The best ski resorts for non-skiers

If you’re on a ski holiday in Andorra and aren’t fancying the award-winning pistes, you'll find plenty to keep you on the snow, but off the skis or board. Explore the Grandvalira mountains around El Tarter from a different perspective by strapping a couple of 'raquetes' or snowshoes to your feet. Or sit back and let a team of huskies do the hard work on a dog sled ride.

The country's capital, Andorra La Vella, is one of Europe’s premier shopping destinations. With a wide selection of luxury shops paired with Andorra’s super-low tax status, this country is a shopaholic’s dream. It only takes around 20-30 minutes by a regular bus service from any Andorran ski resort too. 

Andorra La Vella also boasts one of the biggest spas in Europe with multiple floors of thermal pools and jacuzzis in an impressive glass building designed to mirror the look of the mountains. Open until 10pm and later on some days, there’s plenty of hours in the day to wind down and pamper yourself.

The food scene in Andorra is a delicious mix of Spanish-style tapas and more traditional French cuisine. Our three resorts, Arinsal, Soldeu & El Tarter, and Pas de la Casa are all within convenient proximity to local restaurants and bars, so you can join your group for après well into the night!

If you’re a foodie, Austria is the ideal ski destination for you. The Austrian cuisine is wholesome and hearty, including a variety of delicious cakes and sweets. The scenery in Austria is equally as impressive, so when you need to walk off all of the sumptuous treats, you’ll enjoy the views even more so.

Mayrhofen is one of the best resorts for Austrian nightlife, with a spectacular range of bars and nightclubs, plus music festival events put on throughout the season. Saalbach & Hinterglemm are quieter but still offer a range of traditional bars and cafés along its pedestrianised centre. Zell am See is a beautiful, medieval town set on the shores of Lake Zell that’s perfect for a stroll through its quaint lanes and streets. Katschberg is a good choice for those looking for a quieter and more relaxed scene with and added touch of magic with wonderful horse-drawn sleigh rides.

It's also quite easy to hop on a bus and head to the wonderful city of Salzburg for some sight-seeing and excellent shopping.

French skiing is renowned for being particularly picturesque, but there’s plenty on offer off the mountain, too.

If you’re heading to Alpe d’Huez, don’t forget to pack your swimwear as this resort boasts a heated open-air pool. There's also a superb toboggan run for an adrenaline rush on snow.

Neighbouring Les Deux Alpes offers excellent shopping, nightlife, a cinema and ice rink. You can't miss taking a trip to the glacier to visit the ice grotto with its impressive carvings.

Tignes and La Plagne are great choices for non-skiers where you’ll find a zip line, gondola rides, climbing and even ice diving, whilst Val d’Isère is the best choice of French ski resort for those who love to shop. Its has an outstanding selection of boutiques and outlets plus an enormous aquatic centre which includes a spa with some serious wow-factor.

Fans of après-ski may favour an Italian holiday, as the evenings here are as lively if not more so, than during the day. Italian resorts also tend to offer superior shopping options, plus delicious food and drink and spectacular scenery.

Val di Fassa in the Dolomites offers picture-perfect scenery and plenty of options for rest and relaxation. The shopping and nightlife is also exceptional and varied, whether you want something low-key or party-centric. Those looking for a more chilled out experience may favour Arraba, which has a laid-back vibe and tons of great, relaxing cafés and plenty of winter walking paths.