10.11
2021
Mountain activities
After a tough ‘saison blanche’ last winter with no skiing, snow lovers are rushing back to the French mountains to sample the sweet sensation of skiing or snowboarding again. But there’s so many more great, new fun activities to try in the mountains this winter…
Step into the Void in Morzine Avoriaz
This brand new exhilarating activity in the Haute-Savoie gives you the chance to look directly down from 350m above. At an altitude of 2019 m, at the top of the Pointe de Nyon, would you dare reach the end of the 10m long bridge? The reward for those that do: a 360° panorama across the snowy mountains down to Lake Geneva. Breathtaking!
Le Pas de l'Aigle in Morzine © Domaine skiable de Morzine
Go electric!
This eccentric all-purpose electric vehicle is unique, spectacular and great fun. Easily explore picturesque and snow-covered trails paths in Saint François Longchamp or La Giettaz in the Val d'Arly. This activity is open to the young and old, as well as anyone with reduced mobility, wanting to discover nature.
Swincar dans les Vosges © Best Jobers
Go for it…
This winter, more than any other, you can literally fly above the snow. In Les Orres, in the Hautes-Alpes, a new zip wire will fly you at more than 140 km/h, with a magnificent panorama of Lake Serre-Ponçon as a backdrop. At 1870m it will be one of the longest zip lines in Europe. At Peyragudes, the Famille Plus resort in the French Pyrenees, there’s a brand new zip line covering four sections from the Skyvall top station. At the Col de la Faucille, in Monts Jura, it’s the steepest zip line in Europe that will give you thrills. In Serre Chevalier, their 1.1km descent will make the even the most daring tremble. And finally, in Les Arcs 2000 in the Savoie, their new zip line will take you to speeds of around 130 km/h, a thrill you can enjoy either solo or in a pair. Just remember to smile for the souvenir photo!
Tyrolienne Serre-Chevalier © Thibaut Blais
Explore the depths of the mountain at Devoluy
In the Hautes-Alpes, the new ‘Cathédrale’ route of via souterrata plunges explorers inside the mountain. It’s a heady mixture of via ferrata and caving, that you can try ever in winter. In fact, the temperature stays a constant 12° throughout the year. Just in case you were considering a visit on your own, we strongly recommend you book a local expert to guide you!
Via souterrata au Devoluy © Alexandre Gelin
Smooth Snowbike Sensations
These 100% electric snowbikes in La Plagne mean you can glide across the slopes with neither noise nor pollution. Accompanied by a guide the snowbikes are ultra-manoeuvrable and will get your heart and adrenaline pumping. It’s almost like a regular bike, but with skis to slide, steer and balance your machine, you’ll never want to stop. Also available in Tignes, Risoul, Le Sauze or Les Saisies.
Snow Tubing in Alpe d'Huez
On the Bergers area in Alpe d'Huez, another Famille Plus resort, there’s another sliding option – but a special one! On large inflatable inner tubes, set off on the dedicated track and then descend at full speed, alone or with others. We guarantee you’ll have fun.
©IDM / Snowtubing
Snowga in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Are you familiar with Toumo yoga? This practice has come to the Alps direct from the Himalayas and allows you to reactivate your inner fire using the cold, benefiting your immune system, self-confidence and cell regeneration. After meditating outside, facing the mountain, every session is finished by diving into the snow or in a cold bath. Try it in Pralognan-la-Vanoise and feel alive!
yoga hiver ©AdobeStock
Let your children discover more about the mountain
In Orcières Merlette, a Famille Plus ski resort, the ESF will introduce your youngsters to fun mountain activities during this multi-activity course. Instructors accompany the children on snowshoeing adventures, treasure hunts and the basics of mountain safety.
© Gilles Baron
Stargazing in Aillons-Margeriaz
There are fewer better places to watch the stars than in the mountains after the sun sets. At Aillons Margériaz in Savoie, Science Explo is an astronomy school teaching skills and giving training to discover the infinite universe of space. In the resort’s planetarium, the stars and constellations will reveals their secrets to you and your family.
The Great Escape
The number of ‘Escape Games’ on offer in French ski resorts continues to grow. In Peyragudes, between the Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne, a life-size game is on offer, giving you the chance to explore Loudenvielle and then board the Skyvall to solve the puzzle. Meanwhile, in Le Devoluy in the Hautes-Alpes try their ‘Escape Show Room’ based in a yurt. In Arêches-Beaufort in Savoie, their new "The Convict’s Secrets" is part-escape game, part-treasure hunt.
And finally, why not try out the new 400m² ice rink at Péclet in Val (€8/adult; €7/child; skate rental on site).
