Apres Ski – 7 Things To Do Without Your Skis (5 of 6)

This week’s entry takes a look at some of the apres-ski fun that you can find at most winter resorts… okay so some of them will involve your skis, but they don’t have to!

1) Mush, Mush, Mush!

Dog sledding is one of the most popular winter activities whilst also being a local competitive sport. Driving the dogs or ‘mushing’ is a special skill, but it’s easy to learn the basics and anyone can have a go.

Norway's popular alternative to Dog Sledding!

Many resorts have dog sleigh routes which are suitable for families, corporate groups and couples of all ages. If you don’t fancy mastering the “mush”, an alternative way to experience the alpine scenery is aboard a horse drawn sled, snuggled under a warm blanket with a cup of cocoa. Guide prices from £40 for an hour for up to 4 people.

2) Snow Mobiling for the Fast and the Furious

If you’re looking for an adrenaline fueled way of letting go in the snow, then there’s nothing more satisfying than ripping through the snow in one of these snow beasts!

High Speed thrills with a Snow Mobile ... is that Eddie the Eagle or The Stig?

3) The Thrill of the Night

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the Midday Sun, but Snow Fanatic’s and Thrill seeker’s Ski in the Midnight Moon!

Enjoy the thrill of Skiiing at Night

Most resorts offer night skiing for a small additional charge but normally only occur once a week. If you don’t fancy participating, resorts often have torch lit parades. It’s an amazing site to see a stream of skiers heading down the slopes in near darkness with tourches held high. This used to be done with flaming tourches but more often than not is now done with battery operated lanterns.

4) Sight Seeing and Skiing from Dizzy Heights

Jump on-board a scenic helicopter tour to explore the mountains and glaciers as you’ve never seen them before, or hop off and ski down from the top!

Heli-skiing, a once in a lifetime opportunity... if you have the cash!

Mountains and glaciers are stunning places but viewing them from a helicopter will take your breath away and leave you with life long memories – the only draw back? You’ll have to put at £150 aside for a basic Heli package!

5) Check out the Local Culture

Whilst your focus might be carving some shapes in the snow capped mountains, don’t forget to check out the local culture – you might be missing a trick or two!.

A bit of culture with Ice sculptures at Grotte de Glace, Les Arcs

One such example lies at the top of the Transarc gondola in Arc 2000 where you’ll find the Grotte de Glace. At the start of each season, sculptors from across Europe come here to hand-carve amazing figures out of the snow and ice. Each year, the caves have a different theme, like past years’ Terracotta Army, Chinese dragons and even Attila the Hun!

6) Shop Till You Drop

Those in need of a little après-ski retail therapy can choose from fashionable shops, boutiques, coffee shops and bars at most trendy ski resorts, also handy if you’re looking to loose your wife or partner for a few hours… just keep hold of your wallet!

A bit of retail therapy for the off-piste enthusiast

7) Relax and Soothe those Aching Muscles

Hot Springs and Spa’s are a great way to relax after skiing with some resorts offering out-door spa’s and bathhouses set against spectacular backdrops of alpine scenery. Sooth aching and tired muscles in the comfort of the soothing hot waters – soak in the epson salt baths, take in a massage from classically trained aestheticians, or get covered in a hot mud wrap, one of the most decadent treatments available.

There's nothing better than a long social soak after a hard days graft on the slopes!

Be sure to check out our earlier post, where we looked at a few of the top ski resorts and a little of what to expect from each one. Join us next week when we look back over the blog series and offer you a chance to Win £100 of Snow and Rock Vouchers.