Winter snow holidays for non-skiers

A growing number of ski resorts are investing in a broader mix of on- and off-snow activities. Here’s our selection of winter snow holidays for non-skiers.

Winter snow holidays for non-skiers

Off-slope activities are particularly important to families as young children struggle to stay on skis all day. Also, if grandparents have come along to help with the children, they’ll need activities to amuse them too. Read our top five winter snow holidays for non-skiers.

Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz sits at the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest ski domains. It links eight French resorts with four in Switzerland and offers an incredible 650km of pistes. The terrain is wonderfully varied. Absolute beginners can roam for miles on long, confidence-boosting blues. Thrill-seekers can test their nerve on iconic challenges like the infamous Swiss Wall. With such variety on tap, mixed-ability groups can enjoy the mountains together without feeling confined to one corner of the map.

Non-skiers

Avoriaz is very well-deserving of its place on our ‘Best winter snow holidays for non-skiers’ list. As France’s only truly car-free resort, it instantly feels calmer, safer, and more relaxed. This is perfect for anyone planning to spend much of their time off the slopes. The village centre is a charming, snowy pedestrian zone, with cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and boutiques, all reached on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh.

For many, the standout attraction is Aquariaz, a sub-tropical water park perched improbably in the mountains. This lush, plant-filled space is a hit with all ages. It features cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, family pools, water jets and winding slides. The adrenaline-charged “Sidewinder,” is a half-pipe style chute with a 10m drop. There are water-gym sessions three times a week and an open-air hot tub where you can soak while snowflakes drift around you.

Families are also well served by the Village des Enfants, right in the centre of the resort. Children aged 3 to 16 can play, learn, and gently ease into skiing. It offers a mix of lessons, games, wigwams, toboggans, and warm indoor spaces. It’s a reassuring setup for parents who want to keep an eye on their little ones without needing to hover constantly.

Adding to its appeal, Avoriaz transforms into a giant party every season as it hosts two of the world’s biggest mountain music festivals. Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx, bringing live bands, DJs, and unforgettable après-ski energy to the slopes.

Ellmau, Austria

Traditional, postcard-pretty Ellmau sits at the heart of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental. This is a huge 279km playground and the largest connected ski area in Austria. Beginners in particular are spoiled here: the valley is lined with broad, gentle nursery slopes. Families also get a welcome financial break: children aged 15 and under ski for free all season when a parent purchases a SkiWelt pass valid for at least three days.

Non-skiers

For those who prefer their winter days at a gentler pace, Ellmau delivers in style. A wonderfully slow and scenic way to experience the mountains is aboard the Hartkaiserbahn. This is a modern, panoramic mountain railway that glides riders effortlessly up to sweeping views over the Wilder Kaiser massif. At the top, cosy ski huts and snow bars beckon—perfect for a long, indulgent lunch while watching skiers trace lines across the slopes.

Another timeless way to see the landscape is by horse-drawn sleigh. Picture being wrapped in blankets as you clip-clop through snowy meadows and forests straight from a fairytale. And if you fancy an afternoon excursion, the legendary resort of Kitzbühel is just a 30-minute drive away.

Kitzbühel offers a delightful contrast to Ellmau’s traditional charm. Kitz is a sophisticated medieval town with pedestrian streets, chic boutiques, elegant cafés, and luxury hotels. When evening falls, thrill-seekers and families alike can take on the 11km floodlit toboggan run. This is one of the longest illuminated tracks in the Alps. With dazzling views over a sea of twinkling valley lights, it’s an unforgettable ride that ends right in the village centre.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Twice host of the Winter Olympics, St. Moritz is a name that carries serious alpine pedigree—and its 350km of pistes live up to the legend. The ski area is divided into three immaculate sectors, each groomed to perfection from 1,850m to 3,300m. The scenery is breathtaking: snow-dusted peaks framing the glittering Engadin lakes, wide-open bowls for cruising, and world-class freeride terrain for those chasing fresh tracks. Whether you’re a cautious first-timer or a seasoned powder hound, the slopes here feel endlessly rewarding.

Non-skiers

St. Moritz more than earns its place on our ‘Best winter snow holidays for non-skiers’. In fact, it might be the ultimate destination for travellers who want winter glamour without ever clicking into a pair of skis. The options here are practically endless.

Start with a stroll along Via Serlas, the highest shopping street in Europe, where flagship luxury boutiques sit side by side like jewels on a necklace. Then dive into the resort’s signature spectator sports: the Cartier Polo World Cup played on a frozen lake, cricket on ice, and a calendar of events that makes winter feel like a season-long festival. Alternatively, those who want to venture onto the ice themselves can grab a pair of skates at the natural ice rinks at Lake St. Moritz or Chesa al Parc.

Prefer something quieter? Savour afternoon tea at one of St. Moritz’s grand hotels—no reservation as a guest required. One of the most magical experiences is a journey on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, the famous red train. Evening excursions climb to Alp Grüm, where a bubbling fondue awaits. On the descent, the lights are dimmed and classical music fills the carriage as moonlit mountains glide past your window. Alternatively, take the funicular up to Muottas Muragl (2,456m), a mountain top where skiing is forbidden—making it a serene perch for sunset watching and long, scenic walks.

St. Moritz is also a food lover’s paradise, boasting 266 Gault Millau points, five Michelin-starred restaurants, and the prestigious St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, which draws renowned chefs from around the world.

For those craving a shot of adrenaline, there’s the legendary Olympia Bob Run—the world’s oldest natural ice bobsleigh track. You’ll hit speeds of up to 80mph during 75 seconds of pure, unforgettable thrill.

Cervinia, Italy

Cervinia delivers that unmistakable Italian, family-friendly charm—and it comes at a far more wallet-friendly price than its glamorous neighbour, Zermatt. Just over the Swiss border, the difference is instantly noticeable: your morning coffee costs about a third of the Swiss price, and lift passes and ski rentals are significantly cheaper too. The slopes themselves are a dream for beginners and intermediates, offering wide, confidence-boosting runs and endless sunshine beneath the towering pyramid of the Matterhorn.

Non-skiers

The resort is thoughtfully set up for children with dedicated kids’ snowparks and snowy playgrounds. Each spot offers plenty of cosy chill-out areas—perfect for grandparents watching the little ones’ first adventures in the snow. There’s also a natural ice rink in the heart of the resort, complete with a bar and sun terrace for anyone who prefers to spectate with a hot drink in hand.

Cervinia is one of our best snow holidays for non-skiers, for the incredible excursions on its doorstep. Explore Europe’s highest accessible ice caves at 4,000m, a surreal world of frozen tunnels and blue-lit chambers. Enjoy a long, scenic lunch at the traditional Rifugio Guide del Cervino on the Plateau Rosa glacier.

For a taste of authentic Aosta Valley life, take the cable car from Buisson to reach the car-free village of Chamois, a peaceful alpine hamlet untouched by time. And if you’re craving a break from the snow altogether, the Centre Sportif de Valtournenche offers indoor swimming, tennis, and more.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko has transformed from a charming, traditional Bulgarian town into one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting ski destinations. Its 65km of pistes are perfect for beginners and intermediates, offering long, confidence-building runs and modern lifts at refreshingly affordable prices. And for those who like to think of themselves as proper skiers? The resort recently welcomed the World Cup Alpine races—proof that Bansko’s slopes have serious credibility.

Non-skiers

Two standout day trips make it easy to explore Bulgaria’s rich culture and landscapes. First is the breathtaking, UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery (about 1hr 25 away), an 11th-century masterpiece nestled in forested mountains. The second is the wild, wonderfully preserved village of Kovachevitsa, a maze of stone houses and cobbled alleys, with natural hot springs nearby—perfect for a steaming soak on a crisp winter day.

Closer to home, Bansko itself has a lively local market brimming with crafts, produce, and traditional treats. And within the resort you’ll find all the classic winter alternatives to skiing: ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country trails, snowshoe walks, spas and saunas.

More information

For more information on winter snow holidays for non-skiers, check out our Apres-ski section, where you can read about resorts with hot tubs, ice skating, and lively bars and restaurants.