Our top 10 selection of activities to do at a resort
Mountain holidays today offer a wealth of possibilities in terms of activities, to have fun and enjoy a ski stay full of discovery. Find our tips on all the activities to try during your mountain holiday. Not skiing this winter? No worries — you will definitely find plenty of snow-based activities for you and your family during your mountain stay.
Ice skating
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Many ski resorts now have these facilities indoors or outdoors. This activity is accessible to all ages — families, friends or couples: day or evening, it is always a moment of shared fun!
A few resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Les Ménuires, Tignes, La Plagne and L'Alpe d'Huez.
Right on the slopes!
Ski touring
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It is one of the most self-sufficient ways to explore the mountains in winter on skis. The ski tourer moves through open mountain terrain. On the way up, "skins" are attached under the skis to prevent slipping back; the bindings free the heel for the ascent and lock it 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 in alpine skiing 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 on groomed ski runs with a flat or rolling profile, using skis and poles. The great thing about cross-country skiing is gliding through peaceful landscapes, deep in the forest or across wide open spaces surrounded by mountains. This activity is perfectly suited to those in search of nature and quiet contemplation.
A few resorts offer this activity: Les Rousses, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Megève and Villard de Lans.
Snowshoes
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Snowshoe walks are an ideal way to enjoy the mountain scenery. Marked trails away from the ski runs are specially designed for snowshoers. You can easily find rental equipment at your ski resort. Find our tips for getting started with snowshoeing.
A few resorts offer this activity: Méribel, Les Arcs, Orcières, Tignes and Gérardmer
If you want thrilling activities!
Paragliding
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Paragliding lets you fulfil the dream of so many people: to fly! The sensation in the air is simply magical, with sweeping views over the valleys and high summits. It is an experience to have at least once in your 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 thrills and the cool mountain air. In most cases, this activity takes place after the ski runs close, at nightfall, when the slopes are free to zigzag across. 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 over the snowy landscapes of your resort. The zip line is an excellent activity for just that. Suitable for families, it transports you from one point to another via a steel cable to which you are attached by a harness. Hands free, you 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 gliding and handling on snow with a mountain bike. Fitted with wide tyres, the fat bike provides traction that lets you ride on terrain normally impossible to tackle with a standard mountain bike. Practised on dedicated runs, this activity offers a whole new way to glide. Specific equipment (fat bike) can be hired 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 an unforgettable adventure in close contact with the animals! Whether it is a hiking excursion or an initiation into driving a dog sled, this outing delivers a 100% Far North expedition with these powerful, tireless animals. As a couple, with friends or as a family, head out to explore forests and wide open spaces with the team. Along the same lines, there is also Ski Joering — a skiing experience "towed" by horses.
A few resorts offer this activity: La Plagne, Tignes, Serre Chevalier, L'Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes.
Sledging and Yooner
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Sledging is an activity you can easily try at any resort. In addition to sledging areas for children, many resorts offer proper runs to hurtle down for enthusiasts of all ages. Alone or as a pair on a sledge, share a moment of fun and rediscover your inner child. Some ski resorts also offer rail sledging. A newer sledge also known as the Yooner is a hybrid gliding device that is lightweight, manoeuvrable and very comfortable. Its playful, easy-to-use nature gives you a fully controlled descent. This activity runs on-piste, in the evening or after a day on the slopes.
A few resorts offer this activity: Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Villard de Lans, Les Ménuires and Super-Besse.
To unwind: during your mountain stay!
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Some of us crave a little more calm — wanting to unwind and relax. Today, some ski resorts offer dedicated wellness facilities and are known for their thermal baths and the benefits they bring to the body.
- Saint Gervais: A resort renowned for its thermal baths and their benefits since the early 19th century. The Saint Gervais ski resort offers relaxation and wellness spaces as well as a range of body treatments, close to Mont Blanc.
- Peyragudes: The Peyragudes ski resort, also a spa resort, is home to two relaxation centres: one in the resort and one in the valley. Young and old alike will be won over by the different atmospheres of the complex's baths: the Amerindian, Roman, Japanese, Tibetan, Inca and Mayan spaces envelop you in atmospheres conducive to relaxation and well-being.
- Ax 3 Domaines: Also known as Ax-les-Thermes, it combines sport and relaxation for a 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 an aquatic centre, a swimming pool or a spa with a wide range of services to help you relax during your mountain stay.
