5 Activities to Do in the Mountains in Winter

Winter activities to do in the mountains with the lifts closed

There is more to the winter time in the mountains than just downhill skiing and lifts. There is a world of little-known activities, and post-lockdown might be a good time to try some of them.

Here is a list of alternative activities to do with the lifts closed:

1. Heliskiing

Most scenic. Climbing by helicopter to the top of a snowy peak and then descending along unexplored routes may seem like an activity reserved for extreme sports enthusiasts. But it is not entirely so. While heliskiing certainly requires some experience on skis and good athletic training, the presence of a mountain guide makes the adventure accessible to nonprofessionals as well.

2. Ski touring

Staying in the freeride camp, another activity that does not require the crowding of ski lifts is ski mountaineering. Getting you to the predetermined altitude will be no less than your own legs thanks to the use of sealskins that, applied under your skis, prevent you from sliding backwards.

Thanks to this practice you can combine the fun of the descent with the pleasure, typical of the mountains, of making ascents only with the help of your own strength and energy.

3. Snowshoeing

If hiking in the wilderness is your passion, a snowshoe hike is for you. Walking in the snow is the best way to quietly and calmly appreciate the surreal atmosphere that only a silent whitewashed landscape can give you, and doing so with a mountain guide capable of assessing the quality of the snowpack will allow you to explore breathtaking scenery safely.

4. Sled dogs

For animal lovers, dog sledding can be an unforgettable experience. In fact, after a short introductory lesson in which experienced instructors will explain the basic commands necessary for driving the vehicle, you yourself will be placed at the wheel of a pack of sled dogs, and in no time you will feel as if you have been catapulted into a Jack London novel. Needless to say, this discipline is also particularly suitable for younger people.

5. Snowmobile tours

Finally, we can only recommend a snowmobile trip. You are the protagonists: you ride the snowmobile (being able to accompany 1 person, including children) and go a little bit to discover the local landscapes, in the snow.

And why not, the excursion can always be combined with a stop at a hut, thus crowning the experience with a lunch with local dishes.