Top 10 ski vacations for non-skiers

6. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Southern Spain’s “snowy range” — the literal translation of Sierra Nevada — has an altitude of over 10,000 feet and boasts views of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains from its highest peak. But mountain caliber aside, the best thing about the Sierra Nevada, for those unwilling to schuss its powdery summits, is that the Moorish city of Grenada lies at its base — itself a compelling draw for its stunning European and Moorish architecture and Andalusian cuisine. This wonderfully well-preserved locale is home to the Alhambra, a spectacular hilltop fortress that was the seat of the Iberian Peninsula’s last Moorish kingdom, with palace after palace and a collection of exquisite gardens within its purview. Come nightfall, the historic Albaicín neighborhood’s whitewashed streets come to life with tapas bars and nightclubs.

7. Stowe, Vermont
A refuge for burnt-out East Coast city dwellers, Stowe is synonymous with laid-back living. Though wildly popular for its legendary, super-advanced “Front Four” pistes and night-skiing events, with only 4,600 permanent residents, peace and quiet is prominent in Vermont’s mountains. Featuring half-a-dozen wellness centers and spas, as well as yoga and Pilates centers, over-worked bodies find refuge away from the slopes, and in the warm whirlpools at Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. Stowe also attracts New England families looking to reconnect, since attractions like the The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, and a cider mill provide entertaining experiences for all ages.

8. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley may have opened in 1936 as the Rockies' first ski resort, but its good-old-fashioned Western charm makes it equally captivating off the slopes. The saloon-filled town of Ketchum at the mountain’s base is rife with art galleries showcasing Western and Modern art, and even boasts its own Sun Valley Opera House, ideal for cinema-goers. Other popular winter pastimes like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are on tap at the Sun Valley Nordic Center & Snowshoe Lodge or Galena Lodge, while après-ski options range from old Hollywood haunts like the Duchin Lounge to the ruggedly classic Pioneer Saloon, an old Western homestead. Literary buffs can also pay their respects to the grave of Ernest Hemingway, who was buried in the town cemetery; he wrote parts of For Whom the Bell Tolls while living in town.

9. Taos, New Mexico

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While New Mexico might not be the first place you'd think of as a snow destination, the little town of Taos is actually home to the state’s highest mountain, Wheeler Peak (with an elevation of 13,161 feet). The range here provides the town's renowned local art colony with abundant outdoor recreational fun, as sunny winter days are met by feather-light powder across the Taos Ski Valley, Carson National Forest, and Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. When not playing in the snow, the town’s 5,000-plus residents support a high number of A-list restaurants, many of which turn out great Southwestern cuisine. Book yourself into one of the city's unique inns and you can also discover the area's ancient Taos Pueblo, a Native American site that's been inhabited for at least 1,000 years.

10. Queenstown, New Zealand
Surrounded by New Zealand’s Southern Alps on the edge of scenic Lake Wakatipu, nature has indeed blessed Queenstown with a prime setting for winter pursuits. While skiers and snowboarders flock to Coronet Peak for its diverse terrain, unbeatable views, and award-winning ski school, alternative ways to enjoy the snow (from tubing to superpipes) can be found at the family-friendly Remarkables Park. Adrenaline rushes also abound away from the snow, as you might expect of the town known for inventing the bungy jump; other daredevil options like jet boating and tandem skydiving can also be tried here all year long. The faint of heart needn’t fret, though, as a slew of quieter activities also abound, like wine-tasting, flightseeing over the nearby fjords, or attending the 10-day Lindauer Winter Festival, a Queenstown staple since 1975 that showcases over 60 events, from jazz nights to firework displays.

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