Whether you ski or not, it’s still an absolute joy to actually be in the mountains, breathtaking scenery comes as standard and if you’re at all keen on photography, well, you can’t beat the location for some stunning winter wonderland shots. The world is diamond white and natures cloaks everything in a thick duvet of the white stuff, a photographers haven.
Most resorts are savvy to the needs of non-skiers and provide lots of alternative activities. Every resort will have sledging of some sort and it’s such fun, no skill required, just a desire to seek out the thrill of gliding, sometimes at considerable speed, down a powdery incline. In Zermatt you’ll find a fantastic, purpose made toboggan run, this is no hill in the park either, it’s eight kilometers of sheer joy. Toboggan hire can be found everywhere so there’s no excuse. If you fancy upping the ante, you could have a crack at skeleton bobsleighing. St Moritz boasts the famous Cresta Run and La Plagne in France both offer holiday makers the chance to have a go, not for the faint hearted, so be warned, you could be wishing your were wearing your brown trousers about two seconds after you push off.
Outdoor skating rinks are to be found it many resorts, I’m thinking if you can’t ski you might struggle with skating too but at least you haven’t had to don a mountain of kit, queue at the lifts, and return disheartened to your chalet. If it’s not for you, you can sit rink side with a glass of mulled wine and watch the not so proficient make out like Bambi. A great way to spend a couple of hours, especially in the evening when the ambience has a charm all of it’s own. Some resorts offer ‘Ice Gliding’, bumper cars on ice, now that could be a lot of fun, no skill required.
If shopping is your therapy, some of the more up market resorts such as Courchevel 1850 or St Moritz boast flag ship stores of some of the worlds major fashion brands, you can flash the plastic and justify your purchase by the fact you never hired ski’s, bought a lift pass, or spent a fortune on a good pair of ski boots. In most resorts there are a plethora of shops stocking less illustrious items and it’s always good to browse.
How about doing absolutely nothing? If you just want to zone out and totally switch off, mountain spas are for you. Relaxation is the name of the game here, every kind of massage can be had, from the straightforward pummeling to the more exotic sounding fare. The Alps are home to many thermal springs, with heated indoor and outdoor pools to wallow in, it’s bliss to soak in a outdoor thermal spa and breathe in the fresh mountain air, and even though you didn’t move a muscle it’s very invigorating. Most spas offer a range of treatments and beauty therapies too, so go on, pamper yourself. Most spas also have well equipped gyms for a good workout, so what you didn’t get on the mountain, exercise wise, you can more than make up for in the gym.
How about strapping on a pair of snow shoes and wandering off into the woods and up the mountain trails where you pretty much have the world to yourself along with the constant changing of the magnificent scenery, get to the parts skiers can’t reach and get your share of exercise and fresh air while you’re at it.
Or you could just sit on a terrace, have a glass or two and people watch, all life is here, all resorts are populated with a cast of fascinating characters, just like you, who all adore being in the mountains.