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If you want to enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland without exerting too much effort – or risking an injury or two – here are our tops tips for breaks that are so off-piste there isn’t a ski in sight!
Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan
Inside the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park there is a unique opportunity to watch wild Japanese Macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys, enjoying the equivalent of a hot-tub in the snow. Troops of monkeys come to bathe in a man-made pool, which is fed by a hot spring. It’s a popular spot all year round but more so from December to March when it snows.
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Stay at the original ICEHOTEL® in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Part hotel, part art installation, and one hundred percent luxury, the original ICEHOTEL® is an immersive travel experience built each year from snow and ice taken from the nearby Torn River. With temperatures of -7C, it is advisable to only spend your first or last night in a “cold room” where you’ll be given expedition quality sleeping bags to keep you warm over your thermal layers. The rest of your stay can be in the warmer parts of the hotel.
Go Dog Sledding in the Yukon, Canada
Husky adventure holidays are the next big thing, and there are plenty of hands-on options where you can look after the pack as well as have a go at mushing. A four-day experience is recommended for beginners, and you should be reasonably fit to take part. It is a fantastic way to see the more remote parts of Canada and feel at one with the wilderness in winter.
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Say Hi to Santa in Lapland
Deep inside the Arctic Circle it is easy for the younger members of the family to experience a truly magical Christmas experience. There are a number of resorts to choose from, and each has its own take on what the magic of Christmas is all about. Whether you like a fun-packed Santa theme park or something low key with outdoor adventure, Lapland is the place to be.
Don’t forget your travel insurance! KIDS GO FREE on many policies from Worldwideinsure.com and a whole host of winter sports are covered as standard.