Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enjoy-a-spa-break-in-the-italian-alps">Enjoy a spa break in the Italian Alps    </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-2023-11-26T205719.889-1000x666.jpg" alt="My Arbor South Tyrol " class="wp-image-129551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-2023-11-26T205719.889-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-2023-11-26T205719.889-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-2023-11-26T205719.889.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Skiing will be the last thing on your mind when you check into spa and wellness hotel <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/active/review-my-arbor-south-tyrol-spa-hotel-italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">My Arbor</a> in the South Tyrol. With a whopping 10 treatment rooms, indoor-to-outdoor pool, relaxation rooms and sauna on the first floor, plus four further saunas, a heated outdoor whirlpool and ice-cold plunge pool on the lower floor, why would you go near a red run? Treatments range from facials to massages, peels, wraps and mani/pedis, all exceptionally well delivered. Also check out <a href="https://www.hotellemottaret.com/en/hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hôtel &amp; Spa Le Mottaret in Méribel</a>, where non-ski activities centre around the outdoor jacuzzi, heated pool, and lively après ski terrace. Read the full Muddy review <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/national/review-hotel-and-spa-le-mottaret-meribel-france/">here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-party-on-a-mountain-in-austria">Party on a mountain in Austria </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="793" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.29.29-1000x793.png" alt="Snowboming Austria " class="wp-image-129552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.29.29-1000x793.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.29.29-600x476.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.29.29.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Got the desire to dress up in lurid lycra, down some jaeger bombs and dance in an igloo? If so, week-long <a href="http://snowbombing.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowbombing</a> festival (<strong>6-11 April; from £199</strong>) in Mayrhofen, Austria is for you. More than 100 DJs and live acts (headliners this year include Maribou State, De La Soul and Orbital) play all over the resort, from a tiny disco igloo to a wooden chalet, forest stage, arena and, best of all, giant fancy dress street party, which brings every ‘bomber’ together to dance the day (and night) away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-try-snowga-at-an-ice-hotel-in-norway">Try Snowga at an ice hotel in Norway </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="737" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.40.01-1000x737.png" alt="Snowga at ice hotel Norway " class="wp-image-129555" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.40.01-1000x737.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.40.01-600x442.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-11.40.01.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Snowga? You know, yoga in snow. We haven’t made this up, it’s a thing &#8211; even Gwyneth’s done it. Your natural reaction might be to batten down the hatches and wait until spring to resume any form of outdoor exercise and we hear you, however ‘the science’ says the combination of exercise, mountains and extreme cold is beneficial to your health by increasing blood cells, burning more energy and boosting your immunity and stamina. Want to give it a try? Book a lesson at <a href="https://www.snowresortkirkenes.com/activities/snow-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snow Resort Kirkenes</a>, the first ice hotel in the world to be open year-round. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hike-a-glacier-in-iceland">Hike a glacier in Iceland </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Reykjavik excursions " class="wp-image-129557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reykjavik Excursions</figcaption></figure>



<p>Strap on your crampons and join a day-long guided hike of unpronounceable-yet-stunning places in Iceland&#8217;s south coast with <a href="https://www.re.is/tour/south-coast-and-glacier-hiking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reykjavik Excursions</a> (£157pp). Prepare to be wowed by the otherworldly terrain of Solheimajokull<strong> </strong>glacier which leads down to the mighty Mýrdalsjökull &#8211; one of Iceland&#8217;s largest ice caps &#8211; via magical caves and majestic Skogafoss waterfalls. Recover at <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/national/sky-lagoon-iceland-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Lagoon</a>, a mind-blowingly gorgeous getaway and spa 15 minutes&#8217; drive from Reykjavik. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-husky-sledding-near-the-arctic-circle">Go husky-sledding near the Arctic Circle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="610" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1-1000x610.jpeg" alt="Husky sledding at Lammintupa Winter Village" class="wp-image-129558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1-1000x610.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1-600x366.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-1.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Husky-sledding at <a href="https://lammintupa.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lammintupa Winter Village</a> in Ruka, 37 miles from the Arctic Circle, is bucket list territory. After a quick pep talk from an instructor (&#8216;Don’t fall off&#8217;) you&#8217;re racing along an icy forest track, navigating corners and inclines, while the sparkling landscape whizzes by like something from a Disney movie. There&#8217;s reindeer rides too and, back at <a href="https://www.ruka.fi/en/skiresort/accommodation/rukasuites?adults=2&amp;children=0&amp;infants=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruka Suites Ski-Inn Apartments</a>, you can warm yourself up in the restaurant, gym and, randomly, a bowling alley. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swim-in-an-ice-hole-in-finland">Swim in an ice hole in Finland </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="975" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rlkuvat-975x1000.png" alt="Rock &amp; Ice in Finland " class="wp-image-129560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rlkuvat-975x1000.png 975w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rlkuvat-585x600.png 585w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rlkuvat-1498x1536.png 1498w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rlkuvat.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px" /></figure>



<p>Picture the scene: you’re staying in a <a href="https://www.rockandlake.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rock and Lake</a> rustic log cabin in the wilds of beautiful Kangasniemi, around three hours from Helsinki. The Northern lights are shimming above and your hosts have carved out an illuminated private ice hole (known as an avanto locally) by your hut. You relax in your cabin’s sauna and, just when you’re peak sweat, you go outside and descend a ladder into the ice hole, immersing yourself in sub-zero water.  ’Euphoric’ is the best word to describe how you’ll feel when you’ve taken the plunge, got back out again and the dopamine hits (trust us).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toboggan-in-the-french-alps">Toboggan in the French Alps </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/60112ad2635fd-1000x563.jpg" alt="Roc’n Bob" class="wp-image-129563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/60112ad2635fd-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/60112ad2635fd-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/60112ad2635fd.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Non-ski types who still like a thrill should book a stay at <a href="https://www.lemenuire.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Les Menuires Chalet Hotel and Spa</a>, nestled on mountainside next to the world-famous Three Valleys. Not only can you swim, spa and scoff gourmet food all day long, but you can also hit Roc’n Bob, a famous FOUR-KILOMETRE toboggan run. Jump onto a (barely steerable) plastic sledge and descend (squealing like an over-excited teen if you&#8217;re anything like Muddy) on the tight turns of the ‘never ending canyon’ – a health and safety minefield and the best laugh you&#8217;ll have this winter. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-a-wildlife-snowmobile-safari-in-sweden-nbsp">Take a wildlife snowmobile safari in Sweden&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kotryna-juskaite-hQADFdgVpac-unsplash-1000x663.jpg" alt="Wild reindeer, Unsplash " class="wp-image-129565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kotryna-juskaite-hQADFdgVpac-unsplash-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kotryna-juskaite-hQADFdgVpac-unsplash-600x398.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kotryna-juskaite-hQADFdgVpac-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Forget lions and giraffes, this is the season for spotting wild moose, reindeer, hares and rare birds. Check into the <a href="https://www.icehotel.com/arctic-wildlife-safari-snowmobile" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Hotel Sweden</a> and book the environmentally-friendly snowmobile safari, which starts at nearby Kalix River and weaves along tracks through untouched mountainous primeval forest in search wildlife before stopping for a seasonal lunch and to learn about life as a reindeer herder. Back at base, there&#8217;s also ice-sculpting, Northern Light tours and a bar carved from ice to enjoy &#8211; basically if there’s snow involved, you can do it here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skate-on-a-frozen-lake-in-switzerland-nbsp">Skate on a frozen lake in Switzerland&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-3-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Ice skate Hotel Kulm " class="wp-image-129566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-3-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-3-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unknown-3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>St Moritz is THE place for all the most glamorous snow-based activities that aren&#8217;t actually skiing: think ice skating, ice polo and, err, snow-kiting, on Lake St Moritz. <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/hotel-kulm-st-moritz-switzerland-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kulm Hotel</a>, which invented winter sports as we know them more than a Century ago, is still the in place to stay and houses the Kulm Country Club, where you can hire skates and be guided around the pristine ice rink in front of the hotel. And when you&#8217;re done sliding around, hit the incredible spa with mountain and lake views. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-holiday-inspo-here-nbsp">MORE HOLIDAY INSPO HERE&nbsp;</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/all-inclusive-summer-holidays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best all-inclusive family summer holiday deals to book now</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/top-5-places-to-see-the-northern-lights-this-winter/">5 of the best places to see the Northern Lights this winter</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/ultimate-family-escape-pan-pacific-london-christmas/">The ultimate family escape in London</a></li>
</ul>


Off-piste: Snow holidays for non-skiers

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