The non-skier’s guide to enjoying a ski holiday
With the new season on the horizon, skiers and snow enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable time on freshly-powdered slopes, but for those who would rather admire the views of the mountains than ski down them, there’s no need to miss out on a holiday. There are plenty of fun and relaxing activities to enjoy off the pistes alone or with friends or family. Here’s how you can make the most of your trip to the snowy peaks this season!
Race on the slopes with Avo-Karting in Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil this winter
Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz stands out as a top destination for beginner and expert skiers all season long. The resort has a range of slopes specifically designed for newcomers, with wide, well-groomed pistes that allow beginners to learn in a safe environment close to the main village, where they can gain confidence and progress throughout their stay. But if you find you’re more at home behind a wheel than on skis or just fancy a day off, why not try Avo-Karting. Guests can hop in a three-wheeled go kart and race down the Le Croit slope, covering 3.2 km of slope and descending an impressive 600 metres in altitude. Open all season from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, it’s an ideal way to spend a morning or afternoon with friends or family, soaking up the mountain views as they blur past, all with more control than a pair of skis could give you. A seven night stay at Hôtel des Dromonts, departing on 3 January 2026, is priced from £1558 pp, based on two sharing a double room and ensuite bathroom with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.
Portes du Soleil: https://en.portesdusoleil.com/
Avoriaz: www.avoriaz.com/en/
Take a tasty twist on alpine getaways this winter in Megève, France
Tucked in between the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc, the charming alpine village of Megève offers far more than its picturesque ski slopes, being home to some of the best cuisine and restaurant in France. This August, chefs in Megève put delicious dishes to the test to decide which fondues will make the final cut for the Toquicimes culinary festival, set to take place this October in Megève. While fondue may be famously Swiss, it was here in Megève where the dish first appeared on a French menu, in 1946. If the slopes aren’t for you, why not have brunch at Héritage, of the hotel Les chalets du Mont d’Arbois, relish in a private cocktail experience at Studio Givré, or enjoy fine dining at the Rooftop Grand Hotel Soleil d’Or, all with stunning views of the Mont Blanc mountains. If you’re looking for something new after a morning on the slopes, swap your skis for spatulas at the Four Seasons Megève, where you and up to six guests can take an afternoon pastry class guided by expert chefs from £174 pp. A seven-night stay at Mamie Megève, arriving on 7 February 2026, is priced from £940 pp, based on two sharing a double room with ensuite bathroom, private balcony and a kitchen. Flights and transfers extra.
Megève: www.megeve-tourisme.fr/en/
Looking to relax and replenish this season? Head to the Austrian Tirol
Heading to the mountains to soak up breathtaking views and the crisp alpine air but not planning to ski? Ischgl’s ski resort has been a popular choice for British skiers since the 1960s, thanks to its reliable snowfall, excellent beginner-level skiing and vibrant village, making it an ideal family destination. But skiing is not for everyone. For those seeking relaxation amidst the snowy mountains, Austria’s newest wellness retreat, The Silvretta Therme, offers the perfect escape It invites guests to relax in its heated pools, state-of-the-art saunas and spas, all against the stunning backdrop of its nearby ski area. With tailored sports therapies, muscle-soothing treatments, fitness training, for skiers, and rejuvenating pools, spa treatments and wellness rooms for non-skiers, this alpine sanctuary perfectly blends sport and relaxation, ensuring you return from your holiday feeling relaxed and replenished. A stay at the 4* Appartement Chesa Monte chalet in central Ischgl, departing 17 January 2026, is priced from £800 pp, based on two sharing a spacious apartment, ensuite bathroom and private kitchen. Flights and transfers extra.
Austrian Tirol: www.tyrol.com
Soar over the mountains instead of skiing down them, in Verbier, Switzerland
Renowned as one of the world’s best ski resorts, this destination offers far more for thrill-seekers than just skiing. In the Alps, paragliding, locally known as ‘parapenting’, lets you experience unbeatable panoramic views of the Swiss mountains from the sky. Attached to an experience pilot, guests can enjoy calm gliding and slow descent, enjoying the spectacular view of Mont Blanc all to yourself, with Verbier’s bustling slopes hundreds of metres below. Tandem flights with Verbier Summits, are priced at £175 pp, whose pilots have over 26,000 hours of experience flying in these serene Swiss Alps and beyond. If soaring through the skies isn’t your style, Verbier also offers husky sled adventures taking a 5km panoramic route, for a more grounded way to explore the mountains. A seven night stay in Hotel Mirabeau, arriving on 17 January 2026, is priced from £912 pp, based on two sharing a room with a private balcony with mountain views. Just 200 metres from the Verbier-Médran cable car, this 3* hotel with its own spa, sauna, steam bath, and complimentary daily breakfasts, is perfect for a group of guests seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation and comfort this winter. Flight and transfers extra.
Verbier: https://www.verbier.ch
Speed down an Olympic-standard Bobsleigh track in La Plagne, France
Not a fan of skiing? That doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the thrill of speeding down France’s only bobsleigh track, originally built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, in La Plagne this season. Zoom down the icy course at speeds of up to 70 mph, sharing the ride with up to three friends. With 19 thrilling bends in the same track used by professional athletes, first timers can safely enjoy the experience thanks to the self-guided, self-braking bobsleighs. This Olympic-standard course is gearing up to welcome the world again as hosts of the 2030 Winter Games. Why not book a bobsleigh ride this season, for a thrilling and memorable way to enjoy the mountains this winter, no skiing required. A seven-night stay at Popalp Hotel with Crystal, departing on 21 February 2026, is priced from £1215 pp based on two people sharing a room. This includes a ski in-ski out location on half-board catered basis and coach transfers from Chambery Airport. Flights extra.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com/
These winter destinations offer far more than just skiing, encouraging travellers to try new snow sports aside from skiing and indulge in culinary experiences. From the gourmet dining in Megève and relaxing spas in Tirol to paragliding in Verbier and bobsleighing in La Plagne, there is something for everyone in these breathtaking mountains this winter. More than just ski slopes, these resorts now offer more experiences than ever, so each guest can have their own dream holiday in the mountains.
If you’d like more information or need high-quality images, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
For more information, please contact Emma Berg at emmab@heavenpublicity.co.uk or Rachel Johnston at rachel@heavenpublicity.co.uk
