5 top alpine destinations to enjoy the après without the ski

Not a fan of sliding down snowy slopes? That doesn’t mean you have to miss all the wintry fun.

There’s nothing like the Alps in the winter if you love a bit of snow. But if the prospect of strapping a couple of bits of wood to your feet and sliding down a hill doesn’t appeal, don’t worry, you don’t have to miss out on all the fun.

All over the Alps, resorts are recognising the demand for non-skier amenities and have really stepped up their game in terms of appeal. If you’d like to experience a snowy mountain holiday without exertion, here are five of the best places for non-skiers during winter.

Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria: Reach for the stars

Southwest of Salzburg in the Austrian Alps, Zell am See-Kaprun sits at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in the High Tauern mountains. The little lake resort maintains a small cobbled town vibe, complete with the majestic 12th-century Kaprun Castle towering over the village.

Once reserved for only the most intrepid alpinists, the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn is now well within reach of even the most snow-shy traveller.

Opened in 2019, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Cable Car is Salzburg’s first tricable gondola lift, transporting up to 10 passengers at a time from Kaprun to the summit of the mountain. At the top, Gipfelwelt 3000 offers two panoramic platforms for unrivalled views of the Hohe Tauern National Park and Austria’s highest mountains.

North of the village, the Tauern Spa Hotel & Therme is a great choice for non-skiers, with 20,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor spa areas, including a dozen pools and 13 different saunas and steam baths.

Every room has a balcony overlooking the mountains, and with six different restaurants on site, visitors won’t get bored with the food.

The local area has a wealth of activities, from casinos to national parks. Nearby, visitors can take a break from the snow at one of the many museums and exhibitions, including the Museum Vogtturm, which is hosting a special Porsche Design exhibition until April 2025.

Val d’Isère, France: Lively fun for non-skiers

Val d’Isere is one of the best-known resorts in the Alps, legendary for its après-ski parties and lively atmosphere.

Non-skiers who love to party will find plenty to do after dark here, but don’t limit yourself to the iconic La Folie Douce: its sister restaurant, La Fruitiere, has an equally lively terrace and a fabulous selection of French wine and cheese.

In the heart of the resort, the Centre Aquasportif hosts a variety of activities to keep non-skiers entertained. It’s split into four ‘worlds’ – Beach World, with a leisure pool and lazy river; Spa World, with saunas, steam baths, and jacuzzis; Wellbeing World for massages and beauty treatments; and Sports World, with gym, climbing wall and sports courts.

The resort is awash with amazing accommodation, from major chain brands to elegant independents. It’s important to remember Val is made up of three villages: Val d’Isère, La Daille, and Le Fornet.

The main village of Val d’Isère is the heart of the nightlight, shopping, and leisure, but if you’re looking for something more relaxing, the rustic hamlet of Le Fornet at the top of the valley is a great option, thanks to its chic chalets and fine dining.

La Punt-Chamues-ch, Switzerland: Tuck into Michelin-starred food

This small municipality in the Maloja region of Graubünden is something of a hidden gem. Off the beaten track from some of the bigger resorts, it’s an ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy a truly Alpine lifestyle.

Located at the entrance to the mysterious Chamois valley, the Val Chamuera, the town is made up of stately patrician homes from the 16th and 17th centuries and lavishly adorned farmhouses. The surrounding valley can be explored by snowshoe, where visitors can take in frozen lakes, expansive forests, and panoramic viewpoints.

Snuggled next to the Chamuera River, the Krone Säumerei am Inn has been a mainstay of the discerning Alpine visitor since 1565. Now run by Michelin-starred chef James Baron, the hotel combines the cosy comfort of Swiss mountain lodging with exemplary gastronomy, featuring dishes like perigord truffle, veal and beef tartare.

In the evening, guests can enjoy Baron’s signature menu in 4, 6 or 8 courses with a matching wine list.

There are plenty of opportunities for days away from the snow, too. Culture vultures will love the newly reopened Hauser & Wirth gallery, which features exhibitions by acclaimed artists such as Thornton Dial and Annie Leibovitz. For a more lively day out, the energetic resort of St Moritz is just a short bus ride away.

Appenzell, Switzerland: Step back in time

Appenzell is the place where time stood still. Steeped in history, you’ll find plenty of ‘very Swiss’ things here, from yodelling to seasonal cattle processions and traditional dance.

Wedged in between the Alpstein massif and Lake Constance, it’s a great base for exploring alpine scenery and immersing yourself in local culture.

The town itself sits on the meandering river Sitter and is peppered with colourful wooden gabled buildings. Local gift shops sell handmade wood carvings and traditional folk costume accessories, perfect for unique souvenirs. The food in the town is legendary, too.

Be sure to check out the Biberfladen – a kind of gingerbread, Nidelzeltli caramel tablets and Appenzeller cheese.

The Alpstein massif towers over the town, topped out by Santis at 2,501m. Cable cars run up to Santis from the town centre, as well as Kronberg and Hoher Kasten, making it easy to explore the jaw-dropping Alpine scenery as a pedestrian. The area has the densest network of hiking trails in all of Switzerland: head out on a guided snowshoeing expedition for your micro-adventure.

Aosta Valley, Italy: Experience high altitude history

The Italian Alps are often overlooked for skiing, which is why the stunning Aosta Valley is an ideal spot for non-skiers to enjoy the mountain air.

Bordered by France and Switzerland, the valley is easily reachable from Turin, Milan and Geneva, and is absolutely bathed in history and stunning scenery.

Its rich backstory tells a tale of high-altitude life through the ages, from Roman ruins to beautiful churches and the fascinating archaeological sites of Aosta Town. Within the town, visitors can discover medieval monuments, prestigious buildings, and informative exhibitions, as well as the typical great food and shopping of a buzzing Italian town.

A cable car connects Aosta to the summit of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), with gondolas that rotate through 360 degrees for unparalleled views of the valley. At the top, a circular scenic terrace affords views of the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.

But why just look at the view when you can dine in it, too? At Pila, two huge snowmobiles, each carrying up to 20 people, convey diners to the wonderfully rustic La Baoutson restaurant. There, diners can enjoy traditional Aosta Valley cuisine in front of the fire, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

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