If you have had the opportunity to go skiing then you would most certainly have had that relaxing moment of just pure calm when you take in the sights of the majestic mountain scene. The fresh Alpine air, the charm of the old village architecture, great food and some of the most breathtaking photogenic views of the mountains are among a few valid reasons to visit the Alps if you are not a keen skier. It is no wonder then, that there are increasing yoga retreats to the Alps. The mountains are a great place for reflection and or relaxation and calming the mind. They have played host to countless planned romantic getaways just for the views and wedding proposals. They have also been host to some of the world's best nature photographers and filmmakers who visit to capture their majesty.
Statistics show that it has become more common that not every visitor to the resorts is there to hit the slopes. More recently, there are increasing numbers of non-skiers arriving at the ski resorts for a number of different reasons ranging from being on a stag or hen party, attending a company organised retreat, attending a music or comedy festival or other sporting events, or even being unable to ski based on a disability; whatever your reason is for being in a ski resort, you don't have to sit around and watch everyone else have fun on the slopes. There is a steadily increasing number of non-ski activities that you can get involved with. We have listed a few activities below and also listed (not in any particular order) the best ski resorts for non skiers that you can visit to get the most out of your non skiing snow holiday experience.
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Avoriaz
Recipient of the best family resort award in 2013 due to its good selection of non-ski activities for families, Avoriaz is still a great resort to visit for non-skiers 8 years later. There is so much to get into at Avoriaz apart from skiing. A fully pedestrian resort, you can treat everyone in your party to getting around in a horse-drawn carriage. It is a truly enjoyable place to visit with unique experiences. Located in the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, there are lots of areas to explore with a pedestrian pass which cost a lot less than regular ski passes. With a pedestrian pass, you can explore the beautiful mountains on dedicated footpaths. You can also try snowshoeing and be re-introduced to the mountains and surrounding areas of the village in a completely different light. Snowshoeing is a favourite activity with the many of the local guides who arrange walks and adventures in the area. Non skiers can also take a horse drawn carriage through the village; a favourite for families with young children. Another favourite among children is the ice skating rink in the resort centre; the perfect way to get the children entertained (and exercise too!). It's usually not a costly activity and young children below 5 years of age often get in for free. The biggest attraction though is the Aquariaz; an amazing water park that is designed to resemble a tropical waterworld. It's complete with a spa, massage rooms and climbing walls so you can relax or get some climbing experience. Aquariaz is highly recommended for families with young children as it offers a different type of entertainment and an escape from the winter cold. Non skiers can also visit the Deep Nature and Wellness spa located at the Residence Amara. It features a wide range of treatments as well as the bonus of the amazing view of the mountains from the outdoor terrace hot tub. Take time off to see more of the village and maybe enjoy some retail therapy in Avoriaz as there are quite a few great shops for souvenirs, ski and winter clothing and more. If retail therapy is not your thing, visit the Ferme de Seraussaix cattle farm and experience the charm of the village. The stables are always open and it's free to visit and see the cows and calves. Additionally there are always events taking place during the ski season that visitors can get involved in and enjoy. Avoriaz is certainly one of the resorts to visit for non-skiers.
Chamonix
Widely regarded as one of the most ideal destinations for seasoned and advanced skiers in Europe, Chamonix offers a lot of non-skiing options for visitors who are not very keen on skiing. Whether they wish to take some days off in between their ski holiday to explore other attractions or just do not ski at all, Chamonix does, in fact, have a lot more in store for non-skiers than one would initially imagine and we honestly do not even know where to start! You may need to put the kettle on for this one! Nestled just beneath Mont Blanc in the Haute-Savoie region, Chamonix is surrounded by stunning beauty in every direction and the good news is that you do not have to be wearing skis or strapped into a snowboard to explore the mountains and get a closer look. If you’re interested in getting a closer look at the massifs, take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi ( FYI, the Aiguille du Midi cable car is the highest cable car in Europe, sitting at 3,842 meters above sea level) for some of the best panoramic views of Mont Blanc. As a side attraction, try “Step Into The Void”, a reinforced glass box that is daringly suspended over a 1000 meters drop. Still need a taste of the outside? There are guided mountain walks through the wooded pines around the village. Other outdoor activities include ice climbing ( there are short courses for these if you are a beginner) and snowshoeing in the valley. For high additional thrill-seeking exploits, splash the cash on a helicopter ride over the Alps for great views or book a slot to go paragliding when the weather is favourable. Outdoor family-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy are husky sledding and horse-drawn carriage rides. Chamonix has several spas and wellness centres to choose from if you’re not out on the slopes. The majority of the hotels on the resort have wellness centres but visitors can also go to QC Terme, the largest in Chamonix. There is also a leisure centre with a heated indoor pool and a children’s swimming pool as well. For further relaxation and unwinding, you can get involved with snow yoga sessions throughout the winter season on Chamonix. If part of your reason for visiting Chamonix was to check out the apres-ski scene, you will certainly not be disappointed as Chamonix has some of the best and liveliest apres-ski in France. The parties start from the slopes and flow into the resort below. There are several bars, lounges and restaurants offering amazing experiences. You can go from wine tasting and fine dining at Michelin starred restaurants to table dancing and downing great cocktails within an evening. There is so much more to offer at Chamonix for non-skiers. Contact us for any further information.
Les Arcs
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Les Arcs is a pedestrianised, purpose-built ski resort that forms part of the expansive Paradiski ski area. The Paradiski ski area is one of the largest in Europe and ranks among the largest in the world. It is a collection of small resorts and was recently also linked with La Plagne via the Vanoise Express Gondola. Highly rated amongst seasoned skiers, due in large part to its extensive ski terrain and ski-in ski-out resort, Les Arcs is very much a favoured destination amongst avid skiers; however, whilst being popular with skiers, it has much more in store for non-skiers than one would imagine. You do not have to be skiing down the pistes to enjoy a taste of the outside and the slopes. At Le Arcs, there are 7 different winter walks across the ski area which offers some of the most spectacular views of the resort including a trek overlooking the Vanoise Express and the Vanoise National Park. Another interesting route that offers great views is from the top of the Aiguille Rouge, the peak of the resort. You learn about the history of the region during the walks from guides. If you are after a bit more adventurous exploring, you can also go Fat Biking through the snow. This is an increasing favourite among non-skiers in the Alps and a great way to keep the cardio going on your ski holiday. Husky sledding is another favourite and is available in Les Arcs. Thrill-seekers who want to get a better view of Les Arcs can do so from hundreds of meters in the air via paragliding. You can paraglide in tandem with a guide or go solo (if of course, you are an experienced paraglider). What better way to get a birds-eye view of the stunning scenery than from above. Away from the snow, Les Arcs does not lack a selection of relaxing indoor activities. Les Arcs Club des sports in Arc 1800 has several indoor sports activities ( ideal for visiting families ) for everyone such as trampolining, squash, indoor swimming pool, waterslides and kids paddling pools. For a bit of self-indulgence, there are several spa and wellness centres across the resort offering a range of treatments and massage sessions. The resort also has snow yoga sessions running through the ski season. What better way to unwind on your ski holiday.
Courchevel
Known as one of the most glamorous ski resorts in Europe, the highest village of Courchevel is one of the most sought after and frequented resorts in France. Well known for its high-end hotels, restaurants and chalets, Courchevel 1850 has built an impressive image as one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. However, as we will explore further, you can still indulge in the luxuries of the resort without hitting the slopes. Perhaps if you're visiting as part of a group of friends or family members and have other plans other than skiing, you will find that you can enjoy yourself just as much. The Aquamotion in Courchevel is a luxurious, state of the art, multi-million-Euro wellness centre that has a wide range of activities. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools (heated), water slides and an artificial wild river. It has multiple spa rooms and saunas with a full list of treatments and massages to choose from. In addition to the spa treatments, Aquamotion includes hot tubs, a salt pool and a hammam. It is ideal for visitors looking to take a break and are in need of some change of scenery and self-indulgence. Alternatively, if you are visiting on a skiing trip and just need a day to recharge, it's a great place to be. There are climbing walls, children’s play areas and a mini-wave pool if you fancy yourself a skilled surfer. There are other centres around Courchevel as well so feel free to explore as you will not be spoilt for choice. If you are looking to splash a bit of cash, book a helicopter ride for breathtaking views of the Courchevel valley. Look out for Mont Blanc and many other famous peaks. If you’re still feeling adventurous, you can also take a hot air balloon ride for majestic views and feel as close to the Alps as you can. Thrill-seeking non-skiers can also book a paragliding session as well. There's almost as much stuff to do in the air as there is on the ground. Back down to earth, there is lots to do in the snow besides skiing. Sledging is a popular pastime activity in Courchevel with a long run between Courchevel 1550 and 1850. The Grangettes gondola in 1550 is free after the pistes are closed so if you’re going at that time, you only just need to rent a sledge for the sledge run. There is also a sledge run in Courchevel 1650. Be warned, these runs are very fast! Other snow-based activities include skidoo tours, husky sledding, winter walks, and snowshoeing. If you’re visiting with the kids, you can bring them to some of these activities. If the adrenaline is a bit too much for them, you can take them bowling or ice skating. The facilities are spread across the Courchevel villages 1850, 1650 and 1550 but they can all be accessed by shuttle and are not too far away from each other. Finally, you cannot ignore the fine dining available at Courchevel. Eat your way round top-quality restaurants and menus across the resorts; don't worry, you can burn off the kilos with the plethora of non-skiing activities available.
Theres more to ski resorts than just skiing!
Ski holidays aren’t just about skiing or boarding; there’s loads for non-skiers too! French ski resorts have seriously upped their game, offering activities that make snow-filled holidays just as fun without strapping on skis. Think of scenic mountain villages like Chamonix and Megève, where you can stroll through charming town centers, hit the boutiques, or relax in cozy cafes with epic views. Most resorts now have spas with pools, saunas, and treatments to unwind in style. For the more adventurous, try snowshoeing, winter hiking, or even a husky sled ride. And if you're a foodie, French Alps dining won’t disappoint. Resorts like Courchevel and Méribel have top-notch restaurants serving everything from fondue to gourmet French cuisine [6]. Après-ski is also a huge part of the vibe – you can still enjoy the nightlife and festivities, just without the skiing. A ski holiday in France has everything you need for an unforgettable trip, even if you’re not hitting the slopes.
Get In Touch Now
As discussed above, ski holidays are certainly not only for skiers. Recent marketing research has shown that as many as one in three visitors to ski resorts are arriving without skiing as the priority of their visit. Ski resorts are taking notice of this and are improving ways in which they can accommodate non-skiers of every demographic from tag along with family members, romantic couples on a short break to spend quality time, grandparents and individuals who may have physical disabilities which prevent them from skiing, corporate retreats and much more. If you fit one of these profiles, do not hesitate to contact NUCO for more information on booking a ski retreat. The Alps are truly one of the most relaxing and exhilarating places to visit. We are always delighted to hear from you. Get in touch now.
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