Snow’s not just for skiing says Bailey Robinson

According to bespoke operator Bailey Robinson, snow is not just for skiing on. Winter loving travellers who want to try alternative activities should check out the following options in the popular ski destinations of Norway and Canada.

NORWAY:

DOG SLEDDING: Explore the white plains of Norwegian Lapland with a professional musher and his team of Alaskan huskies, followed by a traditional lunch in a Sami tent around an open fire.

SNOW SCOOTER EXPEDITIONS: Admire the beautiful, wild scenery of Norway as you effortlessly move across the snow on your own snow mobile with a local guide.

MAGICAL ENCOUNTERS WITH THE SAMI TRIBE: Get behind the scenes with the semi nomadic Sami tribe and learn about their ancient rites and traditions. Catch reindeer with a lasso and learn how to “joike” - singing their religious songs.

ICE FISHING: Join a local guide in his search for the large Arctic char, a fish similar to salmon and trout. A traditional lunch is then served in a Sami tent, sitting on reindeer furs around the open fire.

SPEND THE NIGHT IN YOUR OWN DUG OUT SNOW CAVE: Warmer and more fun than the Ice Hotel, make your own snow cave, complete with furniture made of snow, then spend a safe, comfortable night in your own snow hotel. A local expert is on hand to provide advice and assistance.

PARAGLIDING WITH SKIS: With skis on your feet and a parachute on your back, experience Norway’s snow covered mountain plateaus.

SNOWBOARD: Norway offers some of the world’s most spectacular snowboarding slopes. Start on a mountain top and end down by the sea.

SNOW SHOE WALKING: Walk on virgin powder snow whilst surrounded by frosted trees.

CHASING THE NORDIC LIGHT: Experience the magical Nordic Lights on the remote coast of Northern Norway.

ICE SKATING ON FROZEN LAKES: Forget ice-rinks, in Norway local instructors take on frozen lakes where you can see the water under the crystal clear ice.

ICE HOTEL IN ALTA: Enjoy ice sculpture and architecture at the Alta Igloo Hotel where you can spend the night in sleeping bags on beds of ice and furs after having enjoyed a drink in the rocks!

REINDEER SLEDDING: Enjoy a traditional reindeer pulled, Sami-style sleigh ride.

REINDEER SKIING: Try the traditional Sami sport of skiing - tugged by reindeer!

WHISTLER, CANADA:

DOG SLEDDING: Explore the Soo Valley Wildlife Reserve with a professional musher and team of Alaskan Huskies.

SLEIGH RIDES: Enjoy an evening ride in a cosy sleigh complete with padded bench seats, a warm blanket and hot chocolate. Personalised tours can be arranged with a specialist guide.

SNOWMOBILING: Journey up Blackcomb Mountain through magnificent forests and across frozen lakes, finishing 6,000 feet up at Crystal Hut for a traditional candlelit fondue dinner.

SNOW SHOEING: Experience the woods with new eyes with a professional guide taking either seasoned veterans or absolute beginners for a series of tours.

TREE TREK ECOTOUR: This thrilling journey through the forest canopy follows trails and aerial stairways to multiple suspension bridges over 15 stories above the raging waters of Fitzsimmons Creek.

7-ELEVEN FIRE AND ICE SHOW: Watch world class athletes perform within a burning ring of fire, a show that finishes with an amazing fireworks display.

2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: Vancouver will host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and the alpine resort of Whistler in February and March 2010 to celebrate winter sporting excellence. Whistler will host the freestyle skiing and snowboarding.