How to savor a ski resort getaway without hitting the slopes

Many assume that a trip to ski country means you have to be a skier.

Yet, lugging your skis and tackling the slopes each winter isn't always feasible, particularly when you factor in the costs of equipment and ski passes. And if skiing or snowboarding just isn't your thing, that's perfectly fine.

Even though my family enjoys skiing, we always seek out other ways to appreciate the area when we visit ski towns—especially if the mountain conditions aren't ideal.

If you're looking to enjoy winter in the mountains but skiing isn't your preference—or if you simply want to take a break from your skis—there are countless other reasons to plan a ski resort vacation.

Try snow tubing

Even if you're not donning ski boots, you can still enjoy the snow by sliding down the mountain on a tube. Some tubing hills even require a lift or a magic carpet ride to reach the top of the slope.

This fun activity isn't just for kids. Whether you're 6 or 60, you can relive your childhood joy while tubing down the mountain.

Famous tubing destinations include Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania; Keystone Resort in Colorado; Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire; and Hunter Mountain in New York. Some locations even offer Cosmic Tubing at night, like Oregon's Mount Hood Skibowl, which boasts over 600,000 LED lights, laser shows, black lights, colored lights, and music.

Enjoy a sleigh ride

Sleigh rides are a wonderful way to embrace winter—especially with a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand. In Stowe, Vermont, conveniently located near the mountain base, you can choose from various sleigh or carriage rides. Some resorts even provide evening sleigh rides for a unique dining experience in the mountains. Notable resorts offering this include Beaver Creek, Keystone, Steamboat, and Deer Valley.

Put on your snowshoes

If you’re looking to exercise without tackling steep slopes, slip on some snowshoes and begin your adventure. Many resorts or hotels may offer snowshoe tours, perfect for getting acquainted with the sport. At The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, you can even join a guided snowshoe tour focused on maple syrup production.

Spend a day snowmobiling

Think about dedicating a day to snowmobiling. With abundant snowmobiling trails near most ski resorts, you have a wide range of thrilling options. Snowmobiling lets you soak in stunning views and embrace the surrounding nature. If you’re hesitant to ride solo, many locations offer single or double options, or even the chance to ride with a guide.

While many venues restrict snowmobiling to adults and teens, a few allow younger children to join in the fun. At the family-friendly Stratton Mountain, kids aged 7 to 14 can operate Mini Z snowmobiles at the mountain’s base. For a longer adventure, children as young as 4 can experience a genuine one-hour snowmobiling tour at Okemo and Killington Mountain.

Discover the ice

To try your hand at ice climbing, gather essential gear like an ice axe, harness, rope, and crampons (metal attachments for your shoes that help with ice traction). While seasoned climbers may explore mountains solo, many ski towns offer beginner courses, known as 'Ice Climbing 101,' where all equipment is supplied. The best part? You don't need prior climbing skills to join in.

In Ouray, Colorado, just an hour away from Telluride and Silverton Mountain, you can discover a climbing park designed for children.

Experience biking on snow!

Although Stowe Mountain Resort is famous for its ski slopes, it also boasts some of the finest mountain biking trails in the nation. Rent a fat tire bike to navigate snowy trails, explore the mountain, and enjoy the surrounding village.

An increasing number of resorts are now offering ski bikes, so there's a good chance you can enjoy biking on snow during your winter getaway in the mountains.

Discover the village.

As mountain towns rise in popularity, many previously rugged landscapes are now complemented by vibrant villages filled with restaurants and shops. Some places take it a step further, providing activities like ice skating, fireworks, and live performances.

West Coast resorts like Beaver Creek in Colorado and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia boast the largest villages, teeming with shops and dining options. While the East Coast may lack the same village atmosphere, there are hidden treasures, such as Stowe Mountain Resort, located in Spruce Peak Village, featuring a free ice skating rink, a delightful candy store, and a vast adventure center with rock climbing.

If Topgolf is your thing, be sure to book a time at the Grand Hyatt Vail in Vail's Timber Ridge Village.

Venture into town.

Don’t restrict your experience to just the mountain. At Park City Mountain, the Olympic Park is only a few miles away. Just down the road from Stowe Mountain Resort, you can visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and several maple sugaring farms. In Vermont, there are also classes available for making your own candles or medicinal tonics near Smugglers' Notch.

Be sure to wander through each picturesque mountain town to discover activities and cultural attractions that may not be available back home. If you didn't rent a car, many resorts provide bus services throughout the area to help you get around.

Treat yourself to après-ski activities.

Enjoy the food, drinks, and camaraderie of après ski, even if you didn't hit the slopes. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many outdoor dining options have emerged, complete with seating, heat lamps, and fire pits. Some resorts even feature igloo dining. There's nothing better than relaxing outside with friends or family, mountains in the background, and a drink in hand.

On our ski trips, we truly cherish the chance to unwind outdoors after a long day on the slopes, cocktail or hot chocolate in hand.

In summary

Regardless of your interests, ski resorts cater to everyone, both on and off the mountain. Even if skiing isn't your thing, you can still soak in the mountain atmosphere and discover numerous activities in the resorts and surrounding towns to keep you entertained without ever hitting the slopes.