"The Haute Route For an arduous yet gratifying tour of the Alps, look no further than the Haute Route. This ultimate Alpine adventure—beginning in Chamonix, France and ending in Zermatt, Switzerland —can be undertaken either on foot (which takes 12 days) or on skis (which takes seven). In summer, the route is accessible to any hiker in good physical condition but, in winter, it gets much more difficult and requires ski-touring equipment to tackle. During the journey, days are spent traversing vast trails, descending slopes, and navigating glaciers. At night, guests sleep in various Alpine huts, scattered among the towering mountains. When it comes to ski touring, it’s simply the greatest experience on earth."

"Ravensburger Spieleland is not your average amusement park. Located in Upper Swabia between Ravensburg and Lake Constance, the 61-acre wonderland features a whopping 60 rides of varying excitement, including the Fix and Foxi toboggan run. Families can also take part in a rodeo, tackle giant board games, explore a crazy maze, and enjoy chocolate workshops in one of the seven themed areas that make up this otherworldly attraction."

"In recent years, ice climbing has risen in popularity in the Alps, with routes covering frozen waterfalls, sparkling ice features, and otherworldly formations. Jochberg in Tyrol is one of the best places to try the heart-racing activity. The mountain’s north face offers multiple routes, but the Central Couloir is the real test; the 492-yard climb involves lengthy ice falls through powder and firn (granular snow). Note: this route is only available to climb when the winter is particularly cold."

"The Bavarian Alps offer some of the most legendary bird’s-eye views in the world, making it easy to understand why hang-gliding is so popular in this part of the range. For the best experience, head to Rauschberg, which features practically perfect thermal winds. Here, fliers of all levels enjoy reliable breezes and large, gentle landing areas from noon until sunset. If you’re just starting out, take a course with the energetic instructors at Paragliding School Freiraum."

"Grindelwald Zip-Line For those seeking the thrill of paragliding at a much lower altitude, the Grindelwald ZipRider (known locally as the First Fleiger) provides the desired adrenaline rush. At 847 yards long, the zip-line hurtles visitors down the mountainside and over ski runs at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. The attraction gets incredibly busy during the summer so arrive early to avoid long lines—dash, and don't forget your camera. The views of Grindelwald village, surrounded by Alpine mountains and wandering cows, are unforgettable."

"While Switzerland draws seasoned skiers and professional riders with off-piste slopes and snow parks, the country also has plenty to offer beginners. In particular, Zermatt features an excellent array of ski schools, which help novices cut their teeth in a fun, easy way. Ski and Snowboard School boasts the largest staff with more than 250 experienced instructors, most of whom hail from Switzerland, while Stoked offers group and private lessons with instructors ranging in age from 18 to 45. Most schools boast outstanding websites, which you can use to compare prices, view testimonials, and book lessons."

"For those who treasure off-piste terrain and lighter-than-air powder, heli-skiing is the ultimate adventure. The once-in-a-lifetime sport allows skiers and snowboarders to fly above the Alps and drop onto untouched slopes before snaking down pristine mountainside. Austria boasts two of the best heli-skiing areas, both of which sit in the Arlberg region. Mehlsack (the Flour Sack) draws experienced skiers with the promise of deep powder, while Schneeta (Snow Valley) is geared more toward intermediates with lengthy runs and granular snow."

"The vast wilderness of Glacier 3000 continues to beguile visitors year after year. While you can ski here, most take a snow cat or dog sled across the plateau, or hike to the precipices and look down on the surrounding area. Glacier 3000 is also home to the world’s highest rollercoaster, which hurtles around corners and dips drastically, imitating the sensation of freefalling toward the ice at heart-racing speeds."

"For the most epic jumps, freestyle aficionados head to Laax, one of Switzerland’s biggest piste areas. The five-valley resort features a labyrinth of facilities for freestylers of all levels, including four terrain parks, a super pipe, a mini pipe, freestyle slopes, and Europe’s first indoor training center, where classes are offered throughout the year. In fact, the terrain at Laax is so great that the resort played host to famed freestyle festival The Brits in 2012."

"There’s nothing quite as magical as a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy wonderland that is the Alps in winter. For the most romantic option, head to Salzburg and take a ride through the Salzach River Valley, past snow-topped Alpine chalets, quaint inns, and huge glaciers. Panorama Tours offers excellent December tours, during which guests snuggle beneath warm blankets before warming up with traditional Styrian cuisine in Ramsau."