A ski holiday doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on the slopes. The list of winter activities grows ever longer and more surprising — in fact, many base their entire trip with Crystal Ski Holidays around them.
Snowmobiling and dog sledding are what you might expect to see in the mountains — as well as family-friendly alternatives, like tobogganing and snowshoe walks. But for travellers seeking a sprinkle of adventure, why not try one of these adrenaline-fuelled activities this season. Ready to get your pulse racing?
1) Ice Diving
Tignes goes to town on non-ski activities, but for the ultimate in winter escapism, try a 15-minute ice dive. It really is the closest thing to being a penguin. Pull on a drysuit, flop yourself into a hole and explore the spectacular ice formations beneath. All equipment is provided, and you can choose from beginner dives, 3-day courses, and (for the more experienced) night dives.
2) Snow Tubing
For sheer fun, Snow Tubing is hard to beat. Although it’s available at most Swiss resorts, for the best adrenaline rush head to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, near Zermatt. All season long, giant air-filled round tubes are available (for free) at the peak of the cable car station. Just sit tight, hold on to the handles and whizz down the slope.
3) Paragliding
Look skywards in Cervinia, and there’s a fair chance you’ll spot a paraglider. Flights — harnessed to a qualified pilot, of course — are popular here, and usually last around 20-minutes. After your unforgettable first lift-off, you’ll master wind surges and soar, swirl and ride the thermals back down to the ground. And the views? As dramatic as you’ll see anywhere in Italy.
4) Ice Fishing
The resort of Ruka — the largest beginners’ ski area in Finland — offers 3-hour fishing trips (or pilkki as the locals call it), where you’ll be whisked to the ice via snowmobile. Watch the large drill push through 50cm of ice, and after hooks are baited you might catch a pike, roach or even grayling. Then, your guide demonstrates how to prepare today’s catch by open fire. Now lunch doesn’t get fresher than that.
5) Olympic Bobsleigh
With 19 bends and a 125-metre drop, this is the ultimate roller-coaster ride. Climb aboard a real bobsleigh with a pro driver, guiding you down La Plagne’s epic course — built for the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. As the G-force increases and the wall of ice thunders past your helmet at 70mph, it’s perhaps best described by one word: arrggh!
Thinking about booking a winter break? Crystal Ski Holidays is the perfect place to start your search. But first, take our beginners’ quiz and find out where we think you should go to make it the best trip ever.
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