Summary
Yes—ski resorts are enjoyable even if you don’t ski. Choose your ways to engage: relax in spa sanctuaries, enjoy gourmet meals, take scenic gondola or lift rides, explore winter hiking & snowshoeing, shop, or sip in a cozy lounge. A place like Riverfront Village in Avon, Colorado, exemplifies this possibility. You can have a full-fledged mountain vacation without ever putting on skis.
Mountains aren’t only for those who can carve fresh powder—they’re for anyone seeking serene vistas, crisp air, and restorative downtime. Let’s explore exactly what makes ski resorts delightfully fun for non-skiers, especially in places like Riverfront Village in Avon, CO.
What Non-Skiers Can Do at a Ski Resort
What activities at ski resorts don’t require skiing? There are a ton. Many resorts these days have diversified their offerings to cater to non-skiers seeking adventure, peace, or culture.
- Snowshoeing or winter hiking through groomed or backcountry trails—quiet, beautiful, and accessible.
- Tubing, sledding, or fat biking—great fun without needing ski lessons.
- Scenic gondola or lift rides just to soak in the views.
- Après-ski culture: spas, hot tubs, lounges, live music, and comfort food.
- Shopping, café stops, cultural events & photography.
Why Non-Skiing Still Delivers the Full Resort Vibe
Here’s what a skiing-centric vs. non-skiing stay often looks like, particularly in places like Riverfront Village:
| Feature | For Skiers | For Non-Skiers / Shared Benefits |
| Primary activity | Downhill ski / snowboarding | Snowshoe/hike, gondola ride, lounging, spa, shopping |
| Gear & effort | Specialized equipment, physical skill, time spent learning or improving | Light-to-moderate physical activity; minimal gear needed |
| Ideal schedule | Early starts, lift times, slope schedules, après ski end times | More flexible, relaxing pace; more free choices |
| Accommodation priorities | Ski-in/ski-out, gear storage, proximity to lifts | Views, comfort, hot tubs, spa access, riverside or balconied rooms |
| Resort amenities that matter | Ski valet, lifts, slope map access, lessons | Wellness, dining variety, marketplace, lounges, pools, shopping |
Riverfront Village delivers many of the shared benefits (amenities, comfort, access, aesthetics) while also maintaining easy access to mountain scenery and ski infrastructure for guests who do ski.
- Your lodging options are flexible: you can stay in a hotel suite with all the resort comforts, or in townhomes/condos with kitchens etc.
- Food & drink variety means you can dine elegantly or casually—bars, lounge, market café, restaurants on site.
- The wellness facilities (Spa Anjali, fitness studios) and relaxing water features (hot tubs, pools) give non-skiers plenty to do just enjoying the resort.
Want a mountain vacation where you can fully unwind, enjoy luxury, and soak up scenery—no skis required? Reach out to Riverfront Village in Avon, Colorado to book your stay today. Call 866-940-8154 or email reservations@riverfrontvillageavon.com to check availability, special packages, and what amenities best match your vision.
FAQ
- What is snowshoeing and how does it differ from hiking?
Snowshoeing is walking over snow using special footwear that distributes your weight so you don’t sink. Showshoe trails may be groomed or ungroomed. It’s slower than summer hiking, but quieter and uniquely scenic in snow. - What does “Après-ski” mean and can non-skiers enjoy it?
Après-ski refers to social, relaxing, or festive activities after the ski day, like drinks, food, live music, relaxing in lounges. Yes, non-skiers can absolutely enjoy après-ski, no skiing required, just the ambiance and the fun. - What is a gondola plaza/access?
That’s usually an area where a gondola lift takes you up part-way (for views, dining, etc.). Gondola Plaza often includes shops, cafés, gear rental/valet services, making it a hub of activity, not just for skiers. Riverfront Village has a Gondola Plaza connection making views and access very convenient. - Is Riverfront Village walkable for non-skiers?
Yes. It’s designed to be walkable: shops, cafés, wellness amenities, Gondola Plaza, and restaurants are close or onsite. You don’t have to drive everywhere if you prefer more relaxed movement.
