Best cold weather activities that aren’t skiing

At the first sign of winter, many travellers immediately start thinking about snow season, skiing holidays and ski resort stays. But thrills on the slopes aren’t for everyone, and fortunately there’s much more to do in cold weather besides hurtling down a frozen mountainside. With that in mind, we’ve put together an alternative winter activities guide, featuring everything from gentle experiences like train journeys to the more adventurous, such as snowshoeing. 

For more on winter activities in Europe, read our guide here. 

Relaxed and family-friendly holidays 

1. See the Alps by rail 

Fields of dazzling white, vast glaciers and frosted treetops are some of the most inspiring winter sights, and one of the best ways to see them is by rail. Watch the dramatic landscapes unfold from the comfort of a train carriage outfitted with cosy seats and large windows. 

Accessible via Cathay’s Zurich flights, Switzerland is a prime destination for a winter rail holiday thanks to its alpine landscapes and extensive public transport network, to which you can get unlimited access with the one-ticket Swiss Travel Pass . Hop aboard the Glacier Express where you’ll chug above the hillside resort town of St Moritz and pass beneath vertiginous peaks, or the Bernina Express for another high-altitude adventure. Read our Europe rail travel guide for more on these rail holidays.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Brocken Railway , which you can connect to from flights to Frankfurt via Cathay, brings passengers to the top of Mount Brocken on steam-powered trains, offering over-the-clouds summit views without the tough trek.

2. Stroll through winter markets 

The spice-filled aroma of mulled wine, upbeat holiday tunes, festive light installations and neat handicrafts make winter markets one of the most exciting attractions during the cold season. Whether you're looking for local delicacies, unique souvenirs or simply a dose of holiday cheer, these festive gatherings capture the magic of winter travel. Check out our top picks for winter markets around the world. 

3. View the New World’s winter landscapes 

The Columbia Icefields of Alberta, Canada are a must-visit when it comes to iconic winter sights. Accessible by car or domestic flight from Vancouver, which Cathay flies to directly, this dramatic valley in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains has designated zones for visitors to explore on foot or by riding the all-terrain Ice Explorer.

An Alaska cruise promises an equally unforgettable experience. Departing from Vancouver, passengers will have the chance to come face-to-face with otherworldly glacial landscapes, not to mention one-of-a-kind excursions such as fishing demonstrations and whale watching, with rest stops at rustic Alaskan towns seemingly frozen in time. 

A couple’s getaway

4. Temper the chill by dipping in hot springs

Vancouver also offers more literally immersive winter holidays. Scandinave Spa in Whistler is a luxurious oasis of warmth embedded within a large area of old-growth forest, where guests can alternate between submerging in bubbling outdoor springs and resurfacing to feel the bite of cold air on the skin. Meanwhile, Banff Upper Hot Springs ’ pool-sized springs are more casual and suitable for friend groups and active travellers who want a soak after spending the day exploring the mountains.

Discover more outdoor spas near Vancouver here.

For the adventurous sightseer

5. Spot wildlife 

If you’ve ever reacted with a resounding “aww” to the sight of ermines bouncing between pockets in the snow or had your heart melted by an arctic fox in its pristine habitat, a winter wildlife trip may be ideal for you. Volunteer to survey the wild for wombats on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, go snowy owl-watching in New York’s Washington County Grasslands – an important site for migratory birds – or admire winged visitors such as pelicans and terns escaping the northern cold at South Padre Island in Texas.

6. Stargaze 

Longer nights and clearer air mean good conditions for stargazing. Travellers arriving from Manchester via Cathay’s flight network can make the trek to North York Moors , a designated International Dark Sky Reserve which hosts stargazing events each year and has plenty of accommodation geared to astrotourism. Other great spots to observe the cosmos include Sayram Lake and Hemu, Altay, both accessible from Urumqi, as well as Australia and New Zealand – which you can read all about here.

For active travellers 

7. Learn alternative winter sports 

In Vancouver, you can try winter activities like curling at one of the city’s curling clubs or snowshoeing on one of the nearby mountains like Cypress or Grouse, which are both considered beginner-friendly for people who stay active.  

If you prefer being on the ice, you could try your hand (and patience) at ice-fishing just outside Toronto on Lake Simcoe, which is home to the Canadian Ice Fishing Championship, or Lake Champlain, just a few hours’ drive from New York.