Top 10 of our selection of activities to do in the resort

Mountain holidays nowadays offer many possibilities in terms of activities, to have fun and enjoy a ski holiday full of discovery. Find out our advice on all the activities to do during your holiday in the mountains. Not skiing this winter? Don't worry, you're sure to find something for you and your family to do in the snow during your stay in the mountains.

Ice skating 

Photo by Kei on Unsplash

Many ski resorts are now equipped with indoor and outdoor ice skating facilities. This activity is accessible to all ages, as well as families, friends or couples: during the day or in the evening, it is always a moment of complicity to share! 

Some resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Les Ménuires, Tignes, La Plagne and L'Alpe d'Huez.

In the heart of the slopes!

Ski touring 

Photo by Patrick Untersee on Unsplash

This is one of the most suitable ways of getting around the mountains in winter with your skis on. The ski touring skier moves in the middle of the mountain nature. For the ascent, "sealskins" are used under the skis to prevent backward movement, the bindings allow the heel to be freed for the ascent, and they are locked for the descent as in alpine skiing. Ski touring is an endurance sport for the ascent and for the descent, a minimum level of alpine skiing is required. Here are some tips for your first ski touring outings.

Some resorts offer this activity: Les Houches, La Clusaz, Val Thorens, Les Arcs and Courchevel.

Cross-country skiing 

Photo by Thomas Dils on Unsplash

Cross-country skiing is a winter sport that consists of using skis and poles on groomed ski runs with a flat or hilly profile. The advantage of cross-country skiing is that you can ski in soothing landscapes, in the heart of the forest or on beautiful stretches surrounded by mountains. This activity is perfect for contemplative people in search of nature. 

Some resorts offer this activity: Les Rousses, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Megève and Villard de Lans.

Snowshoeing 

Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the mountain landscape. There are marked trails away from the ski slopes that are specially designed for snowshoe trekkers. And you can easily find equipment for hire in your ski resort. Read our advice on how to get started with snowshoes.

Some resorts offer this activity: Méribel, Les Arcs, Orcières, Tignes and Gérardmer

If you want a thrilling activity!

Paragliding 

Photo by Vincentiu Solomon on Unsplash

Paragliding allows you to realise the dream of many people: flying! The feeling in the air is simply magical with the view of the valleys and the high peaks. It's an experience you should have at least once in your life!

Some resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Chamonix, Les Arcs, Grand-Tourmalet and Tignes.

Snowmobile 

Photo by Jamie Fenn on Unsplash

A snowmobile ride is a great way to combine thrills and fresh mountain air. In most cases, this activity is done after the ski slopes have closed, at nightfall. The slopes are then free to zigzag across the snowy slopes. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Some resorts offer this activity: Avoriaz, Pra Loup, Orcières, Tignes and L'Alpe d'Huez.

Tyrolean traverse 

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Fly over the snowy landscape of your resort. Tyrolean traverse is a great activity for this. It's a family activity that takes you from one point to another via an iron line to which you are attached by a harness. You have your hands free to rush down this incredible descent!

Some resorts offer this activity: Super Bresse, Orcières, Les Orres and Vals Thorens.

Mountain biking on snow 

Photo by Miłosz Klinowski on Unsplash

Experience new sliding and riding sensations on snow with mountain biking. Equipped with wide tyres, the fatbike provides traction that allows you to ride on terrain that is usually impossible to ride on a conventional mountain bike. Practised on dedicated tracks, this activity allows you to slide in a new way. Specific equipment (fat bike) can be rented on site. 

Some resorts offer this activity: Chamrousse, Val d'Isère, Les Ménuires, Ax 3 Domaines and Châtel.

Dog sledding 

Photo by Jack Ross on Unsplash

Enjoy an unforgettable experience in contact with animals! For a hike or for an initiation to driving a dog team, this ride offers you a 100% Great North expedition with these animals full of strength and endurance. As a couple, with friends or with the family, discover the forests and wide open spaces with the carriage. On the same principle, there is also Ski Joering, for a ski ride "pulled" by horses.

Some resorts offer this activity: La Plagne, Tignes, Serre Chevalier, L'Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes.

Sledging and Yooner 

Photo by Brendan Beale on Unsplash

Tobogganing is an activity you can easily try in the resort. In addition to children's sledging areas, many resorts offer real runs for sledgers of all ages to enjoy. Alone or in pairs on a sledge, share a moment of fun and rediscover your childlike spirit. Some ski resorts also offer rail sledding. A new sled, also called a Yooner, is a hybrid sliding machine that is light, easy to handle and very comfortable. Its playfulness and ease of use allow you to go down in total control. This activity on the slopes, in the evening or after a day of skiing.

Some resorts offer this activity: Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Villard de Lans, Les Ménuires and Super-Besse.

To relax: During your stay in the mountains!

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Some of us are looking for a little more peace and quiet, to relax and unwind. Today, some ski resorts offer facilities dedicated to well-being and are known for their thermal baths and their benefits on our body.

• Saint Gervais: A resort known for its thermal baths and their benefits since the 19th century. The ski resort of Saint Gervais offers relaxation and body treatments, not far from Mont Blanc. 
• Peyragudes: The ski resort of Peyragudes, which is also a spa resort, has two relaxation centres: one in the resort and the other in the valley. Young and old alike will be seduced by the different atmospheres of the baths in the complex: the Amerindian, Roman, Japanese, Tibetan, Inca and Maya areas will envelop you in atmospheres conducive to relaxation and well-being.
• Ax 3 Domaines: Also known as Ax-les-Thermes combines sport and relaxation for a perfect stay for those looking to relax. Used for therapeutic purposes since the 13th century, the thermal waters of Ax-les-Thermes are the warmest in the Pyrenees.

Depending on your destination, you can also find an aquatic centre, a swimming pool or a spa with a wide range of services to relax you during your stay in the mountains.