New study reveals the best European ski resorts for non-skiers

Ski season is officially upon us, which means it is time for non-skiers to watch Instagram stories of snowy chalets and posts of our friends whizzing down the slopes, all while they sit on the sofa awaiting their arrival home – right? Wrong! 2023 is the year when non-skiers hit the snow zone! 

Club Med has created an index based on the best ski resorts in Europe for non-skiers so that everyone can get the most out of their ski holidays. The research analysed a number of different activities for non-skiers, including hiking trails, local events and tours so that skiing holidays can be for everyone!

The top 10 ski resorts in Europe for non-skiers

Chamonix in France is the best ski resort in Europe for non-skiers

Chamonix in France came out on top with an overall score of 67 out of 100. In particular, non-skiers can enjoy over 90 local events to keep entertained, or if you’re in search of an adventure, there are 13 extreme tours/activities to choose from, from snowmobiling to paragliding in the snow! Also in Chamonix, if adventure isn’t your thing you can unwind in the 19 spas available.

Livigno is the second-best ski resort in Europe for non-skiers, with the most hiking trails

Taking the second spot for the best ski resorts for non-skiers is Livigno in Italy, scoring 44 out of 100. Livigno has the highest number of hiking trails on the European index (22), making this the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the picturesque views of the mountains. If shopping is more your thing, you’ll also find 8 shopping centres in Livigno, with endless shops waiting for you to sift through!

Zermatt rounds of the top three ski resorts in Europe for non-skiers

Zermatt in Switzerland scored 42 out of 100, rounding off the best ski resorts for non-skiers in Europe. Zermatt has an impressive total of 147 things to do, such as places to explore and activities, as well as 18 events on offer, including nightlife experiences and air tours, so it is safe to say that Zermatt has plenty to ensure you make the most of your stay.

Morzine in France scored 35 out of 100 and Pinzolo in Italy scored 34 out of 100, rounding off the top five.

The best activities for non-skiers

Snow tubing

If you fancy something fun while on your ski holiday, snow tubing is a perfect choice to have fun in the snow. To go snow tubing, all you need is an air-filled inner tube to sit in while you slide down a snowy hill – the higher up you are the faster you go!

Spa

Spa facilities at a ski resort are great for unwinding after a tiring day of activities, but it also is great to take full advantage of the facilities at your disposal and make a day of it! Stay in and away from the freezing outdoor temperatures and get toasty in the sauna, or treat yourself to a treatment and leave feeling balanced and nourished.

Hikes

Do you love getting your steps in and seeing beautiful scenery? Then don’t skip out on hiking on your ski holiday. Hiking is one of the best forms of exercising there is, combined with the tranquillity and beauty of nature surrounding you on a ski holiday, it truly makes for an unmatched experience.

Snowmobile

If you’re in search of an adrenaline-pumping activity then snowmobiling on your ski holiday is the way to go! Getting out into the snow, gliding over the surface surrounded by snowy landscapes and unique wildlife, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Ice skating

If you’re travelling with children, ice skating is a great family-friendly activity to get everyone out together. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert on the ice you’ll enjoy gliding around the many indoor and outdoor ice rinks available!

Wildlife tours

If you want to learn more about the heritage of your holiday destination, a wildlife tour is a wholesome way to get to know the local wildlife in their natural winter habitat and hear all about their survival adaptations.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great ski holiday exercise and makes the perfect alternative to the more traditional skiing or snowboarding, not to mention it is far easier to get the hang of. Snowshoeing is essentially an adaptation of hiking, where you walk over snow with the assistance of snowshoes!

Ziplines

If you’re after a thrilling activity (and aren’t afraid of heights), why not try ziplining? Soar over the breathtaking scenery with an unobstructed view while the refreshingly chilly breeze blows past you!

Nightlife

Partying and skiing go hand in hand, what is a ski trip without apres-ski after all? Let your hair down on your getaway by enjoying the booming music and alcoholic beverage the bars have to offer!

Shopping

The perfect time to treat yourself is when on holiday, especially when you have hundreds of stores with unique designs at your disposal that your local stores at home may not stock! If you’re looking for a chilled-out daytime activity, shopping is a great opportunity to treat yourself and catch up with friends and family who join you.

The Best European Deals

St Moritz

• Why not treat yourself to a holiday to St Moritz? Nestled at the foot of the Swiss Alps, the Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil is situated in the Engadine Valley, the perfect location to experience all that the glamorous St Moritz resort has to offer. Not only has St Moritz hosted both the Winter Olympics and Ski World Championships multiple times, it’s also the host of plenty of non-ski related activities – and let’s face it, what can beat a cosy dinner of Swiss fondue? Find your perfect holiday today from £1,331.

L’Alpe d’Huez

• From £1,936, travellers can explore the wide variety of the Savoie ski area and the incredible ski and non-ski activities it has to offer. With breathtaking views, stunning apres ski, and the opportunity to relax at the blissful PAYOT spa – a Club Med holiday to L’Alpe d’Huez has it all!