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Skiing isn’t for everyone, and that is totally fine, since there are plenty more options for active winter holidays that are equally as exciting. From taking winter hikes round the Alps, to exploring the second oldest amusement park in the world, find below a list of alternative active winter holidays that give skiing trips a run for their money.
Foodie: Walk the Camino de Santiago and end with a food crawl in San Sebastián
While winter may be the quietest time to walk the Camino de Santiago, there are unexpected benefits to a winter camino. In wintertime, the spectacular vistas along this trek through northern Spain are free of crowds, and the often mountainous terrain looks its most breathtaking in the crisp winter conditions. What’s more, there are plenty of hot showers for everyone in the albergues, and walkers can enjoy lots of free time in the evenings because the sun sets early. While there are many routes you could take to walk this trail, why not end in the glorious food capital of Spain, San Sebastián, to eat back all those calories you have walked off? With its abundance of world-famous pintxos spots, numerous beaches and bustling atmosphere, San Sebastián is a city for any season.
There is truly no better place to stay in this charming city than Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian, a magnificent building that enjoys a privileged location on the river and overlooking the sea. Since opening in 1912, the Maria Cristina Hotel has been closely linked to historical and cultural events in San Sebastian; with the opening of the 1953 San Sebastian Film Festival, the hotel attracted its first movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis. Now, it continues to bring in film stars from Woody Allen to Brad Pitt, solidifying the hotel’s glamorous status.
Prices start at £210 per night for a double room in January.
Family: Explore the amusement park in Copenhagen that inspired Disneyland
Opened in 1843 and the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens is a place steeped in history. None other than Walt Disney was said to have been inspired by the theme park’s special family atmosphere and design. Before opening Disneyland in 1955, Walt Disney paid several visits to Tivoli, which at the time featured beautiful gardens, family-friendly rides, and even the original rollercoaster. It is widely known that Tivoli inspired Disneyland as we know it. Every Christmas, Tivoli Gardens transforms into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling illuminations, festive goodies, and live music. With more than one million lights decorating the space, 40km of Christmas tree chains lining the gardes and 11,800 litres of mulled wine flying around every festive season, there is a thrilling festive adventure to be had for all the family.
While you visit Copenhagen, the whole family can enjoy a stay at Moxy Copenhagen Sydhavnen, which means staying in one of Europe’s leading sustainable hotels. As the second Danish hotel to receive the highest possible LEED Platinum certificate for green building, the hotel is committed to reducing its environmental impact further by operating on 100% renewable energy. Ideally situated to enjoy Copenhagen’s world-famous pastry shops, excellent restaurants and picturesque architecture, this will make for an unforgettable family escape.
Prices start at £210 per night for a double room in January.
Once-in-a-lifetime: Go sledding and see the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Located above the Arctic Capital, Tromsø in northern Norway is the epicentre of outdoor adventures both in the summer and winter months. November through February is the absolute peak season for Northern Lights viewing because the nights are the longest. A universally recognised destination to explore the lights, Tromsø promises a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Activity in Tromsø goes further than the light display, however, being a popular spot to try dog sledding, reindeer spotting, or even embark on humpback whale safaris.
Newly opened Moxy Tromsø’’s central location offers the perfect hub for epic Arctic adventures. Following a day exploring the very best of this Arctic Capital, Sky Bar Moxy located on the 11th floor rooftop offers the perfect spot to soak in the undisturbed views of the fjord and mountains beyond with a ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail in hand. With a different stay and experience for each season – Moxy Tromsø is the ultimate hotel for fun-hunters to add to their bucket list.
Prices start at £151 per night for a double room in January.
Adventure: Hike in the Alps and see a new side of Verbier
On a winter holiday, you don’t always have to ski or snowboard to enjoy and explore a snow-covered landscape. Perhaps one for the serious sportspeople, hiking the Alps in the winter has become a favourite among adventure-seeking travellers. At the foot of prestigious peaks, the region of Verbier offers a rich and varied choice of walks and hikes. Why not leave the hub of Verbier behind and hike on foot to the ruins of Le Chateau along a winter trail through the woods with stellar views of Valais and the Rhone Valley? Hiking Verbieer in the winter can still allow you to enjoy the town’s renowned mountain restaurants and take in some of the best views in the valley with the 4 Vallées’ best winter hiking routes.
For a cosy place to rest your head between hiking or partying in Verbier’s esteemed bars, W Verbier has it all. Perched in the Swiss Alps at 1,531 meters with direct access to over 400 km of skiing and hiking terrain, W Verbier Retreat mixes urban design with an alpine touch. This luxury ski hotel offers a wide range of culinary options, including the bistronomic Bô!, the Eat-Hola Tapas Bar and the best mixology at W Living Room. Guests can unwind in 1,300 sqm. of Alpine oasis at the hotel’s spa that features two pools, 9 treatment rooms, and a 24/7 gym.
Prices start at £869 per night for a double room in January.
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