The 8 Best Ski Resorts With Fun Activities for Non-Skiers

1. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City is the epitome of the American mountain town experience. If you're not interested in exploring the astounding 7,300 acres of skiable terrain at Park City Mountain Resort, fear not; the town of Park City has plenty to keep you entertained.

A simple stroll down Park City's Main Street opens the door to countless hours of shopping, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. We recommend checking out Visit Park City's robust events calendar prior to arrival. Some of favorite restaurants include: Flying Sumo Sushi, High West, and No Name Saloon.

Park City hosted many of the athletes and events for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and will once again in 2034. Non-skiers will enjoy taking a guided tour through the Utah Olympic Park, which features an impressive museum. Thrill seekers can hop in a guided bobsled run down the sliding track used for the 2002 games.

2. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Similar to Park City, Aspen Snowmass' status as an iconic mountain town is well-known. The four immaculate ski resorts attract the world's best and wealthiest skiers, but the town of Aspen has plenty for non-skiers to enjoy.

The town of Aspen has a massive shopping and restaurant district that's meant for pedestrians. With nearly every luxury and designer brand having a store front, the experience is quite ... eclectic.

Aspen Mountain offers sightseeing rides The Silver Queen Gondola and an alpine coaster for non-skiers who still want some thrills.

3. Jay Peak, Vermont

So, you're not up for tackling Vermont's snowiest ski resort? No sweat, we get it. Jay Peak does too.

Jay is also home to Vermont's only indoor waterpark. It's open daily during the winter. The park has a lazy river, numerous waterslides, an arcade, and other theme park entertainment and attractions. It's a great place to unwind protected from the harsh weather of a Vermont winter. Jay Peak also has a climbing gym, full-service spa, and snowshoe rentals.

4. Camelback Mountain, Pennsylvania

Similar to Jay Peak, Camelback Mountain has an indoor water park, but this is no run-of-the-mill park. Aquatopia, as it's known, is massive, with 13 water slides and hundreds of thousands of square feet of indoor entertainment.

Aquatopia is so large, in fact, that it has become a major attraction for folks in nearby cities like New York City and Philadelphia who have no interest in skiing whatsoever. If the waterpark isn't your vibe, consider checking out Camelback's large snow tubing park. With 40 lanes and colorful lights, the night tubing experience is a blast.

5. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb is back on another best-of list here at POWDER. It's hard not to include the resort on this list due to the size of the Whistler village and numerous off-mountain activities within reach.

There are dozens of businesses that can help you explore Whistler without ever stepping foot in a pair of ski boots. Snowshoe rentals, snowmobile tours, zip lining, and scenic tours of the ski mountain itself are available. We recommend purchasing sightseeing tickets to ride the incredible Peak 2 Peak Gondola that connects upper Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Whistler's village has countless restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses to explore throughout your trip, but if you're looking for an excursion, consider visiting Vallea Lumina. It's a brilliant multimedia light show interwoven with a natural forest just outside of Whistler. You kind of have to see it to believe it.

6. Smugglers' Notch, Vermont

Smugglers' Notch is known as 'America's Family Resort,' but this quaint ski haven in Vermont's Green Mountains has tons to offer.

Non-skiers can embark on a snowshoe hike, take a guided snowmobile tour along the snow-covered and seasonally closed Notch Road, relax with a massage at one of the spas, or enjoy one of Smuggs' free shows. The resort also has a variety of heated and covered pools and hot tubs.

7. Heavenly Resort, California/Nevada

Heavenly Resort is one of only four ski resorts to straddle a state's border. That's a cool anecdote you can save for a future conversation, but for non-skiers, it's important for one reason—gambling.

Heavenly is located split between South Lake Tahoe, California, and Stateline, Nevada. The Nevada side, as one might assume, is loaded with casinos. Now, you won't find Las Vegas-level entertainment, but there are plenty of casinos to explore and entertainment to be had. Non-gamblers will still enjoy Heavenly's incredible views of Lake Tahoe, various shopping centers, and excellent restaurants and nightlife.

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