Can you go to a ski resort for a holiday and not actually ski?

[Appalonia]

I have no interest in skiing and think I'd be a danger to myself and anyone else if I tried! However, I'd love to spend a few days at a ski resort, just to see the beautiful snowy mountains and be in the atmosphere of it all. Is that a bonkers idea? And if it isnt, where would be a good place to go? Thanks all.

Wengen, or anywhere in the Jungfrau region is a good call, if you can afford Switzerland.

They have pisted wanderwegs and well frequented, well-signed snow shoe trails, plus you could try langlaufing, you could go up the Eiger or up the Schilthorn (baddies lair in the George Lazenby Bond film, now a revolving restaurant) or get the train to Interlaken

My SIL can no longer ski due to knee problems but her husband loves to ski.
So he ski’s and she spends time in the hotel spa or coffee shop and wandering around the shops. She loves it!

Came to suggest either Wengen or St. Anton but see others have beaten me to it!

My closest friend is skiing now in France. I say skiing, she isn't, but it isn't a problem. She has such a nice time. She always does, they have grandparents, parents, kids and their kids. They all have a great time.

Not quite the same thing but I have very fond memories of a family holiday to a ski resort in the summer. They had loads of kids stuff and it was all very pretty.

We have a flat in a ski resort and I'm too broken to ski, so I go to ski resorts most years and don't do anything. I'd say choose your resort wisely.

Ours only has a spa really, and snow-shoeing plus some restaurants and bars and of course lots of skiing. But thankfully we can access another part of the resort which has ice rink, pool etc and a lot more restaurants.

Alpe d’huez has an outdoor pool, ice skating, and you can walk to the lift. Also has nice bars and walking and tobogganing

I was going to say Alp d' huez

Wow, can't believe how this thread has got even better! Thank you all for your generosity. I have to admit, this thread was inspired by watching the Winter Olympics, which I love, despite not being especially sporty. Also, after 2 years of lockdown,when we can travel again, I really want to do things I've only ever wondered about, and going to the mountains is one of them. So many fabulous suggestions to research, thank you all!

Sorry, one more question, can you only go to these resorts during winter months, or are they snowy all year round?

@Appalonia

Sorry, one more question, can you only go to these resorts during winter months, or are they snowy all year round?

In the European ones, the summers are quite hot and its climbing, mountain biking etc. Even the glacier resorts.

I also would recommend Switzerland- Zermatt, Grindelwald and especially Wengen. Expensive but worth it. You can go walking, snow-shoeing, criss country skiing, tobogganing on long toboggan runs, stopping at mountain restaurants or cafes. You can travel on trains and cable cars to the tops of mountains. You can even have Curling lessons!

@Appalonia

Sorry, one more question, can you only go to these resorts during winter months, or are they snowy all year round?

The village I mentioned is gorgeous for summer season too. Lovely lakes, white water rafting, hiking and it is very sunny and warm too.

Yes its fine though I tend to book a hotel with a pool if we are going to a French resort like Saemons and DS and I go hot chocolating and swimming whilst DH and DD ski. Sometimes snow still there at Easter but you need to check last minute for that but cheap if it is and fairly empty.

Also been to Hintertux in Austria staying at Kinder hotel there, lovely half board food, lots of things for kids at hotel, mountain views, cable car, ice palace at top, all year snow, whitewater rafting in summer

@Appalonia

Sorry, one more question, can you only go to these resorts during winter months, or are they snowy all year round?

I've been to Wengen in August; warm and perfect for hiking etc, but up at Jungfraujoch on the glacier there was lots of snow!

Most ski locations in central Europe will be what the brochures used to call 'Lakes and Mountains', so in the summer will be great places to go for outdoor activities.

Total novice here! Do you rent snow shoes for snow-shoeing? Is that suitable for anyone i.e. just walking in snowy conditions?

Yes! Usually very cheap to rent out. Some resorts will have recommended route for snow shoeing and offer guided walks too. But you can just strap a pair on and head off. Avoid avalanche areas and pistes!

This sounds like a fabulous holiday. Where would be good to take tweens with a range of wintery activities this time next year?

I think the poster above who suggested Boulder is thinking of Breckenridge or Beaver Creek maybe. Nearest skiing to Boulder is about an hour's drive, its at the base of the Rockies, not really in them.
I think some of the towns in the Dolomites in Italy like San Cassiano or Corvaro might be good options for the OP.

@Doubleraspberry

Yes! Usually very cheap to rent out. Some resorts will have recommended route for snow shoeing and offer guided walks too. But you can just strap a pair on and head off. Avoid avalanche areas and pistes!

Tell someone where you're going, if you head off alone!!

Worth going on a guided walk the first time, just whilst you get the feel of it

Snow shoes aren't expensive to buy - try Decathlon. If you have luggage space it's probably cheaper (definiteoymif you do it on more than one hipoliday). Remember you need poles as well

Daft question probably but if you're going to a ski resort and not skiing what kind of clothes do you need?

@tentative3

Daft question probably but if you're going to a ski resort and not skiing what kind of clothes do you need?

Depends what you are doing and what the weather is like! When I was out walking, I was getting hot in my thermal top, normal trousers and warm coat (plus waterproof walking boots). When sitting in outdoor cafes, I was getting chilly in thermal leggings/top, salopettes, fleece, coat, hat and gloves. You need layers.

I wear what I might wear to ski I think if snowshoeing as there can be a fair amount of ending up in snow if going up and down drifts. It’s quite full on exercise if not sticking to the flat so agree on layers. I think otherwise for just wandering about or hiking it would depend on the air temperature where you’re heading.