Whether you’re a skier who needs a resort with a great après ski scene or a non-skier who wants to do everything but ski, we’ve found the top ski resorts in the world that offer the best of both worlds: good skiing coupled with plenty of non-skiing options.
Aspen, Colorado: The celebrities’ playground
Probably the most glam ski resort in North America, Aspen attracts celebrities and jet-setters from all over the world to its slopes and fabulous après ski scene. The resort is especially popular with non-skiers who are looking for all the frills and creature comforts to keep them busy all day - and night.
During the day Aspen’s 200 shops and galleries provide plenty of shopping therapy while its outstanding spas offer endless pampering for weary limbs (after all the shopping, of course). At night Aspen comes alive with lively bars and classy nightclubs.
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Courchevel, France: The foodie’s choice
Gourmand non-skiers will have plenty to keep them busy in Courchevel while their loved ones are out hitting the slopes. The restaurants in this resort are all top-notch and Michelin-starred Le Chabichou is no exception. Here chef extraordinaire Michel Rochedy shows off his culinary magic and offers “Au Sommet” cooking classes.
For some serious pampering there are world-class spas dotted around town that offer luxurious treatments, plunge pools and steam baths. And there’s no shortage of shopping in Courchevel either, the town has more than 150 designer boutiques and art galleries lining its streets.
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Bad Gastein, Austria: The spa resort
Often overshadowed by the bigger Austrian ski resorts, Bad Gastein has something that others lack – its natural springs. Each day around 23 million litres of hot water bubble up from these springs and into the resort’s hotels. A popular indulgence for non-skiers is a trip to the Felsenbad thermal centre which has indoor and outdoor thermal pools and spa services.
For those who have always wanted a taste of the James Bond lifestyle a visit to Bad Gastein’s famous casino and grand hotels is a must.
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Whistler, BC: The perfect all-rounder
The Canadian resort of Whistler attracts everyone from professional skiers and novice snowboarders to non-skiing party animals and it’s easy to see why. The pedestrianised village has everything to keep non-skiers entertained.
Dog-sledding with the Alaskan Huskies is a popular past-time here as is zip-trekking through the icy trees of the forest. Romantics visiting Whistler can book a horse-drawn sleigh ride or take a snowmobile up to a mountain hut and enjoy a candlelit fondue dinner.
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St Moritz, Switzerland: The creme de la creme
The glitzy resort of St Moritz in Switzerland’s southern alps is ideal for those who want to do everything but ski. Of course, the skiing is superb but so are all the other wintry retreats that beckon the reluctant skier or non-skier. The lake that freezes over plays host to many activities in winter including ice hockey, ice cricket, golf and polo. For those who would rather not indulge in any kind of physical, St Moritz has some of the best shopping in Europe.
Search and compare: cheap flights to St Moritz.
For more useful advice and information on ski holidays, visit our Ski -Travel Tips and Guides.
Seema Salaam
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated April 2009
