Life is about experiences, and there’s no better way to enhance your ski holiday than by adding on some thrilling winter activities. While we love an epic ski or snowboard trip on incredible mountains worldwide, these destinations offer so much more. Whether it’s the excitement of an ice hockey game, the tranquility of ice fishing, or the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling, these activities will take your next ski holiday to a whole new level.
Aurora Lights
The best light show on earth—the aurora borealis, aka the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories. Combine your Canadian ski holiday with an expert-led trip to see the Northern Lights. Put a different spin on the night-life experience. From rugged “aurora-hunting” adventures to pampered stays at luxury lodges, it’s easy to add on this experience to your ski holiday in Canada. A bucket-list experience – Within Reach, Beyond Belief!
Example: from $1,700pp* Three nights accommodation in Yellowknife, plus travel to and from the Aurora Village. This is a destination full of magic and wonder. Located on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, this package includes everything you will need (including extra-warm clothing) to watch in comfort as the brilliant and beautiful Aurora lights dance across the northern sky.
Scenic Flights
A Bird’s Eye View: Imagine soaring high above snow-capped peaks and breathtaking landscapes. You get a real sense of just how vast these mountain landscapes are. Scenic flights are a bucket-list experience in many ski destinations. In Canada, you can enjoy helicopter flights over jagged peaks, spectacular national parks, and ancient glaciers. If you’re visiting Whistler, consider adding an ice cave tour to your itinerary: It’s a 60-minute scenic helicopter flight from Whistler, soaring over ancient glaciers. Your highly trained guide will take you for an interpretive tour through tunnels of azure blue crystalline formations and impressive vaulted ceilings of remote ice caves. The entire experience, including the flight, lasts around 60 minutes. This is an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime. Call our expert ski travel consultants to see what options are available near the ski resort you are visiting.
Example: Meribel, France from $145pp* travel&co consultants Claire and Josina took to the skies in Méribel, France, in March 2024 for a spectacular 15-minute flight over the French Alps. Give one of them a call to ask them about the experience.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile excursions will whisk you away into the enchanting backcountry where you’ll conquer an array of exhilarating trails. Along the way, you’ll see awe-inspiring mountain vistas and snow-covered evergreens on impressive backcountry trail networks. Snowmobiling options are endless, from short trail rides for breakfast, to après tours to an alpine hut for dinner. Tours cater to all experience levels. Our Account Manager Laura experienced this thrilling activity in Whistler in March 2024.
Example: Sun Peaks ”Date Night” from $NZ450 (single) / NZ$625 (Driver & Passenger)* A snowmobile tour that takes you to the quaint McGillivray Lake Outpost for a luxury charcuterie box from Ohana Deli. The cozy cabin is the perfect setting for an intimate getaway or platform for rehashing bold moments from the slopes. The Date Night tour isn’t only for lovers, but also friends and family. Capture the most dramatic sunset by snowmobile over the vast British Columbia views, or endless expanse of stars as you return to resort by headlights.
Snowmobiling is available at most ski resorts in Canada, the USA, and Japan, providing an added winter adventure no matter where you are. The experience varies at each resort and destination.
Snow Tubing, Sledding, Alpine Coaster & Ziplining
Snow tubing is pure fun for all ages. Resorts have a variety of options and lanes suitable for all ages. In Europe you can enjoy sledding. travel&co ski consultant Claire took on sledding in Val Thorens in France in 2024 – a 6km sled ride from the top of the gondola to the bottom on a dedicated sledding trail! Winter Ziplining in Whistler is a pure adrenaline high, with ziplines over 2 km long! Catch the magical alpenglow, or zip in the pristine tranquility of a snow fall. Alpine coasters are available in a number of USA ski resorts where riders wind their way through thrilling ride through picturesque snow-covered hills on an elevated track at speeds of up to 40kmph. In Japan, you can try snow rafting.
Dog Sledding: from NZ$605 per sled (1-2 people)*
Experience the thrill (and cuteness!) of dog sledding, a unique winter activity offered at ski resorts that lets you explore snowy landscapes in an unforgettable way. Guided by experienced mushers, you’ll glide through pristine trails pulled by enthusiastic sled dogs. Whether you’re a beginner or have tried it before, many resorts offer options to suit your level. Plus, most experiences include the chance to pat and cuddle the dogs or puppies! The specifics can vary depending on the resort and destination.
We can book dog sledding tours for you in Canada, the USA & Japan.
Ice Fishing: from NZ$650pp*
Ice fishing might not be the first activity you think of for a ski holiday, but it’s definitely worth considering. Rob and Sheree, the owners of travel&co, took a break from the slopes to try ice fishing. The peacefulness of the lake, the cozy tent, warm cocoa, and freshly cooked fish for lunch made for an unforgettable experience. We can book ice fishing tours for you in Canada, the USA & Japan.
Heli-skiing: from NZ$1,760pp*
Advanced and expert skiers can enjoy heli-skiing with no lift lines, breathtaking views, incredible vertical drops, and endless backcountry terrain. Single and multi-day trips are available, and some ski resorts offer this right from their doorstep. Cat skiing is another excellent option for powder lovers, with a snowcat ready to shuttle you back to the top for more runs. We can book heli-skiing in Canada & the USA, Back-country skiing is available in Japan. Cat-skiing available in Canada, USA and selected regions in Japan.
Bobsledding: from NZ$290pp*
Prepare for the ride of your life and start channeling those Cool Runnings vibes! Slide in a real four-person bobsleigh, driven by a trained pilot. Or go solo with the skeleton option!
Bobsledding is on offer in Whistler, Canada and Park City, Utah (host for the 2034 Winter Olympics).
National Parks: from NZ$125pp*
Discover the winter beauty of national parks on guided tours showcasing some of the most scenic and historically significant spots, along with opportunities to observe wildlife. Explore the wild expanses of the Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks near Jackson Hole, or enjoy ice walks in Banff National Park. With a variety of options available, these experiences are more affordable than you might expect. We can book tours for you in Alberta, Canada and Wyoming, USA.
Banff – Johnstons Ice Walk: from $NZ125pp*
This has to be one of the most unique experiences in Canada. Travel through prime wildlife habitat and admire the iconic frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon. Stunning views and a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above your head. An unforgettable experience.
Unique Experiences
- Japan: Snow Monkey Tours from $165pp*
These tours are a fantastic break from the slopes and a unique winter experience. If you’re skiing in Honshu, especially in the Hakuba region, add this to your itinerary. At Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, observe about 200 wild monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs. - Canada/USA: Ice Hockey Games: from $125pp*
Embrace the spirit of winter with an ice hockey game. Whether it’s a major league event or a local match near ski resorts, an evening at the rink is unforgettable. Canada’s passionate ice hockey culture comes highly recommended by the travel&co team. Canada is known for its passionate ice hockey culture. New for the 2024/25 season: You can now watch NHL games in Park City, Utah.
Our Top Tip: Just like accommodation, winter activities can sell out far in advance. Avoid disappointment by booking them through us at travel&co. at the same time as your accommodation and lift passes.
To book winter activities and/or your ski holiday including flights, transfers, accommodation call the expert ski travel consultants at travel&co. NZ Toll-Free on 0800 555 035 or click here to check out our latest deals.
*Conditions Apply: Prices are in NZD and an indication only. Prices are correct at the time of release, subject to availability and change without notice. Aurora Experience: Based on twin share, includes three nights accommodation, transfers, winter clothing, night viewing at Aurora Village (1-3 days). Heli-skiing: Based on 3 run Heliskiing adventure (Panorama), Scenic Flights: Meribel France per person. Dog Sledding: Sun Peaks example for a 1-hour experience. Snowmobiling: Sun Peaks Date Night experience. Ice Fishing: Sun Peaks. Snow Monkeys: Japan. Ice Hockey Games: Evening Tour from Sun Peaks to Kamloops Blazers game. Activities are subject to availability and may be weather dependent. Age, weight, and height restrictions may apply. Suppliers supply the product with their own terms and conditions. travel&co full terms and conditions apply.
