Holidaying in the Alps without a Ski Slope in Site

Whenever I tell people that I’m holidaying in the Alps the immediate response I always get is ‘oh, really? What ski resort are you staying at?’ and when I tell people that I’m not going to ski they look at me as if I told them I was from Saturn and had come to abduct their kids. Believe it or not, there is a truckload to see and do in the Alps besides skiing. As I have had to fill many people in over the years on what it is I actually do over there, I decided it was best to simply write it all down here so I wouldn’t have to bother again.

Activities

Although snow sports are the most famous activity to do when holidaying in the Alps, AlpineElements offer holidays of a different nature. These activity companies allow you to explore the beauty of the Alpine region, particularly France, Switzerland and Austria whilst mountain biking; barrelling down white water rapids; canoeing and kayaking; and hiking across the famous hills and mountains of the area. It’s a shame that people just go to ski and snowboard when there is an entire wealth of activities to engage with (that are perfect for kids, as well). Don’t get me wrong, skiing is tremendous fun, but for me there’s nothing quite like hiking along the foothills of Mount Blanc.

The Bavarian Alps

I’ve had to firmly argue with some people who believe that the Alps don’t run through Germany. They definitely do, and the Bavarian section of the Alps is one of my favorite places on the planet. It’s a tourist’s wonderland: it’s got food and drink, incredible scenery, stunning architecture, and quite possibly the most beautiful castle in the world: Neuschwanstein, which was the inspiration for many a Disney Princess castle. Check out this article for more things to do whilst in Bavaria.

Après Ski

This is perfect: it’s the après ski without having to do any of the skiing. This is the real reason people go skiing (or at least it is for me). Quite simply – for those who don’t know – après ski is the activities and entertainment following a day of sliding down a mountain. It usually involves cold beers, hot fires, and even hotter dancing which usually culminates (again, at least for me) in a mad dash to the outdoor hot tubs that line the chalets. Après Ski has become such a large part of the experience that ski resorts are pouring a lot of money so that their ‘after ski’ is the best on the Alps.

Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors

This mouthful of a national park is one of my favorite gems of France and what’s even better is the fact that it’s not that famous yet so remains peaceful, quiet, and untouched. The Vercors Regional Natural Park is a forested mountain area straight out of a Brothers Grimm folktale. Its most popular activities include skiing (not for us, though!), spelunking (makes me sweat just thinking about it), and hiking. If you like walking through nature, then please do yourself a favor and drop this right at the top of your bucket list.

photo credit: View from KonigKehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest) – Bavaria, Germany – 2006 via photopin (license)