Best Winter Destinations for Non-Skiers

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley offers bountiful winter outdoor activities that don’t involve a chairlift.

Follow snowshoe trails offering panoramic views of the famed Bald Mountain.
Ride a horse-drawn sleigh for serene mountain views.
Spend the day at The Spa at Sun Valley, ranked #1 spa in Idaho and #39 in the entire country.
Rent a fat tire bike and pedal on the daily-groomed Wood River Trail.
Go winter fly fishing and have the rivers all to yourself.

Breckenridge, Colorado

For non-skiers, the town of Breck (as those in the know call it) offers plenty of ways to enjoy the serene winter setting.

Relive the town’s gold rush days by visiting the many history museums and preserved gold mining sites.
Take a guided walking tour through Breckenridge’s national historic district.
Go shopping down Main Street, offering about 200 stores to explore.
Mush your own team of Siberian Huskies and go dog sledding in Swan River Valley.
Take a scenic snowcat tour to a historic mining cabin.

Taos, New Mexico

From delicious New Mexican food to unique art and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos, New Mexico, has plenty to offer non-skiers.

Ice skate at the Taos Ski Valley ice rink.
Soak in a nearby hot springs, including Stagecoach Hot Springs about 13 miles away, which heats up to 100 degrees.
Visit the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community that’s both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark.
Explore the art galleries. Taos is known for its creative artists, many displaying their works in local art galleries.
Go on a hot-air balloon ride. The reliable morning wind patterns make for a calm and gentle ride.

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Park City, Utah

The slopes might be Park City’s calling card, but you don’t need to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard to have a great time.

Hop on a snowmobile and go full throttle to explore Park City’s snowy landscape.
Soak or swim inside Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring with clear blue water that’s a balmy 95 degrees.
Try out the bobsled track at the Utah Olympic Park.
Explore Park City’s Main Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Take a cozy sleigh ride to the slopeside Viking Yurt, where you'll be treated to a six-course Nordic-inspired dinner.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is more than just steep runs and technical terrain. If your idea of a snow vacation doesn't involve pushing your mind and body to the limits, start here.

Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for 360-degree valley and mountain views.
Take a sleigh ride tour of the National Elk Refuge.
Soak in a hot spring in the shadow of the Tetons at Astoria Hot Springs Park or Granite Hot Springs Pool.
Ride along with a team of Alaskan sled dogs as they pull you through the wilderness.
Ride the Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain, an alpine coaster with views of the Tetons.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland in a thousand ways and they don’t all require strapping skis or snowboarding to our feet.

Go disco night tubing with a live DJ, flashing lights, and lasers.
Take the gondola in Heavenly Village for dazzling views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Set sail on a winter scenic cruise in Lake Tahoe.
Test your luck at the casinos. There are more than 12 in the Lake Tahoe area.
Go snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe’s backcountry.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

North America’s largest ski resort offers countless ways to savor its snow-capped winter scape, ranging from chilled out to amped up.

Wander Vallea Lumina is a fantastical multimedia light show set in the forest.
Zipline over snow-covered trees and cross a network of treetop bridges.
Stroll around the lively Whistler Village, with over 200 shops and 100 restaurants.
Ride the Peak 2 Peak gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb for incredible views.
Soak in outdoor hot pools and spas—in silence—at the outdoor thermal spa, Scandinave Whistler.

Best winter destinations for non-skiers