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Most famous activities in the ski areas

Ski holidays in the Alps and the Nordic countries offer not only great skiing, but also a wide range of other activities to make your vacation even more memorable. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing wellness experiences, there’s something for everyone.

The Alps

• Winter hiking and snowshoeing: The Alps have an extensive network of winter hiking trails and snowshoeing routes that allow visitors to explore the snowy landscapes on foot. Places like Chamonix in France, Zermatt in Switzerland and Kitzbühel in Austria offer guided tours through some of the most scenic areas.
• Cross-country skiing: The Alps are a paradise for cross-country enthusiasts with its well-maintained trails and stunning views. Areas like Seefeld in Austria, Gstaad in Switzerland and La Clusaz in France are known for their extensive network of cross-country ski trails.
• Ice climbing: For the adventurous, ice climbing is an exciting activity. Many ski resorts, such as Chamonix in France and Sölden in Austria, offer courses and guided tours for both beginners and experienced climbers.
• Paragliding: Experience the Alps from the air with a paragliding trip. Many ski resorts, such as Verbier in Switzerland and Val d’Isère in France, offer tandem flights with experienced instructors.
• Horseback riding in the snow: Take a relaxing ride through the snowy landscapes on horseback. Many ski resorts offer horse-drawn sleigh rides and horseback rides.
• Snowkiting: For those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline, snowkiting is a great option. Areas like Col du Lautaret in France and Silvaplana in Switzerland are popular snowkiting destinations.

The Nordic countries

• Winter hiking and snowshoeing: The Nordic countries also offer great opportunities for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Places like Trysil in Norway, Åre in Sweden and Levi in Finland have well-marked routes and guided tours.
• Cross-country skiing: The Nordic countries are known for their cross-country skiing tradition. Areas like Holmenkollen in Norway, Vasaloppsleden in Sweden and Kainuu in Finland have some of the best cross-country ski trails in the world.
• Ice climbing: Ice climbing is also popular in the Nordic countries. Places like Rjukan in Norway and Åre in Sweden offer courses and guided tours on frozen waterfalls.
• Paragliding: Experience the Nordic landscapes from the air with a paragliding trip. Places like Hemsedal in Norway and Sälen in Sweden offer tandem flights with experienced instructors.
• Horseback riding in the snow: Take a relaxing ride through the snowy landscapes on horseback in areas like Beitostølen in Norway and Rovaniemi in Finland.
• Snowkiting: Snowkiting is also popular in the Nordic countries. Places like Hardangervidda in Norway and Pallas-Yllästunturi in Finland are known for their snowkiting opportunities.

Things to try besides skiing

There are many activities that can make your ski holidays in the Alps and the Nordic countries even more exciting and varied. Here are some of the things to try besides skiing:

• Après-ski: Both the Alps and the Nordic countries are known for their lively après-ski culture. After a day on the slopes, enjoy music, dancing and drinks in one of the many bars and clubs. Places like St. Anton in Austria, Verbier in Switzerland, Åre in Sweden and Trysil in Norway are known for their vibrant après-ski scene.
• Spa and wellness: Many ski resorts in both the Alps and the Nordic countries offer luxurious spa and wellness facilities. Try a massage, sauna or steam room to restore your energy. Resorts such as Aqua Dome in Austria, Thermes de Saint-Gervais in France, Ylläs Saaga Spa in Finland and Farris Bad in Norway are popular choices.
• Culinary experiences: The Alps and the Nordic countries are known for their fantastic food and wine. Take time to enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the many restaurants in the ski areas. Try local specialties like raclette and fondue in the Alps and reindeer meat and gravlax in the Nordic countries. Restaurants like La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, France and Fäviken in Åre, Sweden offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
• Tobogganing: Also known as tobogganing, tobogganing is a fun activity for the whole family. Many ski resorts have special toboggan runs where you can whizz down the mountain on a traditional wooden sled. Areas like Grindelwald in Switzerland, Val Thorens in France, Geilo in Norway and Ruka in Finland have some of the best toboggan runs.
• Ice skating: Enjoy a relaxing day on the ice by trying ice skating. Many ski resorts have outdoor ice skating rinks where you can rent skates and take to the ice. Areas like Megève in France, Davos in Switzerland, Oslo in Norway and Tampere in Finland are known for their beautiful ice rinks.
• Dog sledding: Experience the snowy landscapes on a dog sledding tour. Many ski resorts offer guided tours with experienced mushers where you can learn about the sport and enjoy a ride through untouched nature. This is a great activity for animal lovers and adventure seekers.

Typical prices for activities

Prices for activities in the ski areas in the Alps and Nordic countries can vary depending on the season, destination and type of activity. Here are some typical prices for the activities mentioned:

• Winter hiking and snowshoeing: Guided tours usually cost between €20 and €50 per person, depending on the length and complexity of the tour. Some resorts offer free access to winter hiking trails and snowshoeing routes.
• Cross-country skiing: Access to cross-country ski trails is often free or costs a small daily fee of around €5 to €10. Cross-country equipment rental typically costs between €15 and €30 per day.
• Ice climbing: Courses and guided tours usually cost between €80 and €150 per person per day, depending on the level of instruction and equipment provided.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights typically cost between €100 and €200 per person, depending on flight length and destination.
• Horseback riding in the snow: Prices for horse-drawn sleigh rides and horseback rides vary, but expect to pay between €30 and €80 per person for a one to two hour ride.
• Snowkiting: Introductory courses and lessons usually cost between €100 and €200 per person per day, including equipment.
• Apre-ski: Prices for drinks and snacks vary depending on the bar or club, but expect to pay around €5 to €10 for a drink. Some places also charge a cover charge or entrance fee.
• Spa and wellness: Access to spa and wellness facilities usually costs between €20 and €50 per day. Massages and treatments typically cost between €50 and €150, depending on the type and length of treatment.
• Culinary experiences: Prices for gourmet dinners vary depending on the restaurant, but expect to pay between €50 and €150 per person for a full menu with wine. Fine dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants can be higher.
• Tobogganing: Toboggan rental usually costs between €5 and €15 per day. Some ski resorts also charge a small fee for access to toboggan runs, typically between €5 and €10.
• Ice skating: Ice skate rental typically costs between €5 and €10. Access to ice rinks usually costs between €5 and €15. Some rinks offer discounts for children or groups.
• Dog sledding: Guided tours usually cost between €50 and €150 per person, depending on the length of the tour and destination. Private tours or longer excursions can cost more, often between €200 and €300.