If you're not into skiing, a snowshoe walk is a great way to see the sights. Photo / iStock
If you're not into skiing, a snowshoe walk is a great way to see the sights. Photo / iStock
We know what it feels like. The whole family is geared up for a family ski trip and you're cringing.
Perhaps it's that you're not confident enough on the slopes, or maybe you purely don't like the idea of sliding all day on two planks up and down mountains of snow.
That's OK, to save you from sitting on the sidelines looking glum we've put together a list of fun alternatives to skiing this winter.
Note: A lot of these activities still require you to dress for the elements. Sorry, but if you're going to be at the snow there's no way you can avoid the cold.
How would you feel about two tennis rackets strapped to your feet?
It's an age old snow activity and the technology hasn't improved much. It basically entails walking, jumping or running (if you can) on the snow. It's an easy activity to pick up quickly and little effort is involved. Make sure you take your camera with you as many tours take you right through the centre of the snow parks.
NZ Snowshoe offer snowshoeing adventures in Queenstown to suit all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
TOBOGGANING
You can still enjoy the snow without having to strap skis to your legs. You can put together teams of two or four and hurl down the slopes and race each other. Just make sure you select an area that is clear of rocks, trees and other obstacles; though most resorts will have their own designated tobogganing area.
Children on toboggans hurtle down the Alpine Meadow at Turoa skifield on Mt Ruapehu. Photo / Alan Gibson
So if you don't feel like a day of skiing, try and encourage your family to get involved in a tobogganing race.
HELICOPTER RIDE
Don't fancy staying on the ground? Weather permitting, you could always experience your snow trip from the sky. It's the ultimate adventure experiencing a bird's eye view of the snow capped mountains.
A helicopter tour is a great way to see the Remarkables. Photo / Ross Setford
A lot of ski resorts now offer a helicopter experience, with several companies offering scenic tours of Queenstown It's not a cheap adventure, so be prepared to may a considerable amount of money. It's definitely worth it though, as you'll get to see some sights that just aren't possible on the ground.
SNOW PICNIC
A food experience wouldn't get much fresher than sitting in the crisp air dining on a meal. Everybody needs to eat at some stage during the day, so why don't you pack a hamper and find a soft patch of snow to set up?
Hot drinks are essential to any snow picnic. Photo / iStock
It's an opportunity to make it your own. Pack a selection of sandwiches, or put together a spread of luxurious meats and cheeses.
SNOW SCULPTING
This activity doesn't have to be restricted to children. It doesn't have to be restricted to building a snowman, either. Many people can spend hours in the crisp now crafting magnificent structures.
The Sapporo Snow Festival features amazingly intricate snow sculptures. Photo / iStock
Whether your tool of choice is your hands, a spade or even a saw, you can use your holiday to get creative, and competitive. If you're after some inspiration, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan has a whole competition dedicated to professional snow sculptures. It attracts people from all over the world.
APRÈS-SKI
Came to the snow to indulge rather than conquer the pistes? There's no harm in starting the party early by skipping the snow and visiting the resort bar. You came for a holiday, right? So you may as well be rested. Maybe a dip in the jacuzzi is called for.
DOG SLEDDING
If you don't feel like towing yourself around, let a dog do it for you. It's a fun and relaxing way of sampling the scenery while being towed in a sled pulled by a team of beautiful Siberian Huskies.
Dog Sledding at Quiet Running, south of Wanaka. Photo / Supplied
South of Wanaka, Quiet Running offer a dog sledding experience for children and adults, with seven purebreed Siberian huskies ready to show you around.
Many people find the excitement of the dogs enough to get them pumped up to watch them race. The Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic brings a collection of mushers and their sled dog teams from Australia and around the world to race the slopes. It's the perfect Winter Wonderland experience - mush!
EVENTS
Usually the high season brings a variety of bands and artists to the snow fields for concerts. Sit around with your friends in the pop-up beer garden and listen to your favourite music under the alpine sky.
Mophie Mountain Bikes On Snow at the Queenstown Winter Festival. Photo / Supplied
There are always kid-friendly concerts and events too, so make sure you check them out.
The Queenstown Winter Festival draws around 45,000 people to the region with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, and there's plenty on for families as well.
