Our top 10 activities to try at a ski resort
A mountain holiday today offers a wealth of options when it comes to activities — ways to have fun and enjoy a ski break full of discovery. Find our advice on all the activities you can enjoy during your mountain holiday. Not skiing this winter? No worries — you'll have no trouble finding snow-based activities for you and your family during your mountain stay.
Ice skating
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Many ski resorts now have indoor or outdoor ice rinks. This activity is accessible to all ages — families, friends and couples alike. Day or evening, it's always a perfect shared moment!
A few resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Les Ménuires, Tignes, La Plagne and L'Alpe d'Huez.
Right in the heart of the slopes!
Ski touring
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It's one of the most self-sufficient ways to explore the mountains in winter on skis. The ski tourer moves through unspoilt mountain terrain under their own power. For the ascent, "skins" are attached to the underside of the skis to prevent slipping backwards; the bindings allow the heel to lift freely on the way up, then lock down for the descent, just as in alpine skiing. Ski touring is an endurance sport for both the climb and the descent, and a minimum level of alpine skiing ability is required. Here are some tips for your first ski touring outings.
A few resorts offer this activity: Les Houches, La Clusaz, Val Thorens, Les Arcs and Courchevel.
Cross-country skiing
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Cross-country skiing is a winter sport that involves moving across groomed ski trails — flat or gently rolling — using skis and poles. The beauty of cross-country skiing lies in gliding through peaceful landscapes, deep in the forest or across open expanses surrounded by mountains. It's the perfect activity for those who seek nature and a slower pace.
A few resorts offer this activity: Les Rousses, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Megève and Villard de Lans.
Snowshoe
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Snowshoeing is an ideal way to take in the mountain scenery. Marked trails away from the ski runs are specially designed for snowshoers. You can easily hire equipment at your local ski resort. Check out our tips for getting started with snowshoeing.
A few resorts offer this activity: Méribel, Les Arcs, Orcières, Tignes and Gérardmer
Looking for a thrill!
Paragliding
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Paragliding lets you live the dream so many people share: flying! The sensation in the air is simply breathtaking, with sweeping views over valleys and high summits. It's an experience everyone should have at least once in their life!
A few resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Chamonix, Les Arcs, Grand-Tourmalet and Tignes.
Snowmobile
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A snowmobile ride lets you combine an adrenaline rush with the crisp mountain air. In most cases, this activity takes place after the ski slopes close, at nightfall, when they are free to zigzag across the snowy hillsides. A guaranteed change of scenery!
A few resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Pra Loup, Orcières, Tignes and L'Alpe d'Huez.
Zip line
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Soar above the snow-covered landscapes of your resort. The zip line is a fantastic way to do just that. Suitable for the whole family, it carries you from one point to another along a steel cable to which you are attached by a harness. Your hands are free to launch yourself, headlong, into this incredible descent!
A few resorts offer this activity: Super Bresse, Orcières, Les Orres and Vals Thorens.
Mountain biking on snow
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Experience new sensations of speed and control on snow with a mountain bike. Fitted with wide tyres, the fat bike delivers the traction needed to ride terrain that would be completely off-limits on a standard mountain bike. Practised on dedicated trails, this activity opens up a whole new way to ride on snow. Specialist equipment (fat bike) is available to hire on site.
A few resorts offer this activity: Chamrousse, Val d'Isère, Les Ménuires, Ax 3 Domaines and Châtel.
Dog sledding
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Experience something unforgettable — get up close with these incredible animals! Whether you join a hiking trip or take your first steps at driving a sled, this outing delivers a 100% Arctic adventure with animals full of strength and endurance. With a partner, friends or family, head out to discover forests and wide open spaces by dog sled. On the same principle, Ski Joering is also available — skiing whilst being pulled along by horses.
A few resorts offer this activity: La Plagne, Tignes, Serre Chevalier, L'Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes.
Sledge and Yooner
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Sledging is an activity you can easily try at any resort. Beyond dedicated sledging areas for children, many resorts offer proper slopes for enthusiasts of all ages. Solo or with a companion, share a fun moment and rediscover your inner child. Some ski resorts also offer rail sledging. The Yooner — a new kind of sledge — is a hybrid sliding device that's lightweight, manoeuvrable and extremely comfortable. Its fun and easy-to-use design gives you complete control on the way down. Perfect on the slopes, whether in the evening or after a day on the mountain.
A few resorts offer this activity: Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Villard de Lans, Les Ménuires and Super-Besse.
Time to relax: during your mountain stay!
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Some of us crave a little more calm — a chance to unwind and recharge. Today, certain ski resorts offer dedicated wellness facilities and are renowned for their thermal baths and the benefits they bring to the body.
- Saint Gervais: A resort renowned for its thermal baths and their restorative benefits since the early 19th century. Saint Gervais ski resort offers relaxation and wellness spaces as well as a range of body treatments, just a short distance from Mont White.
- Peyragudes: The ski resort of Peyragudes, also a thermal spa destination, is home to two relaxation centres: one in the resort itself and one in the valley. Young and old alike will be charmed by the different atmospheres of the complex's baths: the Amerindian, Roman, Japanese, Tibetan, Inca and Maya spaces envelop you in settings perfectly conducive to relaxation and well-being.
- Ax 3 Domaines: Also known as Ax-les-Thermes, this resort combines sport and relaxation for the perfect stay for those looking to unwind. Used for therapeutic purposes since the 13th century, the thermal waters of Ax-les-Thermes are the hottest in the Pyrenees.
Depending on your destination, you may also find a water park, a swimming pool or a spa with a wide range of treatments to help you relax during your mountain stay.
