So, I've always had this travel daydream that it would be fun to visit a Swiss ski lodge in winter even though we do not ski. I'm sure you can guess the picture in my head: you sit by a roaring fire, looking out on the mountains, hot chocolate (or something with a little more "kick") in your hand. My question is this: Is this just a fantasy, or is realistic to still enjoy a ski resort if you don't ski? Or perhaps asked another way: Is sitting with a drink in a ski lodge as transporting as I imagine? And finally, if this IS reasonable, what are some of the recommended lodges that could really deliver on this kind of experience? Thanks!
Posted by
11158 posts
Italy, not Switzerland, but it fits. Hotel Grones, Ortisei, Italy in the Dolomites
Posted by
Green Bay
20090 posts
Depending on where you are, there may not be anyone around during the day. Lots of people do take mountain vacations without skiing, but they are out on the mountain during the day with a walkers pass, having a long relaxing lunch, hiking, sledding, etc.
Posted by
Paris
6898 posts
I have done that in Switzerland. Many resorts are well geared with winter walking paths, tobogganing trails (highly recommended but read my disclaimer below), snowshoeing, etc.
I have greatly enjoyed stays at the following places:
- Klosters, at Hotel Piz Buin. Cable car access into the mountain, beautiful side valley with walking paths, death-defying toboggan runs all around
- Muottas Muragl, above Pontresina. At 2'500 m elevation, access by funicular only. Delicious restaurant, cosy rooms, incredible views. Some good-value half board packages were available in 2020, not sure if still the case. A big network of hiking paths up there, and the only way down besides the funicular is a toboggan run.
I spent some time in Bergün, too, and it looked delightful.
And I am pretty sure that the Berner Oberland resorts of Grindelwald, Wengen or Mürren would also deliver. Or Bettmeralp in the Valais.
Now, the disclaimer: tobogganing requires no big skills but can be very dangerous, more so than skiing. If you decide to try it:
- check that your insurance policy covers it
- practice on designated trails
- wear boots that have a very good tread and cover your ankle (the toboggans have no brakes, you brake with your feet).
- wear sturdy gloves (you turn left or right dragging a hand in the snow)
- if the toboggan rental place offers to rent cleats, take them. It helps with braking on hardpack snow.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11321 posts
If I were going to do this, I would choose the Alpe di Siusi in Italy and stay at eithe the AlpenHotel Panorama or Hotel Saltria. Both are half-pension so you get breakfast and dinner. The AdS is great for winter walking and horse-drawn sleigh rides. We have stayed at both of these hotels but in autumn.
We stayed at Hotel Albion just outside of Ortisei one Christmas and it would be a lovely choice, but it is not high up with mountain views and snow can be hit-or-miss in Ortisei itself.
I would also be drawn to the Jungfrau Region: Muerren, Wengen, or even Grindlewald. Not sure Lauterbrunnen has snow in the valley all winter. The one time we went in winter, at New Years, there was none on the valley floor. They do groom trails for winter wandern in the area. I don't have a specific facility to recommend there. Seems like they are more traditional hotels and less lodges as you might be seeking.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4701 posts
A poster here reported major lines after arriving in the Zurich airport at Immigration Control , during ski season, especially around the weekends.