Tomintoul Field of Hope, Tomintoul

The GuardianNov 1

It’s snow time: the best winter activity holidays in Europe for non-skiers

From husky sledding and chasing the northern lights in Lapland to bear-spotting in Transylvania, here’s our pick of wild and magical snowy breaks in Europe At Ruka, the first skiers of the year slalomed down the slopes on 2 October. Just inside the Arctic Circle, Ruka’s long snow-sure season and cosy village atmosphere make it a popular ski resort with Finnish families. The long polar nights me…

recommended viewing site for stargazing

25 things in this story

Discovery CentreMuseumlends out stargazing kits
Tomintoul Field of HopeSightrecommended viewing site for stargazing
Elsewhere
Aiguille du MidiSightChamonix, Francepeak reached by cable car from Chamonix
Ruka GuidesPlaceRuka, Finlandguided adventures from a dedicated activity centre
Santa’s CottageSightRuka, FinlandFather Christmas, Mrs Claus and elves live here
Stargazing StorywalksPlaceAviemore, United Kingdomafter-dark amble weaving Gaelic and Pictish tales
Lazy DuckHotelAbernethy, United Kingdomoff-grid huts with stargazing windows
SnowRoads routePlaceCairngorms, United Kingdomroute winding along the highest public roads
Saint-Gervais-les-BainsNeighborhoodChamonix, Francetraditional mountain spa town, base for snowshoeing
Vallorcine valleyNeighborhoodChamonix, Francesnow-covered valley for snowshoeing
Flégère gondolaSightChamonix, Franceused for balcony trail walk facing Mont Blanc
Mont d’ArboisSightChamonix, Francesummit with views, reached by trail
Montenvers cog trainSightChamonix, Francedinky red train up to Mer de Glace
Mer de GlaceSightChamonix, Francehuge river of ice between mountains
Grotte de GlaceSightChamonix, Franceblue tunnel carved into the glacier
Les Contamines-MontjoieTrailChamonix, Francecircular snowshoeing route
Plateau du TrucSightChamonix, Franceplateau with views of glaciers
Mont-Blanc MuseumMuseumChamonix, Francetraces valley's history and Alpine exploits
La LugeSightChamonix, Francenearby toboggan run
Piatra raiului national parkTrailCarpathian Mountains, Romaniapark for bear or wolf tracks
Villa HermaniGuest houseMagura, Romaniafamily-run guesthouse, base camp for hikes
Dealul MăguriceSightMagura, Romaniahigh ridge climbed on hikes
Zărnești GorgeSightMagura, Romaniagorge with vertical limestone walls
Libearty bear sanctuaryPlaceTransylvania, Romaniarescued over 120 brown bears
Bran CastleSightTransylvania, RomaniaDracula's lair, gothic turrets and towers

Read the full piece at The Guardian →

Tomintoul Field of Hope

In the coverage1 story

It’s snow time: the best winter activity holidays in Europe for non-skiers