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Dreaming of winter snow holidays but not the “thrill of the downslope” or the “challenge of that double-black run”?
Just because world class skiing or snowboarding isn’t on your agenda – or you’d rather skip the risk of soreness après-ski – doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an incredible winter getaway.
These snowy getaways without skiing offer fantastic winter activities for non skiers (and skiers alike!), from serene horse drawn sleigh rides to exhilarating dog sledding adventures.
You’ll find plenty of ways to embrace the fresh snow and a winter landscape, often with the whole family, regardless of their skill levels or experience with the cold.
Many winter destinations, like those in Colorado, around Lake Tahoe, or even in British Columbia near places like Whistler Blackcomb, offer more than just ski slopes; they provide a full spectrum of winter enjoyment.
Best of all, these best snow vacations are easily accessible from the Southland by road or plane, offering a perfect escape from the everyday and a contrast to typical summer holidays.
Snow Tubing: Effortless Winter Fun
For pure, unadulterated fun in the fresh snow, it’s hard to beat snow tubing. This is one of the most accessible winter activities for the whole family, requiring no special skill levels – just a desire to laugh as you ride down gentle or thrilling slopes.
Many ski resort locations and dedicated snow parks offer specially prepared tubing lanes, often with convenient conveyor lifts to take you back to the top.
It’s a fantastic way for non-skiers and even young children to experience the joy of gliding over snow and embrace the winter getaway spirit without the learning curve of skiing or snowboarding.
You’ll find plenty of places offering this exhilarating activity, making it a must-do on many winter snow holidays.
Sleigh Rides: Magical Winter Journeys
Experience the magic of a winter fairyland with enchanting sleigh rides. Often pulled by majestic horses, these horse drawn sleigh rides offer a nostalgic and cozy way to enjoy the winter scenery.
Snuggle under blankets as you glide through snowy meadows or historic town settings, taking in breathtaking views of the winter landscape. Whether it’s a romantic horse drawn sleigh for two, a festive group ride with carols and hot springs cocoa, or even a dinner excursion, sleigh rides are a quintessential winter experience.
Many resorts and stables in snowy winter destinations offer this charming activity, providing a peaceful and memorable way to connect with the serene beauty of the snow-covered trails.
Winter Wonderlands in California
Yosemite
Yosemite, one of the most iconic National Parks, boasts classic and well-earned winter credentials, having narrowly missed hosting the 1932 Winter Olympics (think an early American Olympic Park vision!).
Remnants of that bid provide delightful winter activities today. Visit the Curry Village Ice Rink for some charming ice skating – rent your skates and glide around the frozen outdoor oval, perhaps with mood music playing, and warm up by a blazing fire pit.
While Badger Pass Ski Area offers downhill skiing, it’s also renowned as a spot for beginners to try cross country skiing, with proud parents watching (no participation required!). For pure fun, there’s a family-friendly snow tubing slope with rental tubes available at the Badger Pass Nordic Center.
Non skiing activities abound: embark on guided snowshoeing adventures along snowshoe trails suitable for various skill levels through the Badger Pass wilderness or the snow-covered Glacier Point Road, offered by the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service.
You’ll find plenty of trails to explore. For the truly adventurous, the stark granite cliffs might even beckon for ice climbing under the right conditions (check with local guides for a guided tour).
And don’t miss a chance to stroll through Yosemite’s giant sequoias; a blanket of snow around these ruddy giants in Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Grove transforms the mountain landscape into a true winter escape, offering incredible views. There’s plenty of ice and snow to enjoy.
Getting there: Yosemite Valley is around a six-hour drive from Downtown Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can hop on a one-hour, nonstop United Airlines flight from LAX to Fresno and rent a car for a quick 1.5-hour drive.
Lake Tahoe
Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers an array of winter activities for non-skiers against a backdrop of stunning panoramic views during the winter.
The jewel-toned lake, ringed by snow-capped mountains, provides a spectacular setting for your winter getaway. Enjoy ice skating at rinks like those in Heavenly Village or a local resort, often with music and a lively atmosphere.
Explore miles of snowshoe trails or go cross country skiing, with many trails offering incredible views of the lake. For a truly memorable experience, take a scenic gondola ride (like the one at Heavenly) for unparalleled panoramic views of the azure water and surrounding snow-covered peaks.
Lake Tahoe also offers classic winter adventures such as sleigh rides, snowmobile tours through forested paths, and thrilling dog sledding excursions.
The various towns and villages around the lake feature cozy lodges, unique shops, and dining options, making it easy to find plenty of ways to enjoy the winter scenery and vibrant atmosphere without ever strapping on a pair of skis. Many resorts cater specifically to those looking for diverse winter snow holidays.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Arizona for a snowy getaway? Absolutely, when you’re talking about Flagstaff!
This charming historic town, sitting at a lofty 7,000 feet, gets an impressive average of around 100 inches of snow each winter.
Close to town, Flagstaff Snow Park offers fun for all ages with tube rentals and dedicated snow tubing runs. For those who prefer gliding on ice, the Jay Lively Activity Center features an indoor ice-skating rink with public hours and skate rentals.
Just 20 minutes north, the Arizona Nordic Village provides cozy overnight stays in yurts or cabins and boasts 35 miles of forest trails perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
While the nearby Arizona Snowbowl is a premier ski resort known for downhill skiing and snowboarding slopes, it also offers a novel way to descend the mountain for non skiers: the Sno-Go, a bike-like device, offering an exhilarating ride down after a chairlift journey up.
Some resorts in snowy areas are even adding attractions like an alpine coaster for year-round fun, something to look out for in larger winter destinations.
Getting there: Flagstaff is a seven-hour drive from the Southland via Interstates 15 and 40. American Airlines offers 90-minute nonstop flights from LAX to Flagstaff.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, a historic town in northern New Mexico, often sees snow any time between Thanksgiving and Easter, celebrating its white winter with vibrant in-town festivals and out-of-town recreation in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Its rich history, stretching back over 400 years, comes alive during events like the Las Posadas Festival. Imagine streets near Main Street (or Taos Plaza) adorned with farolitos, where you can browse unique shops. Explore art galleries like the Harwood Museum of Art, enjoy craft fairs often with live music, and witness unique Taos Pueblo events.
A 30-minute ride into the snowy mountains takes you to Taos Ski Valley. Though renowned for its downhill skiing, this ski resort also caters to those seeking other activities and non skiing activities. There’s an ice rink for ice skating for all ages, ice bocce ball, and even skating silent discos on Saturday nights.
For adventure, consider guided tour options like snowmobile tours into the Carson National Forest wilderness, or perhaps a cozy horse drawn sleigh to take in the winter scenery and breathtaking views of the winter landscape.
Getting there: Taos is a marathon 14-hour drive from the Southland (although you could break up the journey with a stop in Flagstaff). Delta and Alaska offer two-hour, nonstop flights from LAX to Albuquerque, then it’s a 2.5-hour drive to Taos.
Utah
The highlands of Southwest Utah, with mountains soaring to 10,000 feet, are a haven for snow lovers, averaging over 360 inches each winter, especially in January and February.
Brian Head is a top ski resort, celebrated for its excellent powder that’s often compared to conditions in renowned places like Park City, Utah. While Park City also offers many attractions for non-skiers—including an alpine coaster at its Olympic Park, charming shops along its historic Main Street, and fantastic trails—Southwest Utah itself provides abundant alternative winter activities suitable for all skill levels.
Non skiers of any age can enjoy snow tubing down the slopes at Giant Steps or partake in creative and fun events like snowy tug-of-war. Bryce Canyon National Park transforms into a winter wonderland, arguably more spectacular in winter with its red-rock hoodoos draped in fresh snow.
Rangers lead daytime and full-moon snowshoeing hikes on various trails. Trails are also open for winter hiking within the canyon and cross-country skiing along the rim offering panoramic views.
Just outside the park entrance, Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure Center rents snowshoes and cross-country skis for exploring more than 20 miles of snow-covered trails in and around Bryce Canyon.
Ruby’s also features the Bryce Canyon Ice Ribbon for ice skating and organizes the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, offering a plethora of winter activities.
Getting there: Brian Head and Bryce Canyon are around an eight-hour drive from the Southland via Las Vegas. The closest airport is in St. George, Utah, with nonstop service from LAX on United Airlines.
Park City, Utah
Park City, globally renowned for its world class skiing and as a host for the 2002 Winter Olympics at its impressive Olympic Park, is also a premier winter getaway for non skiers.
Beyond the famed ski slopes of its major ski resort areas, this historic town offers a wealth of winter activities. Stroll down Historic Main Street, lined with upscale shops, diverse art galleries, and a vibrant culinary scene often accompanied by live music.
The Utah Olympic Park itself offers year-round thrills, including an alpine coaster, museum tours, and sometimes even the chance to experience a bobsled ride.
For those looking to explore the fresh snow in other ways, Park City provides ample opportunities for snowshoeing on picturesque trails, ice skating at local rinks, magical sleigh rides, exhilarating dog sledding tours, and adventurous snowmobile tours through the surrounding mountains.
With incredible views at every turn and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, Park City Utah ensures that non skiing activities are just as exciting as a day on the slopes.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, epitomizes the rugged beauty of an American winter getaway, with the dramatic Teton Range offering one of the most breathtaking views imaginable.
While its ski resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is legendary among skiers, the area provides a wealth of winter activities for non skiers looking to immerse themselves in a spectacular winter landscape.
A must-do is a horse drawn sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge, offering the unique chance to see thousands of wintering elk up close. Nearby Snow King Mountain, right in the town of Jackson, offers its own set of fun including snow tubing, an alpine coaster, and ice skating, alongside its own ski slopes.
The charming historic town of Jackson is filled with distinctive Western-style shops, renowned art galleries showcasing local and national talent, and a lively dining scene sometimes featuring live music.
For more adventure, explore the pristine wilderness on snowshoe trails or by cross country skiing in Grand Teton National Park, or take a guided tour via snowmobile tours to destinations like Granite Hot Springs or even into parts of nearby Yellowstone National Park.
Dog sledding through the vast expanses of snow is another unforgettable way to experience the magic of a Jackson Hole winter. It’s a place where you can find plenty of other activities beyond the slopes to make your winter snow holidays truly special.
Non-skiers of any age can tube down the slope at Giant Steps or get creative, creating a crazy costume for events like the snowy tug-of-war competition or helping the kids build out a racer for their cardboard box bobsled derby.
Bryce Canyon National Park is more spectacular in the winter — the towering red-rock hoodoos mantled in show — than any other season. Rangers lead daytime and full-moon snowshoe hikes. Trails are open for winter hiking inside the canyon and cross-country skiing along the rim.
Just outside the park entrance, Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure Center rents snowshoes and crosscountry skis for exploring more than 20 miles of snow-covered trails in and around Bryce Canyon. Ruby’s also offers the Bryce Canyon Ice Ribbon for skating and organizes the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival in February.
Getting there: Brian Head and Bryce Canyon are around an eight-hour drive from the Southland via Las Vegas. The closest airport is in St. George, Utah, with nonstop service from LAX on United Airlines.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone, the world’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique winter experience. While largely closed to regular vehicles, you can still witness Old Faithful do its steamy thing on a cold day and photograph the park’s famous bison and wolves against a backdrop of pristine snow – all with fewer crowds.
You might even find opportunities for dog sledding or traditional sleigh rides in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Experienced cross-country skiers or those keen on snowshoeing on its numerous trails can embark on self-guided treks (with a permit and winter survival skills).
For an immersive stay, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge are open mid-December to early March, with Mammoth accessible by car and Old Faithful via snowcoach, ensuring your visit to this winter wonderland is unforgettable.
Getting there: Yellowstone National Park is a 16-hour drive from the Los Angeles area (but you can break up the journey with a stop in Southwest Utah). Multiple airlines offer a three-hour, nonstop flight from LAX to Bozeman, Montana, while Delta offers a one-stop service to nearby Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
British Columbia, Canada
Discover British Columbia, a vast winter wonderland perfect for non-skiers, boasting incredible views and diverse winter activities well beyond Whistler Blackcomb’s famous slopes.
Whistler offers a lively village and scenic gondola rides, while coastal Vancouver enchants with festive lights, city ice skating, and nearby mountain snowshoeing with stunning vistas.
Elsewhere in BC, find magical experiences: soak in snowy hot springs, explore trails to frozen waterfalls, try ice climbing or dog sledding, or enjoy serene sleigh rides. This diverse province promises unforgettable winter snow holidays filled with adventure.
Lake Iseo, Italy: A Tranquil Winter Escape
For a different kind of winter getaway, consider Italy’s Lake Iseo. While not a traditional deep-snow destination itself, its winter charm lies in the tranquility and stunning winter scenery, often with fresh snow capping the surrounding mountains, creating incredible views that reflect in the serene waters.
Visit the picturesque historic towns lining its shores, exploring their quiet Main Street areas, local shops, and enjoying the crisp air. A ferry ride to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest inhabited lake island, offers peaceful walks along its trails and a unique perspective.
Finland: Arctic Wonders and Northern Lights
Finland transforms into a true winter wonderland, offering a plethora of magical winter activities far beyond just ski slopes, especially in its northern Lapland region.
Imagine the thrill of a dog sledding adventure through pristine, snow-covered forests or a gentle reindeer sleigh ride, a traditional Sami experience. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (accessible to various skill levels) are fantastic ways to explore the silent, expansive trails within its beautiful national parks, offering panoramic views of the arctic winter landscape.
One of the most sought-after experiences is witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) dance across the night sky – an unforgettable spectacle. For a unique stay, consider an ice hotel or glass igloo.
A Snowy Escape
As you can see, a truly memorable winter getaway doesn’t require strapping on a pair of skis. The world of snowy getaways without skiing is rich with diverse winter activities and stunning winter destinations perfect for non skiers, families, and anyone looking to experience the magic of winter.
Whether you crave the exhilaration of snow tubing or snowmobiling, the charm of horse drawn sleigh rides, the peace of snowshoeing through silent national parks, or exploring bustling historic towns and vibrant ski resort villages offering plenty of other activities, there’s an adventure to be found.
So pack your warmest layers, embrace the fresh snow and breathtaking views of the winter landscape, and discover the abundant fun and incredible views that await beyond the traditional ski slopes. Your perfect winter snow holiday in a marsh mellow wonderland is just a trip away!
