5 mountain trends this summer

Cycling is n°1 and more in-vogue than ever   

We’re already familiar with all-terrain cycling, road cycling, downhill and uphill cycling, both individually and in large groups. But this summer, cycling is going electric and becoming accessible to all. Thanks to electrical assistance, “all you need to do is enjoy riding through magnificent landscapes. What was once a physical effort is now just a simple ride” explains an MCF (French Cycling Instructor).

Electrically assisted mountain bikes can now be found in a number of resorts, along with associated introductory offers. In Saint Gervais Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie) you can ride electrically assisted mountain bikes to Alpine pastures along dedicated tracks.

In La Plagne (Savoie), 10 easy, accessible itineraries, are now available, 2 of which are specifically aimed at younger visitors.

Photo : Philippe Royer / OT La Plagne

In Val d’Isère, the E-Park welcomes cyclists every day in the summer for an introductory or skills-honing session on an electric two-wheeler (motorbike or bicycle).

Present throughout France, MCF’s (French Cycling Instructors) will help you quickly gain the basic riding skills and teach you how to use electrical assistance.

The mountains in relaxation and detox mode

For those seeking authenticity, relaxation, fresh air and a deep reconnection with the self, the mountains offer a range of activities perfect for opening up your chakras.

For example, from the 18th to the 21st of July, set off to La Rosière (Savoie) for the resort’s “Well-Being days”: a chance to meet the specialists. On the programme: yoga, art therapy, osteopathy, colour therapy, fooding…

At the Hotel La Turra de Val Cenis (Savoie), opt for a regenerative detox stay with gentle activity combining Qi Gong lessons & introductions to Nordic Walking in the Vanoise National Park.

The mountains in commando mode

Our resorts offer raid and trail runners a stunning playground as the backdrop to their quest for new summits, so if you’re sporty and ‘push my limits’ is your personal mantra, this is the place for you!

On the 15th and 16th of July in Chamrousse, the French Raid Championships is open to teams in the following disciplines: lake canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, orienteering races, Mountain Trek (2,800 metres), Via Ferrata, archery and downhill mountain biking.

A number of trail runs are organised throughout the mountains (see our summer trail run agenda). In Val Thorens for example, the resort is organising a week dedicated to the discipline with a number of events and races including a vertical kilometre, training and nutrition workshops (in association with 2 Michelin-starred chef Jean Sulpice), conferences with professional trail runner Julien Chorier, a Junior Cross and a mixed 42 kilometre trail in the Belleville Valley setting off from Val Thorens. Speciality: a men’s/women’s “chase” race.

The multi-activity mountain trend

If you think holidays should be synonymous with experiences, and if you (or your children) love giving everything a go in a stunning setting, once again the resorts have the answer, or rather the answers. Hiking, introductions to glacier walking, Via Ferrata, lake and pool swimming in heated or invigorating waters, fishing, Nordic walking, entertainment for all ages, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and yachting… The list is so long it’s hard to include everything!

And a number of resorts have created activity passes to make your holiday easier. In Châtel (Haute Savoie), for 2€ per person the Portes du Soleil Multipass provides access to the “pedestrian” ski lifts, tennis, cultural centre, tourist trains, man-made lakes and swimming pools, inter-resort shuttle buses, minigolf (Châtel)... “Partner” activities are also available upon presentation of a Portes du Soleil Multipass. In Châtel, for instance, you can also experience La Vieille Douane or the Fantasticable!

Fancy a touch of culture at the heart of nature?

Get off the beaten (hiking) paths and add a dollop of (blueberry) jam to your culture, in Besse Super Besse and Mont Dore (Auvergne) set off to explore contemporary art in the heart of Sancy’s magnificent natural volcanic landscapes.

In Les Gets (Haute-Savoie), blend music with the summits at the Festival of Mechanical Music, the Lounge Music Festival, and not forgetting the big summer concert, boasting a headline act that will take more than a few people by surprise! 

Photo : agence Urope