Snow activities for non-skiers in Jackson Hole, Sweden, Austria, Japan & Switzerland
Want to get active in the snow, but can’t ski or snowboard? Never fear – there are plenty of activities out there that allow you to get in amongst the white stuff without having to strap wood to your feet.
Snowmobiling
Who for? Petrol heads
Where: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA.
Driving in the snow is about as enjoyable as being locked out of the house during a blizzard, wearing only your underpants, but there is a fun alternative for those who enjoy revving their engines. Snowmobiles are those ultra-cool vehicles that mountain rescuers use to bomb around the mountains at breakneck speeds, and it’s possible for visitors to get behind the controls at Jackson Hole.
Options: A range of full day tours are available, and some of them involve getting off the trails to take on the fresh powder or swimming in thermal springs.
Husky sledding
Who for? Budding Sir Ranulph Feinnes’
Where: Axehandle Mountain, Northern Sweden
There are few better ways to feel like a proper polar explorer than having a sledge pulled along by a willing team of six Siberian huskies. Based in cosy cabins and heading out on trails of up to 150km, the Axehandle mountain operation also concentrates on winter survival skills.
Options: Facilities are in place for experienced mushers to take their own dogs out, but total beginners as young a seven-years-old are promised full tuition.
Snow riding
Who for: Animal-lovers
Where: The Tirol, Austria
There can be few things more elegant and noble than emerging through the snows on horseback. As well as feeling like the heroic star of every fantasy film ever made, the bond between man and beast somehow becomes a lot stronger in adverse conditions. A four or seven day trip with The Riding Company allows a ski break to be combined with riding some top draw gee-gees.
Options: The Riding Company also arranges winter riding breaks in Bulgaria and the Italian Dolomites.
Snowball fighting
Who for? Big kids.
Where: Sobetsu, Japan
Trust the Japanese to take a bit of harmless playground fun and turn it into a bizarre sport. With a set of rules, uniforms for the contestants and prize ceremonies, the Showa-Shinzan International Yukigassen is snowball fighting taken to a whole new level. It is possible to get a team together for February’s big showdown, but watching is just as much fun.
Options: If Japan is a bit far away, then the European Championships are held in Kemijärvi, Finland in April.
Snowshoeing
Who for? Traditionalists
Where: Kerenzerberg, in Switzerland.
No, no, it’s not about strapping tennis rackets to your feet, although the premise is similar. By spreading the weight over a wider surface area, it makes it easier to walk on thick snow. Those living in wintery areas have improvised such footwear for years, but now there are professionally made snowshoes that can be bought or rented out in Alpine resorts.
Options: In Kerenzerberg, a moonlight snowshoe trekking tour is on offer, and includes lifts up the mountain and aperitifs for those taking on the walk.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
