Snow holidays without skiing

SNOW holidays have developed beyond the traditional image of ski slopes and chairlifts. A guided walk through the woods. A winter river cruise to the Christmas markets of Europe. A walking tour of an alpine village with a delicious mountain-top lunch surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Arctic adventures Few destinations offer non- ski experiences better than Lapland, Finland. The region offers a full Arctic adventure destination that extends well beyond Santa Claus and skiing, says Angie Cachao, Product Manager at Thompsons Holidays. Among the most popular experiences are husky sledding through snow-covered forests, reindeer sleigh rides paired with indigenous Sámi cultural experiences, snowmobiling across frozen lakes, ice fishing and floating in frozen water while wearing thermal survival suits. Visitors can also enjoy Arctic wellness experiences, including traditional saunas or visits to ice bars and restaurants constructed from snow and ice. The Northern Lights remain one of the region’s biggest draws. Experiences According to Cachao, today’s travellers are increasingly looking for immersive experiences rather than spending their entire holiday on ski slopes. “Snow holidays have evolved into experiential travel filled with nature, wellness, adventure, culture and once-in- a-lifetime moments,” she says. And for South African travellers, a trip to Lapland is more accessible than it may seem. “Most South African travellers fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town via major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam into Helsinki, before connecting onwards to Lapland destinations like Rovaniemi, Levi, Ivalo or Saariselkä,” says Cachao. A popular option among travellers is combining a one- to two-night stopover in Helsinki before heading north into the Arctic Circle. “It breaks up the journey beautifully and gives travellers a chance to experience Finland’s stylish capital before the real winter magic begins.” Winter wonderlands “The modern snow holiday is no longer just about skiing; it’s about immersing yourself in a completely different world,” Nicola Bradford, Founder of Escape Artist Travel Academy, tells Travel News. Switzerland, France, Austria, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are destinations where travellers can combine iconic cities with picturesque alpine villages, creating holidays that blend culture, food, sightseeing and spectacular winter scenery. “We’re seeing strong demand for itineraries that combine a city stay with time in the Alps, often connected by scenic rail journeys,” says Bradford. Christmas markets are another major attraction, offering visitors the chance to experience festive atmospheres and snow-covered villages. For groups with a mixture of skiers and non-skiers, a variety of destinations can cater for both parties. Livigno in Italy is famous for its duty-free shopping, wellness centres, ice skating and lively village atmosphere. St Moritz in Switzerland offers luxury spas, fine dining, scenic mountain excursions, shopping and unique winter events on its frozen lake. Gudauri in Georgia is popular for snowmobiling, winter sightseeing and easy access to the culture, history and cuisine of Tbilisi. Zermatt in Switzerland combines Matterhorn views with mountain rail excursions and winter hiking, says Bradford. “As ski specialists, we often find that some of our clients’ favourite memories have little to do with skiing itself,” says Bradford. “A snow holiday is about far more than skiing. It’s about experiencing a completely different way of life.”