<p>Discover six exciting alternative apres-ski activities for the winter season</p>
Photo: Val Thorens/T.Loubere OT

6 Alternative Apres Ski Activities

Discover six exciting alternative apres-ski activities for the winter season

Advice
Published at: 11 Dec 2020
Last updated at: 14 Feb 2023

This year’s ski season is undoubtedly going to be unlike any other season we have previously experienced, and whilst some resorts are unable to welcome you for skiing before Christmas and New Year, there are certainly plenty of alternative apres-ski activities on offer to keep you entertained this winter.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan
Nighttime ice skating in MorzinePhoto: Sam Ingles/OT Morzine

1. Night-Time Ice Skating

A perfect activity for the whole family, night-time skating is a great way to relax in the early hours of the evening. Skate under the twinkling lights to festive music before warming up with a glass of mulled wine or indulging in a hot chocolate. For ice skating enthusiasts, St Moritz is particularly proud of its traditional ice sports with the possibility to skate on the rink in front of the Kulm Country Club where the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics were both held.

Father and son sledding on the JungfrauPhoto: Jungfraubahnen 2019

2. Tobogganing

Fun for all ages, there are hundreds of toboggan runs to be experienced in the Alps. At 6 km long, Val Thorens has the longest toboggan run in France starting at the foot of the Peclet Glacier at an altitude of 3000m. Switzerland, however, lay claim to the longest sledge run in Europe at 11 km in length. Named the ‘Big Pintenfritz’, this impressive run starts in Faulhorn running through Bussalp and down to Grindelwald. With famous mountains including the Eiger creating the perfect backdrop, this sledge run is sure to get your heart racing.

Snowy horse drawn sleigh ride in KlostersPhoto: Destination Davos Klosters

3. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

For equine-lovers of your group, what better way to discover your resort than with a horse-drawn carriage tour? In the luxury French resort of Morzine, up to six people can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride which starts from the Tourist Office. From here you will be taken to the different hamlets around Morzine and up to Lake Montriond. The elegant Swiss ski resort of Klosters also offers sleigh rides with moonlight carriage rides into the Sertif and Dischma valleys.

Snowy ski village at nightPhoto: TVB Tannheimer/Tal Kleiner Marc

4. Moonlit Snowshoe Tours

Enjoy the serenity of winter with the peaceful activity of snowshoeing. Take part in a moonlit snowshoe tour and let an experienced guide take you through picturesque snow trails illuminated by the moonlight and your head torch. At the end of the tour enjoy a warm beverage before making your way back to your luxury chalet. Adventurous snowshoers won't want to miss out on Megeve's night-time snowshoe tour to a secret igloo. Enjoy an evening of mulled wine, hot chocolate and other local specialities before returning to the village.

For a more gentle night-time stroll, Les Gets has created "Alta Lumina", an illuminated 1 km walk along the path of a travelling music-maker with his story told through light, music, imagery, set design and interactive props.

Child snowmobiling in les getsPhoto: eno Derleyn/OT Les Gets

5. Snowmobiling at night

For the adrenaline seekers of the group, snowmobiling is one of the best night-time adventures the Alps have to offer. Explore the terrain under the night sky with a qualified guide with the resort’s lights glinting in the distance. Available as single or couple outings, Val Thorens snowmobile tours depart every evening at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 7:55 pm for a memorable adventure!

Dog sledding in Val Thorens clear blue skyPhoto: T.Loubere/OT Val Thorens

6. Dog Sledding

One of the most popular alternative winter activities, let the local sled dogs take you for a tour around the snowy landscape. Bred for their strength and endurance, the excited howls of malamutes can be heard from a great distance as you reach the starting point of this activity. When you arrive, sit back and relax as the musher takes control or for those looking for a more hands-on approach why not try mushing with your own team of dogs?