Non-Ski Snow Family Vacations: Fun Winter Getaways For Everyone

by | Nov 12, 2023 | Types Of Trips

Families who don't ski can still enjoy a winter vacation in the snow. There are plenty of destinations that offer winter activities beyond the slopes. From ice skating to snowshoeing to cozying up by the fire, non-skiing families can have a memorable winter vacation too.

Quebec's Auberge Du Lac Taureau is a wilderness resort that offers a full plate of cold-weather activities for families. The resort is located in the heartland of French-speaking Quebec and embraces families with snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing, and more. For those who want to relax, the resort also has a spa and indoor pool.

Keystone Resort in Colorado is another option for non-skiing families. In addition to skiing, the resort offers a variety of winter activities, including ice skating, snowmobiling, and snow tubing. The resort's Lakeside Village is home to the largest outdoor ice skating rink in America and the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rink anywhere in the world.

Why Choose Non-Ski Snow Vacations

Winter vacations are an excellent way to spend quality time with your family. However, not everyone is interested in skiing. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-skiing activities that families can enjoy on a snow vacation. Here are some reasons why non-ski snow vacations are a great choice for families:

Family-Friendly

Non-ski snow vacations are ideal for families with children of all ages. There are plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy together, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snow tubing, and sledding. These activities provide an excellent opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories.

Non-Skiing Activities

Non-skiing activities are not only fun but also provide an excellent way to stay active during the winter months. Snowshoeing, for example, is an excellent way to explore the winter landscape while getting some exercise. Ice skating is another fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Snow tubing and sledding are also great options for families looking for some winter fun.

Winter Vacation

Non-ski snow vacations are a great way to experience winter in all its glory. From snow-covered landscapes to cozy cabins, there is something magical about a winter vacation. Non-ski snow vacations provide an opportunity to experience winter in a new and exciting way.

Overall, non-ski snow vacations are a great choice for families looking for a winter vacation. With plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from, non-ski snow vacations provide an excellent opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.

Popular Non-Ski Snow Activities

Winter vacations are not just for skiing enthusiasts. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the snow. Here are some popular non-ski snow activities that families can enjoy together:

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a classic winter activity that is fun for all ages. Many winter resorts have outdoor ice skating rinks, and some even have indoor rinks. Keystone Resort, for example, has the largest outdoor ice skating rink in America.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a unique and thrilling way to explore the winter landscape. Many winter resorts offer dog sled tours, where guests can ride on a sled pulled by a team of trained dogs. Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California, offers dog sled tours through the scenic forests and meadows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wilderness. It is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Many winter resorts offer snowshoe rentals and guided tours. Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, for example, has over 30 miles of snowshoe trails.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is a fun and exciting activity that is perfect for families. Many winter resorts have snow tubing hills, where guests can slide down the hill on an inner tube. Keystone Resort, for example, has a snow tubing hill that is over 1,000 feet long.

Indoor Activities

Winter resorts often have indoor activities for guests who want to take a break from the cold. These can include indoor pools, spa treatments, and craft beer tastings. Cragun's Resort in Minnesota, for example, has an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a craft beer tasting room.

Outdoor Activities

For those who want to enjoy the winter weather, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. These can include hiking, bonfires, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, for example, offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered landscape.

Unique Winter Activities

For those looking for something a little different, there are plenty of unique winter activities to try. These can include ice fishing, broomball, winter archery, fat tire bike riding, and snow biking. Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado has an alpine coaster, which is a roller coaster that runs through the snow-covered mountains.

No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of non-ski snow activities to enjoy on a winter vacation.

Best Non-Ski Snow Resorts

For those who want to enjoy a winter vacation without skiing, there are plenty of resorts across the globe that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the best non-ski snow resorts categorized by location:

North America

  • Keystone Resort, Colorado: Keystone Resort offers a variety of winter activities for non-skiers, including snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and scenic gondola rides. There are also plenty of indoor activities such as spa treatments, cooking classes, and art workshops.
  • Breckenridge, Colorado: Breckenridge is a charming town that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The town also has a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and theaters.
  • Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Lake Tahoe is a popular winter destination that offers a variety of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and hot air balloon rides. The area also has a range of dining and shopping options.
  • Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania: The Pocono Mountains offer a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The area also has a range of indoor activities such as spas, water parks, and museums.
  • Sun Valley Resort, Idaho: Sun Valley Resort is a picturesque mountain resort that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and hot springs soaking. The area also has a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and theaters.
  • Park City, Utah: Park City is a historic mining town that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and hot air balloon rides. The town also has a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and theaters.
  • Woodloch Pines, Pennsylvania: Woodloch Pines is a family-friendly resort that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and indoor water park. The resort also has a range of dining and entertainment options.
  • Crystal Mountain, Washington: Crystal Mountain is a scenic mountain resort that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and scenic gondola rides. The area also has a range of dining and shopping options.
  • Smugglers' Notch, Vermont: Smugglers' Notch is a family-friendly resort that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and indoor water park. The resort also has a range of dining and entertainment options.
  • White Mountains, New Hampshire: The White Mountains offer a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. The area also has a range of dining and shopping options.

Europe

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is a charming city that offers a range of winter activities for non-skiers, such as ice skating, winter markets, and holiday light festivals. The city also has a range of dining and shopping options.
  • Northern Lights, Norway: Norway is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, which is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the winter months. There are a variety of tours and excursions available for non-skiers to see the lights.
  • UNESCO World Heritage, Europe: There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe that are worth visiting during the winter months, such as the historic city centers of Prague and Vienna, the castles of the Loire Valley in France, and the ancient ruins of Rome and Athens.

Planning Your Non-Ski Snow Vacation

When planning a non-ski snow vacation, it is important to consider the interests and needs of everyone in the family. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there are plenty of winter destinations that offer a variety of activities and amenities.

One option is to consider staying at a resort that specializes in winter activities beyond skiing. Many all-inclusive resorts offer snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and snowmobiling, as well as indoor amenities like spas and fitness centers. Look for resorts that offer ski school for beginners or other classes and workshops for those who want to learn a new skill.

For those who love adventure, consider booking a snowmobile tour or dog sledding excursion. These activities provide a unique and thrilling way to explore the winter landscape. Some ski resorts also offer zip lining, snow tubing, and snowshoeing tours.

If shopping and events are more your style, consider visiting a ski town that offers a variety of winter activities and events. Many ski towns host winter festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the season. In addition, they often have a variety of shops and restaurants to explore.

No matter what type of non-ski snow vacation you are planning, be sure to pack appropriately for the cold weather. Layers are key, as well as warm boots, hats, and gloves. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense even in the winter.

Overall, with a little planning and research, a non-ski snow vacation can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a non-ski snow family vacation can be an exciting and memorable experience for everyone involved. With a wide range of activities available, families can enjoy the snow and winter wonderland without having to hit the slopes. From sledding and snowboarding to hot springs and elk sightings, there is something for everyone.

For families looking for a unique winter experience, dogsledding and snowmobiling are great options. Riding on a sled pulled by a team of dogs or zooming through the snow on a snowmobile can be exhilarating and provide a different perspective of the winter landscape.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, cabins and historic districts offer a cozy and charming atmosphere. Families can enjoy building snowmen, ice hockey, and yoga while surrounded by the beauty of the winter landscape.

Sun Valley, Idaho, and Taos, New Mexico, are two mountain towns that offer a variety of winter activities for non-skiers. Sun Valley boasts a world-renowned ice skating rink and Taos Pueblo offers a glimpse into Native American culture.

Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is another great option for families looking for a non-ski snow vacation. The resort hosted several events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers activities such as snowshoeing, geysers, and more.

Overall, a non-ski snow family vacation can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy the winter season. With so many activities and destinations to choose from, families can create lasting memories in a winter wonderland.