Skiing isn’t all about skiing. ‘Blasphemy!’ some may say. But really, if the Alps were a festival, then skiing would be just one stage. Undoubtedly, skiing would be the Glastonbury main stage with the headliner acts performing. Yet, there’s still those alternative genres or undiscovered artists that you stumble upon and soon find that you don’t want to leave. These eight Alps activities away from skiing are exactly that.

Enjoy them as après ski or as alternative experiences to skiing altogether. They’re for those who aren’t interested in ‘Best Album of the Year’ whatsoever but have been dragged along to the festival by friends and family. And they’re also for those who want a short break from the charts and wish to discover something new.

Zip wiring in Val Thorens

You may have whipped down a zip wire through a forest or across a lake but gliding through the mountains is something entirely different. In The Three Valleys, the Maurienne-Tarentaise shuttle is an alpine zip wire that transports people like birds in the sky from one resort to another. Starting at the top of Bouchet Chairlift in Orelle at a mighty altitude of 3,200m, riders will race across the peaks to the top of Thorens Funitel in Val Thorens.

Despite travelling as fast as the motorway speed limit, it’ll still last about two minutes. So, it’s not over in a flash. There’s time to admire the views whilst the rushing adrenaline pumps around your body. Together, creating a feeling of pure ecstasy.

Spectating sports in Zermatt

Nowadays, Zermatt is known for its incredible skiing conditions, its car-free village and of course, its glamour. But it’s also perfect for those seeking Alps activities away from skiing. The Zermatt Curling Club is one of the best in Switzerland and has had team members go on to win Olympic golds. Watching these pros practice sliding stones on sheets of ice won’t fail to impress. But for a more formal event, then watch over 300 curlers battle it out at the Horu Trophy that takes place in late January every year.

The Zermatt ice rink isn’t just full of curlers, but also elegant ice skaters and feisty hockey players. So wander through the village and find this playground at its core. One day it may be full of peaceful pirouettes. And the next day, skates will be slicing through the ice to get a score on goal. One thing’s for sure, every one of Zermatt’s sports captures the hearts and minds of the spectators in the stands.

Tobogganing in St. Moritz

In St. Moritz, tobogganing isn’t just something you do with the children on a white Christmas or a snow day that’s cancelled school. Tobogganing is an adrenaline junky’s pride and joy. It’s a competition. And it’s also a community. Every year since 1885, the Cresta Run alpine tobogganing race has been taking place. This is ¾ mile-long hand-sculpted ice run is so addictive that people flood into St. Moritz from across the world. For many, it’s taken over from skiing as their number one alpine passion.

The St. Moritz Tobogganing Club, and its Cresta Run that goes with it, is the king of alpine tobogganing. But for those wanting a more relaxed slip and slide down the mountains, then Val Thorens is the place to go. Their family-feel run is less about top speeds and more about a day of excitement down a 4km-long toboggan run – the longest in Europe.

Shopping

Thanks to the nature of the sport, ski resorts are no stranger to high-class luxury. It’s not hard to find some of the best brands in the world setting up shop in the Alps. And locking away time for a browse and buy is a crucial activity on a ski holiday. Megève was once described as the 21^st arrondissement of Paris – the fashion capital of the world. Wander through the streets and you’ll expect to see the Louvre around the corner as Hermès comes into eyesight. But also check out Blu & Berry, the boutique that offers all-things fur and stocks designers such as Isabel Marant and Celine.

Husky Dog Sledding in Chamonix

Lose yourself in the snuggly soft fur of husky dogs before scrambling on board a sled. And then sit back and get ready to bumble along through the snow. It’s hard not to smile as the sound of bells clang and paws plod on the snow. Husky dog sledding is becoming more and more popular. These beautiful dogs are showered in love and affection from everyone they meet. Most ski resorts in the Alps offer up the activity from 20-minute tasters to half-day treks, as well as full days and overnight adventures. But Chamonix does it best by offering the chance to, not just sit in the sled but, learn to ‘mesh’ a team of dogs.

Spa

‘A ski holiday is an opportunity to experience luxurious wellness with an alpine setting.’ Check out these Seven Sumptuous Spas that span across the Alps. 1) Le Grand Bellevue hotel in Gstaad, priding itself on its 17 different wellness zones. 2) ADLER Spa Resort in the Dolomites, taking a leaf out of the book of nature for its décor. 3) Cheval Blanc luxury spa in Courcheval, providing that necessary post-skiing recovery. 4) Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, offering tailored treatments. 5) Les Fermes de Marie in Megève, marking its success through its own product brand – Pure Altitude. 6) Tauern Spa in Kaprun, modernising luxury spa experiences with a vast 20,000 square metre setting. And finally, 7) Six Senses in Courcheval, innovating the most intricate and intriguing of treatments.

Paragliding

Combine a hot air balloon ride with skiing and you get alpine paragliding. The utter weightlessness and feeling of exhilaration are like no other. All you have to do is launch yourself off the mountain – the parachute (and your highly trained instructor) will do the rest. It’s perfect for those looking for an extravagant thrill.

Snow-scootering

‘Thrill’ is exactly the word to describe snow-scootering. Combine a BMX bike and a snowboard and you’ll get close to imagining this activity. First appearing in the 90s, this is no short shelf-life craze. This is an extreme sport that’s popping up all over the Alps, particularly in The Three Valleys. A sense of risk, a sense of balance and a sense of adventure are all required in heaps. And with it only taking 15 minutes to learn the basics, it would be silly not to take a day off skiing and try this activity.

Adrenaline activities, luxury activities or simply just any activity away from skiing, all 8 of these are available in the Alps. So next time you book your tickets for the headline act, make sure to adventure to these stages too.