Can't ski, won't ski? Try these 8 fun alternatives instead.
We know skiing isn't for everyone - but there's plenty of other things you can do whilst you're up a mountain!
At Holiday Extras we want to help you get a hassle-free beginning and end to your well-deserved winter break.
How about meet and greet parking, so you don't have to worry about dragging your gear from the airport car park to the terminal building? Or an airport transfer, to help get you from the airport to your resort so you're ready to hit the slopes!
While you're guaranteed to have fun with any of these activities, don't forget to check that your insurance covers it! Just in case. That's why we can offer a range of comprehensive, flexible holiday insurance policies, designed to suit snow lovers everywhere.
1. Sledding
Let's start with a simple classic - sledding! You may know it as sledding, sleding or tobogganing and this is a great activity that all the family can enjoy. Whether you're on a simple plastic sled, or a more traditional wodden sled this is a great alternative to skiing.
Take the afternoon off of skiing in Val Thorens to take on Europe's longest toboggan run - thrill-seekers can reach the bottom in 10 minutes, or you can take a more leisurely 45 minute ride through the snowy scenery.
BONUS Travelling as a big group - maybe a stag or hen do? Why not try Snake Gliss - up to 10 sledges all joined together for a wild 45 minute ride down the mountain.
Copyright Snake Gliss
Where to do it:
Head to Val Thorens for Europe's longest toboggan run.
The nearest airport is Grenoble - have a better start to your trip by booking an airport transfer.
2. Snow Shoeing
Snow shoeing is growing in popularity as an alternative to skiing - mainly because it's simple to get started and you can make it as easy or difficult as your skill level demands.
Snow shoes work by distrubuting your weight over a larger area, meaning areas that would be inaccessible by foot can now be explored. Take a gentle hike through remote snowy landscapes - or if you're up for it take on a real showshoeing adventure.
If your snowshoeing adventures take you to Iceland and you're looking for other things to do whilst you're there, then check out our travel guide.
Where to do it:
For a something a little different why not try Iceland - you may also catch the Northern Lights.
Have a better start to your holiday by pre-booking a trusted transfer from Reykjavik airport to your hotel.
3. Snow tubing
A great activity for kids (and big kids!) - snow tubing is possibly the most fun you can have on the slopes. It's a simple as it sounds - grab yourself a "tube" essentially a glorified inner ring and head off down the slope! Once you reach the bottom you'll be straight up to the top to do it again.
Where to do it:
With 10 different slopes to choose from Leysin in Switzerland is definitely first choice for snowtubing.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from Geneva airport to your hotel or resort.
Book your holiday extras early
It pays to book your airport parking, airport hotel or your lounge as soon as you book your flights. Prices usually go up nearer the date you fly, and last year Holiday Extras saved our airport parking customers £59 each on average when they pre-booked their airport parking instead of paying on the day.
Book my hotel and parking today4. Relax in a spa
Looking for something to do whilst the family hits the slopes? Let them enjoy a day in the cold whilst you relax in a warm spa. For the ultimate in luxury head to Hotel Les Barmes in Val-d'Isère.
Or if you're looking for a spa for all the family head to Leukerbad - not far from Zermatt. Enjoy the natural thermal waters which get up to 51°C and for added fun make sure you stay until it gets dark when the pools light up.
Copyright Leukerbad
Where to do it:
Val-d'Isère is the place to go - the nearest airport is Chambrey.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from Chambrey airport to your hotel or resort.
5. Snowmobiling
For those adrenaline junkies out there snowmobiling is definitely the way to go - and if you're a fan of quad biking you're going to love this! Snowmobiles are a great alternative to skiing - and with some amazing backcountry tours available you'll get a completely different mountain experience.
Snowmobiling is suitable for all sorts of groups and ages - they even have Mini-Z's for the little ones!
Where to do it:
For the best snowmobiling you really should head to North America - why not try a wilderness snowmobile tour from Whistler.
Whistler also offers a great range of accessible winter activities.
Or for something nearer to home head to The Swiss Alps and take on the Splugen Pass.
6. Fatbiking
Looking for a new challenge why not trying fatbiking? A fatbike is an off-road mountain bike with oversized "fat" tires - making it suitable for riding on snow. So if you're a big fan of off-roading back home then why not trade the mud for snow!
Where to do it:
Head to Gstaad, Switzerland - they host the annual Snow Bike festival every January.
It's about 2-hours from Geneva so why not sit back, relax and get a transfer from Geneva airport to your hotel or resort.
7. Bungee Jumping
Ever wondered what it would be like to go down a ski jump - but didn't think you could stick the landing? Then this one is for you! Head down a 30 metre ramp for a monster 70 metre jump - but don't worry you're attached at the waist by two bungee cords, and you'll be brought down to the ground via zip-line!
Copyright Bun J Ride
Where to do it:
Check out Bun-J-Ride in Tignes, France - only half an hour from Val-d'Isère
The nearest airport is Chambrey.
Have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from Chambrey airport to your hotel or resort.
8. Zip Wire
Once you reach the top of the mountain there's only one way - down. So why not glide down the mountain in style on Europe's longest zipwire at Val Thorens. Reaching speeds of up to 105km/h you'll get to experience how it feels to soar like a bird over the 3 Valleys peak.
Where to do it:
Val Thorens is the place to go - have a better start to your trip with a pre-booked transfer from Chambrey airport to your hotel or resort.
Bonus: Après-ski
Whether you've been skiing all day, or enjoying one of these fun activities there's no better way to end a day in the snow then a little (or a lot!) après-ski
You can keep it classic with mulled wine or try something a little bit different - but make sure you're not to bed too late as you'll need to be up early to do it all again tomorrow!Where to do it:
Everywhere!
Decided that maybe skiing is for you after all? Then don't forget to check out our top tips for beginner skiiers before you go! Need some help booking all your holiday extras? Want to talk to someone about other options at the airport?
We're here to help
We want to help you travel hassle-free!
If your question is urgent, you can reach us on 0871 360 2603 or +44 1303 816201 when you're calling from abroad. Our contact centre is open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 8pm on weekends.
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