Contributor: Lisa Medeiros
Conquering black diamonds isn’t the only way to experience the mountain’s scenic beauty. If you’re planning an alpine adventure but skiing isn’t your thing, there’re plenty of other wintertime resort activities. From exhilarating snowmobiling excursions to tranquil horse-drawn sleigh rides, there’s something for everyone. Check out our list of the seven best ski resort activities for non-skiers. And since driving to the slopes on wintery roads can be its own outdoor adventure, get there safely by learning everything you need to know for your winter road trip, and you’ll be fully prepared to embark on a fun-filled snowy escape.
Fat Biking
Fat biking has transformed cycling into a year-round activity. Equipped with extra-wide tires, fat bikes will glide you along the snowy terrain without the risk of sinking. Most larger resorts provide fat bike rentals and miles of designated trails. At Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, visitors can ride out on fat bikes and relish in epic views of the snow-covered Grand Teton Mountain Range while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Dog Sledding
If you’ve ever dreamed of mushing a Husky sled team through a winter wonderland, then a dog sledding excursion is just the thing. You’ll learn how to manage Siberian Huskies and drive the sled like an Iditarod champ. Many resorts offer dog sledding adventures, including Breckenridge’s Good Times Adventure’s six-mile trek through the Swan River Valley.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Snuggle under a blanket while a team of Belgian horses guides your sleigh on an epic winter journey. Step back in time by booking a scenic mountainside sleigh ride at your resort, and there may even be some unique add-ons like at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort. Visitors to Park City can enjoy a 20-minute sleigh ride to the mountaintop lodge where live music and a gourmet Western-styled meal awaits them.
Snowmobiling
Whether you’re an experienced snowmobiler or new to the sport, book a guided mountain snowmobiling tour for a thrilling outdoor adventure. Kids can ride as passengers, turning this exhilarating ride up the mountain into a family affair. Stratton Mountain is a premier snowmobiling destination where visitors can book a 1-hour guided mountain tour with Stratton’s After Hours Snowmobiling excursion.
Tubing
There are no skills or special equipment necessary when hitting the snow tubing lanes. With a fun-filled inner tube ride down the hill and a relaxing magic carpet ride back up, tubing is a fun-filled resort activity for the whole family.
Mountaintop Tubing Hill at Colorado’s Keystone Ski Resort is touted as the world’s highest snow tubing hill. At 11,640 feet above sea level, visitors have the added bonus of a scenic gondola ride to its mountaintop tubing location. Tubers will have their choice of 6 tubing lanes varying in length from 400 to 600 feet.
Snowshoeing
Once a practical means of winter transportation, today, snowshoeing is an enjoyable wintertime activity. Snowshoe’s unique design helps distribute weight, so your feet stay on top of the snow without sinking. Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier snowshoeing destination. Explore the Green Mountain State Forest Network with 100 miles of accessible trails. Snowshoers can hike the slopes or trek into town via the Stowe Recreation Path.
Snow Biking
Snow Biking (or Ski Biking), a longtime European winter sport, has recently made its way to the US. A Snow Bike is a traditional bicycle frame fitted with skis instead of wheels. It’s considered a good alternative to skiing as it’s easier on the joints – not to mention just a fun, unique new way to experience the mountain. Snow Biking first appeared in the US at west coast ski resorts, like Steamboat Ski Resort but quickly gained popularity at resorts across the country.
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This is awesome! I’m not a big skier but would love to hit the slopes with friends. Thank you for the great ideas. Fat tire biking? Who knew? Love it!