Budget winter breaks

The non-skiers guide to soaking up the slopes’ vibe

T he winter season sees A-listers migrating to colder climes, where they swap their poolside snaps for selfies on the slopes. But skiing and snowboarding aren’t for the faint-hearted, and super-luxe resorts such as Aspen and Val-d’isère can leave you seriously out of pocket just before Christmas. And, if we’re honest, we’re more interested in the après ski. So, since there are tons of alpine-inspired bars and hotels to enjoy, welcome to the cheat’s guide to experiencing the thrill of the slopes without actually going near a pair of skis. Result.