Best ski resorts in Europe for non-skiers
St Moritz, Switzerland
St Moritz is not just a ski resort but a luxurious lifestyle destination, offering an array of activities for non-skiers. Visitors can indulge in exquisite hotels, luxury shopping, splendid spas, and gourmet dining restaurants, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Engadin valley's sunny, sparkling days. Non-skiing activities include scenic walks, carriage rides, and unique events on the frozen lake, such as horse racing, polo, and ice cricket. For culture lovers, St Moritz offers art galleries, museums like the Segantini Museum, and a packed social calendar of concerts and exhibitions. The resort also boasts a lively après-ski scene, perfect for those seeking glamorous nightlife.
Fun Fact: The vast St Moritz Lake - roughly, 10 hectares - can offer, with enough wind, a snow-kiting experience; similar to kite-surfing, except with skis and on snow.
Cortina, Italy
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a perfect melange of high fashion, fine dining, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for non-skiers. Visitors can explore the resort’s elegant shopping streets, browse numerous art galleries, or indulge in gourmet dining. A town frequented by many solely for the upscale shopping and dining experience ensures that you’ll find plenty to do off the slopes. The town’s rich history is showcased in its museums, and scenic walking trails like the Via Ferrata provide a peaceful way to take in the stunning beauty of the Dolomites.
Fun Fact: Cortina will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, 70 years after it firsted hosted the games in 1956.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix, known for its world-class off-piste skiing, is also a paradise for non-skiers. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, this historic alpine town offers a rich cultural scene alongside stunning natural beauty. Non-skiers can ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps; while there, daredevils can visit the thrilling 'Step into the Void,' a glass box suspended 3,842 metres in the crispy, mountain air. For relaxation, Chamonix boasts numerous spas and wellness centres, while its museums and exhibitions provide insight into the history and culture of alpine sports.
Fun Fact: In July 2013, Kilian Jornet broke the record for the quickest ascent and descent of Mont Blanc, returning to the Chamonix Town Centre in just 4 hours 57 minutes and 33 seconds. For context, it takes the average climber 2-3 days to ascend the rocky beast.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, famed for its breathtaking Matterhorn views, is a top mountain destination that offers so much more than skiing. Here, you can enjoy the traffic-free village with its charming streets, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. The beautiful alpine surroundings, however, are not limited to those on the slopes. Snowshoe hiking is an idyllic and tranquil way to explore the winter landscape or take a ride on the Gornergrat railway, providing scenic views of the neighbouring peaks. With exceptional luxury hotels and wellness facilities, Zermatt is a perfect retreat for non-skiers.
Fun Fact: Zermatt boasts the greatest density of gourmet restaurants in the European Alps. It’s all about the flavour.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Though best known for the iconic Hahnenkamm race, the medieval town of Kitzbühel is not just defined for its snow sporting activities. Non-skiers can enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene with lively bars and restaurants, creating a bustling social environment, or take leisurely strolls through the charming old town, lined with colourful, picturesque buildings. For a bit of adventure, tobogganing or a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the stunning Alpine scenery adds to the magical experience of this storybook destination.
Fun Fact: The first settlers in Kitzbühel were copper miners who first came to this land somewhere between 1100 and 800 BC.
Livigno, Italy
Livigno is much more than a ski-resort, known primarily for its tax-free shopping. The charming village boasts a lively pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafes, and bars perfect for strolling. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like snowmobiling, ice driving, and fat-wheel biking, while nature lovers can explore the beautiful landscapes through winter hiking or cross-country skiing. Livigno also shines in après-ski, with a staggering selection of 150 bars, making it one of Europe's best spots for afternoon fun.
Fun Fact: Livigno is, also, known as ‘Little Tibet of the alps’ for its altitude (around 1,800 metres above sea level) and for the extraordinary amount of snowfall it receives in the winters.
Morzine, France
Fun Fact: Morzine has featured several times in the Tour de France for its proximate location to the foot of the tour’s most difficult climbs Col de Joux-Plane.
Méribel, France
Méribel, nestled in the heart of the Three Valleys, is a fantastic destination for non-skiers, offering a wide range of activities. You can book a pedestrian mountain pass and take a chairlift up for a nice meal on the slopes or join the skiing members of your group at the Folie Douce for a world-renowned après-ski experience. Discover the glorious Tuéda Lake in a horse-drawn sled or rent snowmobiles for a more high-octane adventure. To take in the full view, why not try tandem paragliding? And for when you are in need of some R&R, book a treatment at one of the many luxury spas in the resort. Finally, make sure to check out Méribel’s Parc Olympique located in the centre of town where there is a swimming pool, indoor climbing wall, fully-equipped gym, bowling alley, ice-skating rink.
Fun Fact: Meribel was actually founded by a Scottish man. He was reportedly wearing just a shirt and kilt when he arrived at the 1,400 metre-high valley.
Val d’Isère, France
Albeit renowned for its word-class skiing, Val d’Isère is a magnificent location for those who can’t - or simply don’t want to - hit the slopes. You can visit the resort’s Office du Tourisme to book a guided walk around the historic chapels of neighbouring hamlets or attend talks given by local pisteurs responsible for controlled avalanches keeping skiers and the resort safe. You can, also, take a guided tour up the Fornet Valley on snowshoe to observe the stunning views of the valley and its beautiful town. There are countless fine-dining spots, both in town and on the pistes, as well as a plethora of quaint boutiques providing for a quintessential mountain–shopping experience. The town’s sports centre, Aquasportif, and outdoor ice rink are not to be missed, the same going for the weekly concerts at Maison du Val. It goes without saying that there is something for everyone.
Fun Fact: Human civilization has been discovered in the Val d’Isere region tracing back to pre-Roman times (roughly 3,000+ years ago) by Celtic tribes.
Sainte Foy, France
Sainte Foy, the hidden gem of the French Alps, offers a more tranquil ski experience but that is not to say there isn’t plenty to do outside of that. It has the usual alpine experiences on offer: snowshoe hikes, snowmobile tours, dog-sledding and paragliding to name just a few. Additionally, there are some more lucrative experiences such as igloo building, luge, ice diving and ice climbing available to all levels of experience. You can also hone in your skills as a bartender by attending The Cocktail Masterclass as well as indulge in some fine gastronomic experiences in the local restaurants. Whether you prefer activity or relaxation, there is no shortage of activities in Sainte Foy.
Fun Fact: Sainte Foy opened to the public just over 30 years ago in 1990, making it the youngest ski resort in France. Vive la Sainte Foy !
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