One of the top winter activities for sports enthusiasts and vacationers alike is a good ole fashioned skiing trip. During the winter months, it is not surprising to have all the hotels and cabins booked up and filled with vacationers eager to spend weekends or even weeks skiing to their hearts’ content. However, even the best planned vacation can suffer some setbacks. Mountain weather is notorious for its unpredictability and can turn suddenly dangerous quickly. Blizzards and ice storms can shut ski slopes down for days. What will you do if you can’t hit the slopes? Here is how to handle unexpected days indoors during a ski lodge vacation.
1. Go snow shoeing instead
Perhaps the weather is too dangerous up in the mountains. However, this does not mean you can’t strap some snow shoes to your boots and go for a stroll around your favorite skiing town! Snow shoeing is a great way to get exercise and experience nature. The best part of it that a little bit of extra snow makes the adventure more fun. As long as you aren’t stuck in a dangerous life threatening weather situation, snow shoeing may just save the day when your ski plans are cancelled.
2. Aprés Ski
Aprés ski is a term for hanging out with friends and relaxing after a long day of skiing. You don’t have to be worn out and frost bitten to participate in this activity though. If inclement weather has cancelled your skiing plans, skip straight to relaxing at a saloon, pub, or hotel lobby bar or enjoy a hot coffee while the snow falls. Most mountain towns have pubs and saloons especially for this purpose and may even have some exciting drink specials to mark any tumultuous weather.
3. Relax Indoors
Take full advantage of the amenities offered in your lodging and enjoy a stress free and relaxing day indoors. Most hotel lodging will include the basic amenities you need to make you feel at home. Stay in and relax with some hot chocolate and take in a movie on cable television or on DVD. Cozy up on the couch or in bed with a good book, or simply invite your friends over for drinks and a game of cards.
4. Go on a date instead
Even if your skiing break was unintended, it may be the perfect excuse to slow down and let the vacation take a more romantic turn. The best mountain towns offer a wide variety of fine dining experiences. Everything from American food to more culturally diverse options are available. Take your significant other out for some wining and dining and save the chairlifts for another day.
5. Nightlife
After spending an afternoon engaging in Aprés Ski activities it may be necessary to take things up a notch. Go out on the town and enjoy some dancing, live music, and social clubs.
Don’t let bad weather keep you from enjoying your vacation. With this list of activities, you have no excuse to let unfortunate events keep you from having fun.