5 European Ski Alternatives Promising Just as Much Fun

Not a fan of skiing? Or perhaps you want a winter vacation that includes other activities beyond skiing? If your winter travels take you to Europe, you’ll find there’s more to cold weather and snow than hitting the slopes. In fact, there’s a whole world of experiences that might pique your interest even more.

Go Snowshoeing in Austria

Stay in a cozy mountain home and enjoy the Alps in your backyard. MoaAlm, your retreat, sits 1,800 meters above sea level, serving as the perfect home base for snowshoeing through the snow-laden forests and across the high Alpine ridges. On this seven-day trip, you can also practice yoga with mountain views, go on guided winter walks and more.

Practice Winter Photography in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

Across eight days, you can travel with photography experts to capture the natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands in winter. Receive tuition on how to shoot winter landscapes in low light, how to capture the Northern Lights and how to snapshot the spectacular fjord scenery. Accommodations include a cabin overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

Try a Husky Safari in Finland

Ever wanted to glide across the Arctic landscape with your own team of huskies? You can do just that on this eight-day journey in the Finnish wilderness. Begin at Arctic Sled Dog Centre and Harriniva Wilderness Hotel, where you’ll also learn how to best act and react with your dogs. Depending on your group’s abilities, you’ll cover daily distances between 15 and 25 miles.

Take the Family to Slovakia

Have a large group in tow? Consider High Tatras, Slovakia, a destination filled with winter activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding, as well as guided instruction for younger travelers. Across eight days, you’ll stay in a mountain hut by a frozen lake and enjoy thermal pools, sleigh rides and delicious food over an open fire.

Spot the Northern Lights in Finland

Stay in glass-roofed cabins on this four-day trip and spot the Northern Lights. You’ll be based in a peaceful village, and also have the chance to witness traditional reindeer herding at a Sami farm, roam the fells aboard a snowmobile and ridge a sledge behind huskies.