Best ski resorts for non-skiers
The best ski resorts for non-skiers
As we are right in the middle of the Ski season (now until April), the non-skiers among us continue to see Instagram stories of snowy chalets and posts of our friends whizzing down the slopes, all while we sit on the sofa awaiting their arrival home - right? Wrong! 2024 is the year when we, who are more likely to faceplant than freeride, hit the snow zone.
Noelle Alejandra Salmi from Matador Network says “the reality is the mountains are beautiful, and you don’t need to be a skier to appreciate the snow-covered peaks, the forests, and the crisp alpine air”.
So, for those who have always wanted to experience the “après”, but shy away from the thought of “ski”, there are plenty of things for non-skiers to do while others hit the slopes. The list of best things to do for non-skiers is endless, from renting a snowmobile to melting your stress away in a spa - rather than freezing in the snow.
As the leaders in luxury ski travel for over 65 years, we’ve created an index based on the best ski resorts in the world for non-skiers so that everyone can get the most out of their ski holidays. We analysed a number of different activities for non-skiers, including hiking trails, local events and tours so that skiing holidays can be for everyone!
Ortisei, Italy
Ortisei in Italy is the perfect place with ski resorts for non-skiers. Ortisei has the highest number of cafes, restaurants and pubs on the European index, making this the perfect choice for any foodie in search of some famously delicious Italian cuisine. If shopping is more your thing, you’ll also find 7 shopping centres in Ortisei, with endless shops waiting for you to sift through!
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St Mortiz, Switzerland
St Mortiz in Switzerland is one of the best European ski resort for non-skiers! St Mortiz has an impressive total of 62 things to do, such as places to explore and activities, as well as 14 events on offer, including nightlife experiences and air tours, so it is safe to say that St Mortiz has plenty to ensure you make the most of your stay.
Why not treat yourself to a holiday to St Moritz? Nestled at the foot of the Swiss Alps, the Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil is situated in the Engadine Valley, the perfect location to experience all that the glamorous St Moritz resort has to offer. Not only has St Moritz hosted both the Winter Olympics and Ski World Championships multiple times, it’s also the host of plenty of non-ski related activities - and let’s face it, what can beat a cosy dinner of Swiss fondue? Find your perfect holiday today from £1,331.
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St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria ranks as well as one of the best ski resort for non-skiers in Europe. With 43 things to do for non-skiers, such as places to explore and activities near the resort, this is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure.
L'Alpe d'Huez, France
L'Alpe d'Huez in France is another one of the best European ski holiday destination for non-skiers and we can definitely see why! Here, you’ll find 5 different spa facilities to choose from, perfect for those in search of tranquillity and relaxation on their ski holiday.
From £1,936, travellers can explore the wide variety of the Savoie ski area and the incredible ski and non-ski activities it has to offer. With breathtaking views, stunning apres ski, and the opportunity to relax at the blissful PAYOT spa-
Club Med Alpe d'Huez
has it all!
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
Rounding off the list is Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria, if this is the place for you, remember to pack your walking boots, as this location made it into the top ski resorts for non-skiers thanks to its six hiking trails waiting to be explored, the perfect way to fully embrace the alpine air and views!
Club Med European ski resorts
Les Arcs Panorama
France
The Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon Chalet-Apartments
France
La Rosière
France
Valmorel
France
The Valmorel Chalet-Apartments
France
Queenstown, New Zealand
Taking the top spot Queenstown, New Zealand has a lot to offer for non-skiers. With 31 spas, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax, and when you’re done making a splash in the hot tub, splash some cash at one of the 51 shopping centres Queenstown offers! For those who want to explore all the city has to offer, Queenstown has 141 local events from nature and wildlife tours to horseback riding, and even a tour of the Lord of the Rings filming locations! With a huge variety of offerings, Queenstown has some of the best ski resorts for non-skiers.
Breckenridge, Colorado
The second-best ski resort for non-skiers is Breckenridge, Colorado. Here you’ll find an incredible 239 things to do, and waiting glumly in the hotel for your skier friends to finish isn't one of them! Breckenridge is the place for those who think of Italian food and not ski positions when they hear “pizza slice”, with 13 cafes, restaurants and pubs on offer. If you’re looking for a way to keep active during your trip, wrap up warm and explore one of the 14
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming ranked as the third-best ski resort for non-skiers. If you prefer to shop than ski, Jackson is the perfect place with 62 shopping centres - the most out of all cities analysed! Jackon is also joint with Queenstown as the location with the most events, with 141 different options, from horseback riding to water activities, there will certainly be something perfect for you.
Whistler, British Columbia
Coming in fourth place of the best ski resorts for non-skiers is Whistler in British Columbia. Whistler follows closely behind Jackson. This is thanks to its incredible variety of 23 different spa facilities for those hoping to relax and unwind on their ski trip. Whistler also has lots to offer those in search of adventure too, including 15 extreme tours and activities, such as zip lining and paragliding in the snow, ideal for those ready to step out of their comfort zone.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, rounds off the top five best ski resorts for non-skiers. Park City has an impressive 32 spa facilities on offer, the most spas of all resorts analysed! Park City also offers 276 things to do, such as places to explore and activities, so you are guaranteed an action-packed ski holiday in Park City if you don’t ski.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen has 27 hiking trails all definitely worth the effort. Featuring photogenic lakes and rocky mountains, this is the perfect place to trade in your skis for hiking boots. Crater Lake is great for those looking for a less intense hike, and there are plenty of options for those looking for something slightly more physically challenging.
Livigno, Italy
Surround yourself with nature on one of the 22 hiking trails in one of the best hiking location for non-skiers, Livigno. Be sure to visit the Livigno Pass, a 7,595 ft mountain pass in the Alps, it’s one of the highest paved roads in Europe!
Banff, Canada
Banff is home to over 994 miles of hiking trails with 14 trails to explore. From turquoise-blue lakes, and a panoramic sea of peaks, Banff in Canada is breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect place to enjoy a long hike on your travels.
Top ski resorts with the most extreme tours and activities
If you don't want to get your skis on and hit the slopes, but still are in search of something adventurous on your ski holiday, why not plan your stay at one of these best ski resorts for non-skiers that offer not only skiing, but a range of extreme tours and activities? The fun doesn't have to begin and end with the slopes, these extreme tours and activities include snowmobile tours, adventure parks, ziplines, paragliding in the snow and much more.
Queenstown came out on top with the most extreme tours and activities of all resorts analysed- a grand total of 45. Queenstown is known for being the perfect spot for jet rafting, so definitely give that a go during your visit!
Jackon followed closely behind with 38 extreme tours and activities, landing the second spot and Banff rounds off the top three with 17 extreme tours and activities for adrenaline seekers!
Three European destinations rank in the top ten.
Chamonix in France ranking in sixth, with 13 extreme tours/activities, where you can channel your inner dare-devil and parasail and paraglide over the Mont-Blanc range.
Morzine in France followed Charmoinx in seventh place with 10 extreme tours/activities, with the opportunity to explore some unusual places during caving, canyoning, and mountain excursions!
Zermatt in Switzerland ranked ninth with six extreme tours/activities, renowned for climbing, this is a must-do during your stay!
Best ski resorts for food and drinks
Whether you're skiing, hiking or sledging, you’re going to be working up an appetite having fun during these activities, so, of course that is where food and drink comes in, not to mention warming you up! With this in mind, it's great that ski resorts offer a range of food and drink spots to choose from.
San Carlos de Bariloche came out on top with a total of 417 restaurants, cafes and bakeries, bars and pubs and more! San Carlos de Bariloche has 338 restaurants to choose from, making it the perfect ski destination for any foodie.
Morzine ranks second with 290 restaurants to choose from, their local speciality fondue is a must-try, the perfect dish for warming up after a day in the frosty air!
Chamonix follows in third with a total of 281 foodie spots, and 10 pubs and bars to relax and enjoy a drink after a day of action.
The fourth best ski resort for food and drinks is Queenstown, offering an impressive 59 bakeries, cafes and places to grab a quick bite, perfect for a pre-adventure caffeine boost!
Pinzolo rounds off the top five best ski resorts in the world for food and drinks, with 249 spots to choose from. It is no surprise that three of these top five are European ski resorts, famous for their incredible cuisine!
Other European ski resorts rank in the top 10 too, as the best ski resorts in the world for food and drinks.
Zermatt in Switzerland ranked in eighth place, with an impressive 182 restaurants to choose from, as well as six bars and pubs where you can indulge in a classic hot toddy.
St.Moritz , also in Switzerland ,is another European destination that made the top 10, in ninth place. St. Moritz offers 188 food and drink locations in total, 175 being restaurants, 6 cafes and bakeries and 3 pubs and bars.
Whistler rounds off the top 10 with 139 restaurants to choose from.
Club Med ski resorts
Tignes
France
The Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon Chalet-Apartments
France
La Rosière
France
Les Arcs Panorama
France
Val d'Isère
France
Valmorel
France
The Valmorel Chalet-Apartments
France
Quebec Charlevoix
Canada
Kiroro Peak
Japan
