22.01
2018
Mountain activities
Well-being needs to be at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions! You’ll find all kinds of yoga in our resorts: wide open spaces, physical exercise and total relaxation. We take a closer look at an activity that wants to give you a bit of TLC!
Breathe, relax and work on your body but – above all – your mind. We run around at 100 miles an hour and yoga has the power to restore order and balance, making you relax and let go. Whether you are a beginner or want to continue with an established routine, resorts are also focusing on the yoga side of things, offering it through snow shoeing excursions, well-being weeks and special ski-yoga slopes.
Yoga on skis
In an idyllic setting that is perfect for recharging your batteries, Morzine has created the first ever yoga ski run in France, with a series of 10 positions to complete as you make your descent in the Nyon sector. You can do them all with your skis on and they are great for getting your body ready for snowsports, limbering up your mind at the same time.
Snowshoe yoga
St-Lary offers two 3-day courses with a mix of yoga and snow-shoeing for a total well-being break . No need to be an expert at salute to the sun – the course accommodates beginners and would-be yoga masters alike. A gentle indoor session in the morning, continuing it outdoors with an outing on snowshoes. Relax in harmony with nature in the amazing environment of the Néouvielle Reserve.
Course dates: 19th to 21st January – 16th to 18th March
Rando Yoga sessions are also on offer in Les Arcs. The aim? Learn to let go, connecting mind and body as you take a walk in a natural environment, learning the art of Zen breathing and achieving a state of total mindfulness. It’s all there!
Yoga and circus skills
In Isola 2000, you can practise your yoga super-close to the mountains: in the air! Yoga teacher Laurie offers circus yoga taster sessions during the holidays. Acrobatic postures for breathing techniques and developing a supple body – with plenty of fun thrown in. Something new for adults and children over the age of 3!
Yoga on the dance-floor
We all know about getting on down at the Folie Douce, dancing in your ski boots to the sound of international DJs surrounded by mountain scenery – but you can also let it all hang out by doing a bit of yoga! La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel invites yogis to take up residence on the terrace on two Wednesdays every month – mats and throws provided for the perfect cosy session!
Yoga lessons
The resort of Les Gets offers holidaymakers the chance to try yoga at any time throughout the season – it’s a magical experience. Teacher Barbara shares all the benefits of a discipline that works on both mind and body, and is happy to coach anyone from beginners to experienced yogis – whatever their age or physical condition.
Plus: après-ski yoga sessions – ideal for relaxing muscles tensed by the cold and physical effort.
Viniyoga teacher Vanessa gives one-to-one lessons in Alpe d’Huez. She adapts postures to suit individual levels, enabling you to keep your yoga going while on holiday or maybe even try it for the first time. Individual or small-group lessons, - viniyoga promotes well-being and mindfulness.
The yoga lessons in Val Thorens are run by a champion: Claire Bernier, European and World Paragliding Champion! She’s climbed and taken off from Everest, so she’s well aware of the importance of being in control of your body and of mental concentration. Courses range from beginners to improvers and advanced postures and she also offers guided meditation. Large or small groups.
Yoga & well-being weeks
Les Menuires offers a Yogi Ski Week for relaxing and recharging your batteries. The programme includes an introduction to shiatsu, do-in, relaxation techniques, outdoor yoga, conferences on aromatherapy and other topics (avoiding burn-out, exam preparation etc). The perfect Zen start to spring.
14th to 20th April
Méribel offers a Zen Altitude break – two weeks of gentle winter fun. Sun and snow in the mountains – the perfect setting. Siesta to music, giant yoga lessons, massages on the terrace, mountain Jacuzzis and detox menus – relax, unwind and re-charge your batteries!
31st March to 14th April
Le Corbier has set up a well-being village on the summit of l’Ouillon up at 2,400m for Zen O Sybelles week. On the programme: introduction to yoga, body art, meditation and sophrology. Plus – make a high-energy smoothie while pedalling on an exercise bike, massages and mountain-top saunas.
27th January to 3rd February 2018
Photos : OT Morzine / Baptiste Bieuville - Les Gets / Keolan - Yoga & Circus W Laurie / Kevin Vacher - La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel - OT Les Menuires - Mélanie Olivié
