To ski or not to ski

That is the question! For adrenaline junkies with a head for heights and a penchant for après, it's a no-brainer. But what about the rest of us? Those who are here for a mountain-top Aperol, a fireside fondue and the Alpine chalet vibes? The mountains are yours, too.

Even for seasoned skiers, there's snowshoeing and mountain orienteering to mix up the shredding. And if your answer is still 'ski', we're showcasing the spots that feel less 'resort' and more rustic. This week, I'm gliding (carving, swooshing, etc.) into your inbox with a seasonal mountain dispatch: to ski, or not to ski?

To ski!

Valentin Kremer

The classic one: St Moritz, the Alps

A Swiss classic, with a hit of Alpine glamour. Olympic-grade slopes, mountain railways and a wood-clad chalet for kicking back with a citrusy St. Moritzino.

Dylan Shaw

The magical one: Ounasvaara Ski Resort, Finnish Lapland

There's the magic of waking up to snow, and then there's Ounasvaara. Lapland's star ski resort is reachable by sleeper train at the edge of the Arctic Circle, where the Aurora dances above the slopes and mountain trails. Oh, and Santa Claus lives just down the road.

Michał Lis

The newbie one: Polana Szymoszkowa, Zakopane, Poland

Integrate the perfect introductory ski experience as part of a trip through Poland. With fewer crowds than the Alps and significantly cheaper day passes, it's the best way to dabble before going full send. 

....Or not to ski!

Maël BALLAND

Snowshoeing in Gstaad

If you’ve felt the call of the snow-capped mountains but aren’t tempted by bombing down a mountainside at eye-watering speeds, consider snowshoeing. No ski skills required, but you'll get your steps in to fully earn that post-exercise chocolate fondue. 

Kevin Schmid

Mountain railways and wood chalets

Zermatt might be known for enviable piste runs, but the best views of the Matterhorn are just as easily seen from the window seat on the charming cog railway between Zermatt and Gornergrat. From an Alpine hideaway in the car-free town, there’s enough to make this a full-blown retreat without even needing to hit the slopes, from spa days to mountainside fondue.

Winter mountaineering in Scotland

Just a Caledonian Sleeper train ride away from London is the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park: Scotland's outdoor playground of snow-covered peaks, steep ridges and icy gullies. Opt for an intro mountaineering course for real adventure without the shredding. No ski skills required, just miles of snowy views and lungfuls of mountain air.

With cinema-worthy train views, rail travel is the only way we'll be heading to the mountains. Scenic, but also carbon-friendly (there's no skiing on an overheated planet). And whether you're a first-lift-of-the-day type or you're as rusty on the slopes as I am - fear not. A mountainside chocolat chaud or Aperol is never far away.

Race you to the top!