No Skills Necessary: Unique Adventures to Try in Europe in ‘10
Europe makes it easy to live an adventurous life. I mean, there’s so many fun things to do no matter the season, from hiking to mountain biking, skiing to snowboarding, kayaking to rock climbing, the terrain makes fun limitless. I guess if you’re still reading this, you want to hear more. The winter months, by all means, is no exception in finding that adventurous something to do. If life has got you pinned down and you’re looking for an adrenaline tap, then look no farther than these unique escapades. Though some skills are necessary to enjoy a winter ski getaway, what I’m talking about today requires no previous skills whatsoever.
No Ordinary Tobogganing
I’ve never really stopped to think what the world really thinks of an adult tobogganer. I mean, if you’re with the kids or being goofy, then it may pass as acceptable. If, however, you’re alone and suggest a day of tobogganing, you may get officially reamed by your friends.
Unless…unless you also mention that you’re going to Europe’s longest tobogganing slope in Val Thorens, France. Perhaps you’ve earned a smirk then. Anyway, this particular toboggan run runs for over 6 km (it takes me nearly 30 minutes to run this distance!) and is Europe’s longest (as far as I know). Instead of riding on an official toboggan, you’ll grab a plastic-y sled-like contraption from the Toboggan Chalet and hitch a ride on the next available gondola to the 3000 meter top. Though daunting at first, just sit down, hold on, and let ‘er fly—you are a proud adult tobogganer. Crashes and wipeouts are likely, by the way.
Update: Supposedly, there’s a 15km toboggan run in Grindelwald, and they use real toboggans-who knew?
Winter Zip Lining
One of the only places in Europe to winter zip line (again, at least as far as I know) is in Kronplatz Plan de Corones in the Dolomites (Dolmiti Superski) in Italy. They say that this is the biggest zip lining in the winter in Europe, and they might be right: With over 3000 meters of track and heights well over 100 meters and speeds in excess of 75 kph, this should break the ice cap from your adrenal gland in no time. The dome mountains in the background—the Plan de Corones—is dotted with great little retreats, villages, getaways and restaurants. Skiing and boarding here is easy if coming for one zip line tour seems too expensive. There are over 100 slopes to choose from and some late night skiing to enjoy after the apres-ski parties.
Winter Paintballing in Madrid
Did I mention, shirtless, if you want. If the rest of the family is off skiing, then you can take a no-skills-necessary trip to Madrid where paintball goes all year round, day and night. Though some may think that you have to have some previous experience, you don’t—just rent the best and fastest gun and the most paintballs and go ape-crazy. If you’re in some sort of cardio shape, just run, dodge and shoot like wild. You can try other strategies, but this will require skills, something I don’t suggest acquiring too soon. This shirtless escapade won’t last long if you’ve end up diving chest-first into the snow.
Great tips for travelers seeking to experience a truly unique adventure!
I think you can toboggan run in Grindelwald. I think it has the longest toboggan run and goes for well over 6km. Though the one in Val Thorens would be exciting too. Never been.
There are all kinds of skill-less things to do while on ski holiday in Europe. I don’t ski or snowboard and hardly do anything active but I do like to go outside during the trip. I often tell my friends about all the other things you can do. Like, I go to take sleigh rides during the afternoon or evening and just ride the gondolas up and down the slopes. You can go tubing, play with your kids in the snow or go relax in the outdoor (some natural) spas. No skills required.
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