Alternative activities to a skiing holiday
The time for sunny walks in the mountains is over and is giving way to snow fun. When people think of winter sports, they quickly think of skiing. Many people therefore call it a skiing holiday, but that is not the only thing you can do in the snowy mountains. We have selected for you what else you can do in the winter Alps.
Snowboarding
Besides skiing, snowboarding is a popular sport on the slopes. It is a bit like skateboarding and surfing, but on snow. Your feet are attached side by side to a board (lengthwise). This has a rounded front and back, allowing you to move optimally in the snow. There are various disciplines you can practice, such as alpine boarding and freestyle. Alpine boarding is mainly about speed and cornering.
Freestyle
Both skiing and snowboarding have freestyle, which is mainly about doing stunts, tricks and jumps. Ski resorts in the Alps sometimes have fun parks or snow parks, where you can really let your hair down. Here you will find ramps, boxes, rails and half-pipes to practice and perform all your tricks on. There is usually something for every skill level.
Cross-country skiing
This sport is often more laid-back than skiing and a bit more like hiking. You move yourself forward through the snow on two long, smooth skis. Often on a specially prepared cross-country trail, which consists of two narrow grooves next to each other, into which your cross-country skis fit exactly. The route is generally quite flat, with a little hill here and there. You will therefore often find the trails in the valley. This sport is easier to learn than skiing, but does require some technique. If you have never done cross-country skiing before, there is no harm in taking a lesson first.
Ski touring
Ski touring, or ski mountaineering, is a combination of mountain walking and skiing. Whereas a normal skier always has to rely on ski lifts and other Alpine cableways, with ski touring you walk yourself to the top and then treat yourself to a wonderful descent. To walk uphill, you need special skis. These are shorter and lighter than the usual skis, and they have climbing skins underneath, which provide grip. These are (often synthetic) skins in which the hairs stand one way and therefore prevent you from sliding back down. If you descend again, the hairs flatten out and you can slide. On icy surfaces, you can apply additional harscheisen, a kind of snow spikes. This sport requires good stamina and strong leg muscles.
Snowbiking
Snowbiking or skibiking is a fun alternative to going down a slope. The snowbike is a small bicycle frame, with small skis underneath, instead of wheels. As the driver of this bike, you also get small skis under your feet. Steering is mainly done by shifting your body weight and you use your feet to brake. It sounds very easy, but to be on the safe side, take a lesson first to make sure you master the technique. In some places, it is even compulsory to take a lesson before you can rent a skibike.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing, or sledging, is a popular activity in winter. In many ski resorts, they have special tobogganing tracks and routes and you can rent a sledge. This is often an ‘ordinary’ wooden sledge, which does not have a brake or handlebars. Braking and steering are done with your feet. It is a very fun activity to do with a group and usually the tracks are easily accessible by lift. Be careful though, because tobogganing is not without danger. Substantial speeds can be reached and there are strict rules for this sport. Always show consideration for each other and avoid dangerous antics.
Snowshoeing
Of all the winter sports you can do, snowshoeing is the easiest to ‘learn’. Anyone who can walk can also go snowshoeing. Snowshoes are a kind of boards made of plastic or metal that you can attach under your hiking boots. Because of their larger surface area, they make sure you don't sink into the snow so easily and float on it, so to speak. How hard it is depends on the walk you choose. It is a wonderful way to spend winter in the mountains and escape from the crowds on the ski slopes. Do stay on the beaten track or take a guide, so you can be sure to get back home safely and not be surprised by a snow avalanche.
So if you go on winter sports, being able to ski is not a requirement. Fortunately, there are many more ways to have fun in the snowy mountains. Especially if you don't need crowded ski slopes, there are several options to enjoy the snow in peace and quiet. If you have plans to go on a ski holiday this winter, then I hope we have given you some great alternatives to vary your day.
