activity involves travelling across snowy landscapes on a sled pulled by dogs, a tradition that was used as a means of transport in Nordic countries for centuries and has today become one of the most special experiences you can have in the snow.
Along the way you won't just discover spectacular scenery — you'll also learn how these dogs live and work, making it a highly educational experience for younger visitors.
It's without a doubt one of those memories that stays with you long after the trip.
Sliding down a slope on a sled is still one of winter's great classics, and often one of the very first experiences children have when they discover the snow.
More and more resorts now have dedicated areas for sledding safely, making it a perfect way to spend a fun afternoon with the family.
Best of all, you don't need any experience or to be particularly fit. Just a willingness to have fun.
Many ski resorts and mountain villages have ice rinks where you can keep enjoying the winter atmosphere.
It's a great activity for couples and families with children alike, since almost anyone can give it a go even if they've never skated before.
The first few falls are often part of the fun — and that's usually where the laughs and some of the best memories of the trip come from.
If you're after a relaxed way to round off the day, ice skating is always a good choice.
A snow getaway is also enjoyed around the table.
After several hours outdoors, few things are more appealing than sitting down at a mountain restaurant to try the local specialities.
In the Aran Valley, for example, trying a good olla aranesa (a hearty local stew) is practically a must. Find out where in our guide: Restaurants in Baqueira Beret and the Aran Valley: a village-by-village guide. In other destinations you'll find fondue, raclette, grilled meats or other traditional dishes that help you warm up and recharge.
Beyond discovering new flavours, sharing a meal with family or friends often becomes one of the most special moments of the trip.
After a day of activities, few things are as appealing as unwinding in a spa.
Many mountain hotels offer heated pools, jacuzzis and wellness circuits where you can gaze at the snow-covered mountains while switching off completely.
It's an ideal option for couples, but also for families staying somewhere with pool areas suited to children.
Because a snow holiday can also mean genuine rest.
Not everything happens on the slopes. Mountain villages have a special character in winter: snow-covered cobbled streets, small shops, cafés with fireplaces and a cosy atmosphere that invites you to wander at your own pace.
Destinations like the Aran Valley, La Cerdanya, or the villages around Sierra Nevada are well worth a visit in their own right.
It's a great plan for any age, and a good alternative for anyone who prefers a slower pace or is travelling with young children.
Sometimes the best plan is simply to stop and admire the scenery. Many resorts give access to viewpoints via cable cars or lifts also open to pedestrians, offering spectacular views over snow-covered mountains, forests and valleys.
It's a great option for anyone travelling alongside skiers, for older visitors, or for families who want to enjoy the mountain without doing any sports.
And if it coincides with sunset, the show is pretty much guaranteed.
When we hear the word après-ski, many people think only of music and parties. But real après-ski is about much more than that.
It means enjoying everything that happens once the day on the mountain is over: a hot chocolate, relaxing on a sun-drenched terrace, live music, dinner with friends, or simply watching the afternoon fade over the slopes.
Every resort has its own atmosphere, and it's worth setting aside a few hours to discover it, even if you didn't ski that day.
Sometimes we look for organised activities and forget that snow is already fun all on its own.
Building a snowman, an igloo, having a snowball fight, making a snow angel, or spending hours playing on a small mound can turn into the best memory of a holiday.
For many children, these improvised moments are even more special than any booked activity — and the best part is that they let adults feel like kids again for a while too.
Travelling to the mountains in winter doesn't have to mean putting on skis. More and more families, couples and groups of friends are discovering that a snow getaway offers so much more: nature, food, adventure, relaxation and experiences for every age.
Whether you're after an exciting activity or a relaxed plan to enjoy with little ones, you'll find plenty of options to turn your trip into an unforgettable memory.
And who knows — after discovering everything the mountain has to offer, maybe next time you'll also be tempted to take your first turns on skis or a snowboard.
Beyond ski and snowboard lessons, many Snowteach schools organise activities for the whole family and unique experiences to enjoy the mountain.
