Five Winter Trips for the Non-Skier

Not everyone is a snow skier, especially us Florida folks.  So here are some suggestions for winter trips that do not involve snow skiing.  

Patagonia Fly-Fishing

Travel with Frontiers International this winter to the new Limay River Lodge, the first and only fly fishing

lodge on the famed Middle Limay River in Patagonia’s Neuquén Province. Targeting river rainbows, browns and fall migratory brown trout, the Limay meshes big water drift fishing with ample walk and wade opportunities. Limay River Lodge has the unique distinction of being the only destination fishing lodge on the banks of this tail water with exclusive put in access and 10 breathtaking beats. The season is mid-November – mid-May. Prices start at $850 per day. http://www.frontierstravel.com/limay-river-freshwater

China Ice Festival

After exploring The Great Wall or Hong Kong or Beijing on an Adventure Life tour in China this winter, 

add a few extra days to experience the Harbin Ice Festival. Explore this winter wonderland and see the impressive ice sculptures and lit buildings that this city creates for what is now the largest snow and ice festival in the world. $1,105 based on two people traveling together.

http://www.adventure-life.com/china/tours/4491/harbin-ice-festival

Antarctic Cruise

Antarctica travel reveals the dramatic extremes of a frozen continent. Antarctica holds the title of coldest,

driest, windiest, and highest elevation on earth. A number of ships ply the Antarctic waters, from Russian icebreakers to luxury expedition ships with strengthened hulls. Depending on your trip-length, spend time visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and the mountainous South Georgia. Antarctica cruises offer zodiac excursions for up-close encounters with wildlife and the blue icebergs that float quietly in the surrounding waters. Small ship cruises operate December through March. Rates begin at $5,995 per person, depending on the specific ship, cabin class and itinerary.

http://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica

Arizona Cycling

As the days get shorter and colder, and workouts turn to the ‘dread-mill’ and trainer; reverse your usual

winter fitness losses by joining The Cycling House for a cycling and triathlon camp. For 2016 winter training, The Cycling House is offering 18 weeks of camps in Tucson, Ariz. and Solvang, Calif. The first camp is the week of December 8, 2015 and the last camp begins April 4, 2016. Within those weeks are several specialty camps, too, including beginner triathlon, long-distance triathlon, mountain biking, and women-only. Camps are 6 days/5 nights with 45 – 80 miles of guided riding per day, chef-prepared meals, opportunities to run and swim, and plenty of time to relax and recover. Prices start at $1,895. http://thecyclinghouse.com/trips/#winter

Siberian Escapade

The thought of Siberia tends to conjure images of punishment, exile, and vast expanses of nothingness – a

place of no return. But, in fact, Siberia is a wild and wooded country of inconceivable beauty. MIR Corporation’s 8-day “Siberian Winter Escapade” tour is perfect for the adventurous traveler who’s seen it all. On UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, race teams of sled dogs, ice-fish and sweep across the lake by hovercraft.  In Ust-Ordynski, discover one of Siberia's Buddhist monasteries. Participate in a sunrise shaman ceremony at Olkhon Island's best-known spot, Shaman Rock. Feb 20-27, 2016, from $3,995.http://www.mircorp.com/trip/siberian-winter-escapade/. 

Photo credits: Adventure Life,  Frontiers Travel, MIR Corp., The Cycling House.