What to do on a ski vacation ... When you don't ski?

Afraid of getting bored?

Understandable — after all, people often refer to "ski resorts" and "ski vacations." But in truth, we should be talking about "winter sports resorts" and "winter sports vacations."

Skiing is just one of many options! Of course, you probably already know the classics like snowshoe hikes and dog sledding. But resorts are constantly coming up with creative ways to help nature lovers discover the mountains from new perspectives:

From above: paragliding, microlight aircraft, zip-lining

• In or under water: ice floating, ice diving
• At night: trapper camps and starlit adventures

Another idea: embrace the “slow tourism” trend (for once, a trend that's good for the planet!). Take your time. Enjoy lazy mornings without the hotel breakfast schedule hanging over you.

Do a serene yoga session while everyone else is on the slopes (there's plenty of space in your apartment for even the most acrobatic poses!). Stroll along snowy paths and marvel at the sparkle of fresh snow in the winter light. Visit a local cheese shop and savor different varieties of Beaufort cheese. And since slow tourism is about eco-conscious travel, pick resorts accessible by train and bus, like La Plagne, La Rosière, or Tignes.

What if I still want to ski (just a little)?

While for some people, skiing holidays without skiing are a choice, for others they are a ‘forced’ choice. This is could be the case for young parents, for example, who forgot the ski slopes for 2 or 3 years in favour of toboggan runs and building snowmen. Or skiers with recalcitrant knees who are no longer able to ski downhill for hours on end. Or ‘old’ people in their thirties who didn't have the chance to learn to ski when they were children and who don't dare take the plunge as adults.

There's a simple solution for all those frustrated skiers: day or even half-day ski passes!

Young parents will be able to leave their offspring in the care of a babysitter once or twice a week, so they can enjoy a moment to themselves on the slopes and in the mountain restaurant (between family activities).

Tired knees will no longer be afraid of paying for a week's lift pass that they can only partially enjoy. If you're one of them, we recommend that you take advantage of your half-day on the slopes to try out the Mojo exoskeleton, specially designed to take the strain off skiers' knees (available to hire from certain sports shops, so be sure to check!).

And beginners will be able to enjoy the pleasures of skiing without the pressure of having to love the sport (or risk throwing money down the drain).