No skis? No problem
As the leading experts in luxury skiing, here at Powder Byrne we are unsurprisingly pretty passionate about the sport and everything it entails. But while most people love the alpine lifestyle (fondue and glühwein in a cosy cabin anyone?) we’ll be the first to admit skiing itself isn’t for everyone. Be it age, injury, or a bit of common sense, whatever your reasons for choosing not to hurl yourself down the slopes, thanks to our Mountain Host programme there is as much for non-skiers to enjoy in our resorts as there is for the skiers.
Walking
One of the best ways to fully appreciate stunning mountain scenery is on foot, you’re able to stop at any moment for a quick snap or to simply take it all in – without any danger of crashing! An activity that is accessible to most and can be tailored to your level, a winding walk in the mountains is the perfect option for those who want to explore their surrounds without any adrenaline-fuelled action. Our Powder Byrne Mountain Hosts lead regular guided walks and provide assistance with shuttle services to ensure that you can make it to lunch with the skiing members of your party.
Powder Byrne Favourite: San Cassiano
The distinctive, craggy rock formations that make up the Dolomites create breath-taking scenery, paired with an azure sky and fluffy, snow-capped trees you could easily believe you’d wandered into Narnia. One of the most pleasant and accessible routes to enjoy the landscape runs from San Cassiano to Corvara along a gentle riverside path, ending with a bubble ride up the mountain to convene with the skiers and savour a delicious lunch. After a drop-off in a Powder Byrne shuttle at a convenient starting point with your guide, meander along at a leisurely pace through the trees, stopping regularly to admire the picturesque scenery. A couple of hours later, having worked up a good appetite, you’ll be ready for an al fresco lunch up the mountain – your guide can book this for you in advance and liaise with our ski managers to ensure any skiers meeting you arrive right on time. By the time you’ve finished sampling the delicious food in the sun (and perhaps a few glasses of wine!) a Powder Byrne shuttle will be ready and waiting to return you to your hotel, providing a smooth and easy ending to the day.
Spa & Wellness
If it’s a little rest and relaxation you’re after then a yoga class or some wellness treatments could be just what the doctor ordered. The clear mountain air of the Alps is hailed for its healing and restorative properties, the perfect place to indulge in some self-care. Prior to your trip our Client Concierge team can book any number of spa treatments for you at your hotel, or once you’re there your Resort Manager will always be on hand to assist with any bookings.
Powder Byrne Favourite: Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa
Designed by celebrated architect Mario Botto, the spa at Tschuggen Grand Hotel is legendary and a particular favourite with our clients. An extensive selection of beauty and wellness treatments awaits you within the spectacularly striking and grand, 5,000sqm spa. For a truly indulgent day of pampering, begin with a dip in the outdoor relaxation pool followed by a private yoga session to really awaken the senses. Next, explore the full offering of saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools at your disposal and if the weather allows, catch the afternoon sun whilst reclining on one of the four sun terraces. Complete your day of bliss with an Ayurvedic massage, these treatments mine knowledge that is thousands of years old to help you achieve inner harmony and balance. By the time your party return from the slopes you will be so glowing and relaxed they’ll wish they had joined you in the spa!
Tobogganing
For adventurous non-skiers who are still after a rush of adrenaline, tobogganing is an extremely exhilarating option – especially if you have a taste for speed. Tobogganing is an activity offered across many of our resorts and is also a fantastic alternative on family day if the kids want to try something different, allowing you to enjoy an activity altogether. Your Resort Manager will be available to help organise a day of thrills on the slopes, supporting with shuttle services where needed.
Powder Byrne Favourite: Zermatt
The Rotenboden toboggan run on the Gornergrat in Zermatt is one of the highest in the Alps, as well as being one of the most striking, with stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn providing the ultimate backdrop as you whizz down the slopes. A cog train runs every ten minutes from Riffelberg at the bottom of the run, allowing you to catch the views in a more leisurely manner if you happen to miss them on the way down! Once you’ve rented your sledge at the summit station, it’s time to hop on and hit the slope. The pacey descent covers 234 vertical metres and takes approximately ten minutes, this run is ranked at an easy level making it family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages. There are plenty of refreshment stops in the area if you decide to stay for longer and course, if you fancy another ride, just take the cog train back to the top of the run and repeat!
Snowshoeing
Widely believed to be one of the oldest winter pastimes, what started as an essential method of transport long ago has become an extremely popular recreational activity. Snowshoeing or snowshoe hiking is a method of hiking that involves shoes to help displace weight more evenly on the snow and provide better movement. Walking in this way allows you to traverse powdery trails with ease and can often open up more of the mountain than is available to skiers. With no experience necessary, snowshoeing is an excellent way for the novice or the more seasoned mountaineer to explore the mountain at a gentle pace.
Powder Byrne Favourite: Zürs | Lech
In the ski area of Zürs & Lech there are over 40km of groomed trails to discover on snowshoes, as well as snowshoe hikes for those who’d rather go off the beaten track. For a really special snowshoeing experience, try a torchlit excursion with our local guides. Starting in the late afternoon light at 4pm, soak up the magical evening atmosphere as you make your way through the trees, whilst being regaled with stories from the locals, admiring the stars and warming up with hot drinks along the way. This is also a wonderful activity to do with children on family day – one they certainly won’t forget.
At Powder Byrne we make it our mission to ensure that everyone gets the most out of their holiday, whatever their interests and activity levels. With our experienced Mountain Hosts on hand you won’t have to worry about the hassle of arranging activities or the challenge of navigating the unknown. Whether you want to unwind in the hotel spa, check out the local culture spots or try your hand at something more active, we will make sure there is plenty to keep you happy and entertained.
Call 02082465300 or enquire online to find out more about our mountain host programme.
