Most modern ski resorts have an ever expanding range of activities for the non-skier. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, horse-carting, sledging, ice skating and curling are just a few examples of the activities available. Some locations even have dog-sledding or full on sport centers with everything from swimming pools to tennis courts. You’ll often come across locally produced foods like cheese, honey or sausages; in some instances you’ll even encounter locally crafted beer or spiced spirits. Down the valley is where the grapes grow; and the happy wine farmers tend to enjoy a good visit.

If the proportion of non-skiers is large, it might be worth considering a combination of city and mountains. Cortina-Venice and Andorra-Barcelona are both popular combined arrangements.