Skiing for Non-skiers

The most frustrating thing if you love the mountains is when people assume that they have to ski or board in order to enjoy a holiday to a ski resort.  There is so much to do and see in resort that sometimes  even the most avid skier can give in to temptation and take a morning or afternoon off to hang out.  The mountains are so beautiful, the views and surroundings can really take your breath away.  There's nothing like waking up to that view, simply breathtaking. This image was taken first thing in the morning from my bedroom in Alp d'Huez last season.

I smashed my shoulder to smithereens on the first day of a ski trip to Val d'Isere one year and once I'd got my pain killer dosage right I really quite enjoyed my week sitting on the balcony of the chalet in the sunshine indulging in vin chaud and delightful cheese-based meals while gorgeous chalet boys waited on me hand and foot.

The truth of it is that ski resorts are the most wonderful places to relax. You can sip hot chocolate in front of roaring log fires at any time of the day, you can eat great food to your hearts content and just relax with good company and snow falling outside the window. So romantic! I absolutely love Dottys Coffee House in Morzine, it epitomises the joy of sitting in a ski resort and not skiing, pure indulgence!  Ski Chalets so often have 24-7 hosts who not only make your breakfast and dinner they also provide you with afternoon tea and cakes. Where else is it the norm to get so wonderfully looked after, it's crazy!

And don't forget the bars; skiers and boarders ski hard and play hard, so there are always plenty of fabulous places to grab a beer or a glass of the house red.  And beware... "shot-o'clock" is never far away....you might need a lie-in in the morning!

Non skiers can obviously indulge in the fantastic food and drink, or alternatively spend some time exploring all the activities on offer, geared entirely for them.  Perhaps you might try your hand at the more active pursuits of ice skating, swimming, gym-ing, tobogganing, skidoo-ing or para-gliding.  Or then again, you might prefer the more sedate choices of facials, manicures, full body massages and general pampering.  This list is by no means comprehensive - there is seriously something for everyone.

I absolutely love sitting playing cards in a cosy chalet with friends and family on a white-out day when it's just 'a bit too risky' to go up the mountain.  There is something so magical about ski resorts. Covered in snow, separated from the real world somehow and with the backdrop of nature's awesome achievements.  It feels like all the realities of work and life can be left behind.  For some of us, skiing gives us this freedom, but for others I think just being up here and part of it can do just as well.  And you can still get a tan, albeit just on the face!