Top four: Snow adventures for beginners

You don't have to hurtle down a black slope on your first foray on to the slopes. Let these activities help inspire your ice adventure

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 9 Apr 2019, 00:03 BST, Updated 12 Jul 2021, 14:07 BST

Snow adventures for beginners

Photograph by Jesse Hoffman

Vodka bar in Whistler

Plunge yourself into the world's coldest vodka tasting room. At -32C, the Ketel One Ice Room is the only permanent sub-zero vodka room in Canada, and features more than 50 varieties of the spirit from around the world. Guests learn how the extreme environment enhances the flavour of vodka and minimises the burn of the alcohol.

How to do it: Ten nights in Whistler start from £1,165 per person including accommodation at the Tantalus Resort Lodge, return flights from London and bus transfers or hire car. skisafari.com

Learn to build an igloo in Japan

Take a break from the slopes and spend a couple of hours learning how to make bricks from hard-pack snow and construct a traditional Inuit igloo. Afterwards, sit in your igloo and enjoy a cup of local tea.

How to do it: Ski Safari offers seven nights at the Always Niseko from £1,695 per person, including international flights and return transfers. skisafari.com

Ice climbing Franz Josef Glacier

Take a helicopter ride up to Franz Josef Glacier on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island for a day's ice climbing. You'll receive tuition from expert guides and on your return you can indulge in the local hot pools. Franz Josef Glacier Guides is owned by Ngai Tahu, the local South Island Maori tribe and all profits go directly to the community, helping to fund Maori education, language and culture.

How to do it: A one-day ice-climbing excursion with Franz Josef Guides costs NZ$525 (£285). Return flights from Heathrow to Queenstown start from £1,324. airnewzealand.co.nz

Trans-Siberian railway

Take the ultimate 15-day luxury train journey across Siberia from Vladivostok to Moscow aboard the Golden Eagle. Tour both these cities and many places in between, including Vladimir and Suzdal, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal and Ulaanbaatar, enjoying dinners on board and traditional Russian music in the piano bar.

How to do it: The Baltic Travel Company offers an eastbound departure (Moscow-Vladivostok) from 21 February-7 March, or a westbound departure (Vladivostok-Moscow) from 5-19 March, priced from £10,295 per person. baltictravelcompany.co.uk

Published in the December 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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