I have just got wind of the new Neilson 12/13 ski brochure.   I never can get my head around how early the new brochures come around again!   Fresh for next winter the company has more adventure options which is exciting to see.   They include husky-dog sledding, cross country, snowshoeing and ice fishing in Sweden, or visiting Finland to see the Northern Lights and meet the Sami people and their reindeer or taking guided snowshoe treks in France, Italy and Switzerland with an overnight stay in the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery at an altitude of 2,469m.

I’m delighted to see these additional activities widening the definition of a winter snow holiday.   At the Responsible Skiing Conference back in October, I explained the benefits of such holidays for both the operators and the destinations.   For operators it gives them access to a much wider market – those people looking for a winter holiday not just skiers, and for destinations – the more activities there are, the more livelihood options there are for local people and the less they need to rely on large amounts of snow.   Not forgetting customers – these can create some really memorable trips and get you much closer to the local culture and environment.  

This is what Responsible Skiing is all about.   They are great adaptation techniques that will help both become more sustainable in future and I’m glad to see people are taking note.

Responsible Skiing is about engaging with the mountain destination, enjoying a range of winter activities in beautiful surroundings, and having a fun and memorable stay, but not at the cost of the environment or the local population.  

Yellowstone in California – of course traditionally a warm weather destination – is realising it has a compelling mix of activities to make for a great winter holiday.

There are now “Yellowstone in Winter” programmes on offer with activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding and ranger talks.

“Devoid of crowds, winter in Yellowstone is an amazing time,” said Dan Austin, founding director of the programme.  “The cold temps make even more dramatic the thermal activity (geysers, bubbling mud pots, hot spring pools and steam vents).   The wildlife is concentrated in the warmer, snow-free geyser basins for easier viewing.  Whilst snowshoeing in the Upper Geyser Basin Trail guests will experience the largest concentration and nearly one-quarter of all the geysers in the world.”

There is no downhill skiing on offer in Yellowstone – but this development shows how destinations can rethink all the assets they have and create a whole new tourism season.    Maybe you know a place that is stunning in winter – but inexplicably chooses not to promote itself because it doesn’t have km of piste?

The most sustainable resorts reduce the seasonality of their offering to give rise to other benefits including longer term employment and more viable livelihoods and increased economic benefits to the destination.  

Demand for these other low impact activities continues to rise – does your destination have a range of activities to offer?   Remember – a range of activities helps keep your guests happy if the weather or snow lets you down!