A mountain of activities

In order to live up to the expectations of a clientele for whom skiing is not the only focal point of a mountain holiday, the French resorts offer a whole string of complementary or alternative activities, athletic as well as cultural. Overview.

Skiing, but as you like it !

All the surveys prove it : the « all ski » era is in the past. The clientele at the ski resorts does not ski as much as it used to (4 hours per day on average, versus 6 to 8 hours up until the end of the 1980’s) and aspires to more diversity. To respond to this demand, the French resorts are offering much more flexible packages, notably with flexible fixed rates from 2 to 5 consecutive hours beginning anytime of day (you pay only what you ski.) They have also diversified their offer to satisfy all types of requests : from slopes which are better and better groomed for the « classic » alpine skier (with, for beginners, certain slopes where excessive speed is prohibited,) to snowparks and boardercross for freestyle enthusiasts, plus « freeride » zones secured for testing the delights of the powdery snow without taking unnecessary risks. Night skiing in the glow of the spotlights, the moon, and/or a headlamp, sometimes preceded by a meal in a high-altitude restaurant, also allow the skier to experience new sensations.

Adrenaline and harmony with nature

A resort holiday can also be an opportunity to try out new ski techniques, very popular among teens. Speed riding is one of these activities en vogue : harnessed to a mini-paraglider, the skier alternates sharp turns in the powder and flying over obstacles in his path. The snowkite (or ski kite, depending on whether you use a snowboard or skis) allows the skier to travel across pristine white landscapes, towed by a kite in the form of a paraglider. Adrenaline addicts will also appreciate the trikke ski and the snowscoot, a sort of « snow tricycle » mounted on either mini-skis or mini-snowboards. The sledge and its variations – notably the snake-gliss, an assemblage of sledges forming a giant snake, or the yooner, a modern version of the paret, meaning a sleigh mounted on a single ski, steered using a sort of broom handle – guarantee strong sensations and laughter. If you are looking for peace and quiet, the mountains also offer a multitude of activities in harmony with nature : cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, ski joëring (horse-drawn skiing) and even nights in an igloo or ice diving!

Culture and heritage

Mountain holidays aren’t just for athletes. They are also an opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of the mountain resorts. Many offer guided tours, particularly to allow the discovery of their churches or their historic farms. Farms where children can meet with donkeys, goats, cows, and even participate in the production of traditional cheeses (Tommes, Reblochon, Cantal, Beaufort, Comté, Salers….) Music lovers won’t have a dull moment, between jazz, organ and reggae concerts, and more. To put it simply, there is something for everyone.

Text : Martin Léger