How to do a ski trip if you don’t ski: Hot tubs, spas and sleigh rides

John Steed, the founder of Ski Trip Advisors, shares his advice in the Washington Post.

The slopes aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored inside

December 16, 2022

Advice by Hannah Sampson

Link to full article here

Some people thrive on hurtling down a snowy mountain with a couple of long blades strapped to their feet.

Others prefer a less gravity-fueled winter vacation experience — or one that involves proximity to a fireplace. At Ski Trip Advisors, a ski vacation concierge service, clients ask about non-ski activities about 30 percent of the time, said managing partner John Steed.

“We work with a lot of families, and typically there will be some folks who are very enthusiastic and want to ski every single day,” he said. “Oftentimes, there’s a mix where certain people in the party want to ski one or two days but also want to experience additional activities.”

For groups with a mixed interest in skiing or snowboarding, it’s important to be strategic about picking a spot.

“There are certain destinations that are better for that,” he said, highlighting Innsbruck, Austria; Whistler, British Columbia; Aspen, Colo.; Park City, Utah; and Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, as good choices. Higher mountain destinations that are more isolated might not be the best choice if someone in the group doesn’t want to ski, he said.

For the ski wallflowers out there, don’t worry the next time you get talked into a vacation on the slopes. We promise there’s no need to be bored.

Chase other snowy thrills

Still feel the need for speed? You don’t have to pursue an adrenaline rush on skis or a board.

Some resorts offer a zip line or alpine coaster, giving a real wind-in-your-face feeling without the need to concentrate on staying upright. Snow tubing and dog sledding can also be exhilarating. Steed says snowmobiling is one of the most popular requests from his clients.

“Most resorts and resort towns have learned to really embrace the non-skiers over the years,” he said, “so they’ve learned to offer on-mountain activities for those folks.”