This winter offers a variety of outdoor experiences across Europe’s mountain regions, catering to enthusiasts of snowshoeing, ice-skating, and other alpine activities.

In the French Alps, the Chamonix valley serves as an appealing destination for winter adventurers. Responsible Travel has introduced a four-night self-guided snowshoeing holiday based in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, a traditional mountain spa town. The itinerary includes trekking through the snow-laden Vallorcine valley, hiking among larch meadows and pine forests, and ascending via the Flégère gondola to a balcony trail overlooking Mont Blanc. Participants can also take in views from the summit of Mont d’Arbois at 1,833 meters. Despite the visible retreat of glaciers due to climate change, the Mont Blanc massif remains a highlight, with the Montenvers cog train providing access to the Mer de Glace, a five-mile-long glacier. Visitors can descend into the Grotte de Glace, an ice tunnel carved into the glacier, for €49.70, which includes the train, gondola, and ice cave entry. More challenging snowshoeing routes are available around Les Contamines-Montjoie, featuring climbs through pine forests and sightings of nearby glaciers. The recently opened Mont-Blanc Museum in Chamonix chronicles the region’s alpine history, displaying historic artifacts including memorabilia from the 1924 Winter Olympics and the walking stick of Jacques Balmat, who completed the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786. For those seeking higher elevations without mountaineering, the Aiguille du Midi cable car reaches 3,842 meters, with round-trip fares at €43, and the nearby La Luge toboggan run offers additional downhill thrills.

Further east, Transylvania’s Carpathian Mountains provide a winter experience marked by wildness and wildlife. A week-long guided trip operated by Exodus sets off from the village of Magura, positioned over 1,000 meters above sea level. The region is noted for its substantial populations of large predators, including an estimated 10,000 brown bears and 2,500 grey wolves in Romania. The excursions include snowshoeing and crampon hikes through the Piatra Craiului national park, with routes that lead to the high ridge of Dealul Măgurice and the plateau between the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains. A notable trek passes through Zărnești Gorge, featuring vertical limestone walls rising 200 meters above the icy canyon floor. Off the trail, visitors can explore medieval churches, the cobbled old town of Brașov, and the Libearty bear sanctuary, which cares for over 120 rescued bears. Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, is also accessible, offering a gothic ambiance during the quieter winter months. This week-long itinerary starts at £1,459 per person and includes accommodation, meals, transport, guiding, and equipment.

In Austria, Innsbruck combines urban charm with alpine access, surrounded by the Austrian Alps and near 12 ski areas reachable by public transport. The city features architectural landmarks such as the Bergisel ski jump, designed by Zaha Hadid, which offers panoramic views from its observation deck, and the Nordpark Cable Railway stations employing glass canopies inspired by ice formations. Non-ski activities include bobsleigh runs on the Olympic track at Igls and night sledding at Rangger Köpfl. Visitors can also experience overnight stays in igloo villages like Iglu-Dorf in Kühtai, Austria’s highest ski resort. Innsbruck’s Christmas markets, which begin in November, offer seven venues around the city, featuring local specialties such as kiachl, a versatile doughnut-style pastry. The city’s new ice skating event, Ice Magic, introduces illuminated ice paths connecting various locations, complemented by light shows, discos, and DJs, with ticket prices starting at €8.

Scandinavia offers a different kind of ice adventure with Nordic or wild skating, a sport with roots in Sweden dating back to the early 20th century. Stockholm is a hub for this activity, supported by the Skridskoseglarklubb (“Skate Sailing Club”) with over 10,000 members who share information on ice conditions. Nordic skates differ from recreational skates by their long blades, and participants often carry poles and flotation gear for safety on natural ice. Ice Guide in Stockholm offers day trips and multi-day tours onto Lake Mälaren or the Baltic Sea archipelago, with prices starting at £143 and including equipment and guides. Popular skating sites also include Hellasgården, featuring ploughed tracks and ice holes for swimming, with sauna facilities. In the city center, public ice rinks such as Kungsträdgården and events like Djurgården IF ice hockey matches provide urban skating opportunities. Accommodation options like Ruby Frida, which opened this summer with room rates starting at £70, cater to visitors seeking winter sports experiences in Stockholm.

Together, these destinations showcase a range of winter activities beyond traditional skiing, blending outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and regional heritage across Europe’s snowy landscapes.