Staying Fit
So what if you don't ski? There are lots of wonderful places where you can soak up the culture and beauty of a mountain destination in winter without hitting the slopes (including in the U.S.). I love these four areas because they all offer plenty to do besides skiing, which makes them ideal winter getaways for multigenerational groups — or couples with different ideas of fun.
Canadian destinations currently offer good value thanks to the relative strength of the U.S. dollar. And while getting to Europe can be pricey, lift tickets tend to be less expensive, and most hotels include breakfast.
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Zermatt, Switzerland
Ian Dagnall/Alamy Stock Photo
The Matterhorn lords over Zermatt, a car-free village pocketed amidst seemingly endless lift-zippered peaks. Two gondola lifts provide access for skiers and nonskiers alike to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise's 12,740-foot summit for spectacular views. On the newest lift, four of the 25 cable cars are encrusted with Swarovski crystals and (egad!) glass bottoms. Don't miss the observation deck, ice sculpture-filled glacier palace or cinema at the top.
You can also immerse yourself in Zermatt's rich history, including its impressive climbing heritage, in the subterranean Matterhorn Museum. Walk through the Old Village, where traditional houses rest on flat stones atop stilts, an ingenious design to keep out mice. Cheese is also part of Switzerland's heritage, and one fun way to enjoy it is with fondue at Restaurant Gitz-Gadi. Later, glide along a 3-kilometer toboggan run with the moon and stars illuminating the way and only the soft whoosh of the runners breaking the silence.
Where to stay: The Hotel National, with an indoor pool, is steps from the Zermatt-Sunegga lifts. Hotel Holiday, about 10 minutes from the town center, offers good value in often-expensive Zermatt. An electric bus makes it easy to get around.
