The best things to do in winter!
There are those, like me, who love winter! Hats and scarves, fondues and raclettes, hot chocolates with marshmallows and, above all, snow, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and all that goes with it!
So, if you hate winter, and your plan for the next 4 months is to hibernate under your duvet with Netflix as your only ally, this is the list for you!
Put your nose outside, breathe in the slightly prickly fresh air and go in search of fresh snow! The fact is, it’s disappearing fast and becoming harder and harder to find. So let’s make the most of it while there’s still time, take care of our mountains, respect nature and pay homage to her by living our best life, outside face to face with her!
8 ideas for activities to make you love the snow in France!
1. Dog sledding
You don’t have to go to Lapland, Siberia or the farthest reaches of Canada to enjoy the exhilarating experience of travelling for miles through a snow-covered forest, pulled by a team of over-excited dogs!
The feeling of connection with nature is total, the dogs convey an immense joy, and letting yourself be guided by a team of dogs spinning like the wind is an incredible sensation! So this year, why not try your hand at mushing?
The good news is that France is full of wonderful places to go dog sledding! Here are just a few places where you can enjoy this new activity:
The Vercors Natural Park:
Also known as Little Lapland, the Vercors Natural Park is one of the world’s best-known spots for mushing! That’s right, perfectly! Teams of enthusiasts are on hand to help you discover the life of a trapper, whether for a first outing or for several days, on or off piste, in magnificent landscapes straight out of the Great North!
The Jura Massif :
If you’re looking for snow-covered fir trees and a vast, unspoilt natural environment, the Jura immediately springs to mind. Many mushers are based here, offering you unforgettable sleigh rides through the forests of the Jura!
The Pyrenees :
If you’re going on holiday in the Pyrenees, you’ve come to the right place to try your hand at mushing! Many resorts offer the experience, so it’s up to you to choose between a simple ride or driving a carriage! It’s a fun way to discover the beautiful Pyrenean mountains!
https://www.pyrenees-ariegeoises.com/a-voir-a-faire/les-activites-en-hiver-0/chiens-de-traineau-et-compagnie
https://www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com/experience/chiens-de-traineaux
https://www.tourisme-hautes-pyrenees.com/offre/recherche/neige/3/~~chiens-de-traineau/(page)/
La Savoie
It goes without saying that Savoie, with its many incredible mountain ranges and large national parks, has a great range of winter activities on offer, and offers you the chance to discover sled dogs. So, for your next ski holiday, don’t hesitate and set off on an adventure with passionate mushers!
https://www.savoienordic.com/avec-chiens-de-traineau.html
Ballon d’Alsace
This is where mushing takes a new turn, and at Lac Blanc in the Vosges, the mushers are also offering sleigh rides pulled by Scandinavian reindeer! Christmas atmosphere guaranteed and a unique opportunity to discover these majestic animals.
https://www.cheminsdunord.com/
Haute-Savoie
The famous resort of Chamonix, overlooked by the majestic summit of Mont Blanc, also offers you the chance to discover the beauty of the region in a dog-drawn carriage. But it’s not the only one! You’ll find plenty of opportunities for dog-sledding in the region!
https://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/nordique/raquettes-nordique/chiens-de-traineau~pays-du-mont-blanc_terr/
The Hautes-Alpes
For once, let’s save the best for last, with the sublime Hautes-Alpes region!
With an extraordinary panorama, plenty of snow, plenty of winter sunshine and azure blue skies, the Hautes-Alpes ticks all the boxes for an oxygen-packed, successful holiday!
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at mushing, then you’ve come to the right place, and believe me, you won’t regret it!
https://www.hautes-alpes.net/fr/tourisme/experiences/pleine-nature/activites-nordiques/chiens-de-traineaux.html
2. Snowshoes
The best things are often the simplest.
Armed with a pair of snowshoes, après-ski boots and your poles, you’re off into the heady silence of the mountains cloaked in their beautiful white coat.
The calm, the glistening snow, the trees, the animal tracks in the immaculate powder. It’s all there to give you that immense feeling of fulfilment.
And best of all, it’s good for your health too! This endurance activity strengthens your heart and aerates your lungs! An hour’s walk on snowshoes in powder snow with a change in altitude will burn between 500 and 800 calories! Just like Aquabiking! The shape of snowshoes means they don’t sink into the powder, leaving your heel free for normal walking. Modern snowshoe models now feature a system that locks the plate that holds the shoe to the snowshoe.
This can be very useful when there’s a lot of slope and you’re not walking straight, or when you’re doing a long descent in powder snow. You’ll be more precise and be able to move faster and more freely.
The rest of the time, keep your heel unhooked for a natural walk.
Available wherever you find snow, here are 3 ways to experience snowshoeing.
Accompanied by a guide
If you’re not comfortable in the mountains and don’t know where to start, you can take part in a guided snowshoe walk. Alone or in a group, you can contact a guide or join an organised excursion.
There’s so much on offer, you’re bound to find something to suit you!
Don’t panic, you don’t need to have done it before, or know how to ski, or be a great sportsman! You’ll soon get the hang of it, one foot in front of the other and at your own pace!
Snowshoeing by night
There’s nothing like a walk in the snow under the stars to make the most of the snowshoeing experience.
Armed with your headlamp and enjoying the absolute peace and quiet of the mountains at night, you’ll love strolling through the forest, listening out for the sounds of nocturnal animals. The glow of the snow means you won’t be in total darkness, and if you stick to marked paths, you’ll be just fine.
When you arrive at the refuge, you can enjoy a raclette or other comforting dish involving melted cheese, before deciding to head back down into the valley, or to stay overnight, depending on the options offered by the refuge.
On your own
If you need to clear your head and take a deep breath, then walking alone on snowshoes will do you a world of good. Walking is essential for good health. I’m not telling you anything new when I say that it tones the body, burns fat, stimulates the bones, lowers blood pressure, improves breathing and purifies the body as a whole.
But on top of all that, walking in the great outdoors is good for fighting depression. You release endorphins that calm your nerves, disconnect from screens and their flood of information, reduce stress and improve concentration.
All to the good. But on top of all that, which is true everywhere, add the snow, the sun and the altitude! The mountains are an exceptional natural setting that gives you a natural boost. The altitude forces your body to produce more red blood cells, the sun gives you your dose of vitamin D, and the pollen- and pollution-free mountain air helps you learn to breathe again.
Taking advantage of this moment to yourself is a real treat. Even if your thoughts seem to be racing at first, they’ll eventually calm down and you’ll be able to refocus. A true meditative walk. Before Ben Mazue, Jean-Jacques Rousseau also extolled the benefits of walking:
“Never have I thought so much, existed so much, lived so much, been so much myself, if I dare say so, as in my journeys on foot”.
3. Paragliding
If you’ve always dreamed of flying in a paraglider and seeing the valley from the sky, then treat yourself to a first paragliding experience on skis! It’s an unforgettable way to discover the snow-covered peaks!
Accompanied by a professional pilot, you’ll glide down the runway on skis before taking off gently and flying through the mountains!
You don’t need to be an experienced skier, you just need to be able to ski down a blue runway.
Thrills guaranteed, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more!
Where can you try paragliding on skis?
- La Clusaz (74)
- Chamonix (74)
- Méribel (73)
- Courchevel (73)
- Val d’Isère (73)
- Alpe d’Huez (38)
- Les Orres (05)
- Vars (05)
- Pra-Loup (04)
- Tourmalet (65)
- Barège la Mongie (65)
4. Diving under the ice
If you’re not claustrophobic (or too cold) and you want to try something really different, take the plunge and try ice diving!
A number of mountain lakes are covered in a thick coat of ice in winter, promising you an immersion in an underwater world where the play of light and shadow seems unreal. A bewitching and disconcerting experience!
Don’t panic, you can’t get lost (you’re attached to Ariadne’s thread) or freeze! Diving centres will provide you with the necessary equipment to keep you dry underwater. If you want even more thrills, you can dive at night!
Tignes
If you were fascinated by Luc Besson’s film “Le Grand Bleu”, you’ll be delighted to know that the Peruvian diving scene was filmed under the ice of Lake Tignes. From the Andes to the Alps!
Now it’s your turn to explore the depths of this mysterious reservoir with the Tignes ice diving school.
Tel: +33 (0)4 80 98 50 01
Web: https://www.tignes-plongee.com/
Chamrousse
Chamrousse’s 3 Robert lakes, covered in a thick layer of ice, are ideal for ice diving at an altitude of over 2,000 metres! Find out more from the Dive Extrême ice diving school!
Tel: +33 (0)6 16 96 71 73
Web: http://www.divextreme.fr/
Val Cenis
With Sensation Vanoise, the Val Cenis aquatic centre invites you to discover ice diving at Lac de Sollières, at an altitude of 1,400 metres. Special mention should be made of the night dive followed by a delicious fondue! Just the thing to warm your heart and body!
Tel: +33 (0)6 60 08 47 80
Web: https://www.sensationsvanoise.com/plongee-sous-glace/
Morzine Avoriaz
Lake Montriond, nestling in the heart of the Aulps valley, is the third largest lake in Haute-Savoie, behind Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy. You can dive up to 10 metres under the ice thanks to the Aquaventure Léman diving centre!
Tel: +33 (0)6 07 14 95 39
Web: https://plongeesousglace.com/
Oyonnax
The Oyonnax subaquatic club also offers you the chance to discover this unusual activity at dedicated weekends at Lac Genin. Imagine a small mountain lake, surrounded by an immense pine forest… If you feel like you’ve landed in Quebec, you should know that Lac Genin is rightly nicknamed “Le Petit Canada du haut Bugey”.
Tel: +33 (0)6 18 84 34 94
Web: https://clubsubaquatiquedoyonnax.vpdive.com/w/accueil-2
Val Thorens
Europe’s highest resort obviously has a little frozen lake up its sleeve to give you some chilly thrills! The company Évolution2 is the place to go if you want to try your hand at ice diving on the Lac du Lou site, perched at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. If you’d also like to try freediving under ice, you can do so with their partner “Fifty Shades of Blue” (yes, you’ve got to admit, it’s a great name!).
Tel: +33(0)6 13 76 78 74
Web: valthorens.evolution2.com/activities/adventures/ice-diving
Les Angles
In the Eastern Pyrenees, you can experience this icy adventure at the Cap Cerbère diving centre in the resort village of Les Angles.
You’ll discover the secret world of Lake Balcère, from mid-January to early March (yes, it’s not as cold in the Pyrenees as it is in the Alps to preserve ice).
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 88 41 00
Web: https://www.plongee-cap-cerbere.com/
5. Open-air hot springs
Photo Page Facebook QC Thermes Chamonix
If you’ve been cold just reading about the idea of going under the ice and thinking “I wouldn’t dream of it”, perhaps the hot springs will be more to your liking.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself comfortably seated in an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by snow and facing an exceptional view, day and night.
Whether you prefer top-of-the-range mountain spas or natural hot springs in the heart of nature, France has plenty of establishments where you can indulge yourself! Here are a few to inspire you…
The QC thermal baths in Chamonix
The famous Italian spa house QC has landed on the other side of Mont Blanc, offering us their class and expertise at the QC thermes in Chamonix. 32 wellness areas, nothing less, in a sublime setting, inside and out!
Web: https://www.qcterme.com/fr/chamonix-mont-blanc/qc-terme-chamonix
Durancia in Montgenèvre
Inaugurated at the end of 2014, the Durancia balneotherapy and wellness area in Montgenèvre in the Hautes Alpes region, lets you enjoy all the benefits of water in a breathtaking setting. You’ll also find a Nuxe spa and a fitness room.
A haven of peace at an altitude of 1,860 metres.
Web: https://www.durancia.com/
Les Grands Bains Monêtier
The first spa and leisure centre in the Alps, built in 1999! Taking advantage of the thermal waters of Monêtier, which the Romans already used for their beneficial effects, the Grands Bains du Monêtier is a veritable institution in Serre Chevalier! Don’t delay!
Web: https://lesgrandsbainsdumonetier.fr/
Courchevel Aquamotion
When it opened in 2015, Courchevel’s Aquamotion was the largest aqualudic space in the Alps, with over 10,000 m² entirely dedicated to water and its benefits. But that’s not all! Here, it’s more like a water park, with slides for the kids, an artificial wave to learn how to surf, and a climbing wall!
There are also a number of wellness areas, in a stunning architectural setting. Just like Courchevel!
If you’re already a winter sports fan and want to take your discovery a step further, here are a few activities to try out!
6. Ski touring
For the more sporty among you, ski touring is THE sport to do this winter.
As well as allowing you to enjoy wonderful ski descents alone in the world, without having to pay the increasingly high prices of ski passes, ski touring opens up a huge door to freedom.
First of all, what is ski touring?
Description
Ski touring, unlike downhill skiing, is practised in the wild (even if you can find secure tracks close to the slopes). Your skis are fitted with sealskins (in a manner of speaking, no seals have been mistreated for the pleasure of skiers! Well, in real life, they used to be, but not any more!) So you have a synthetic material that you stick under your skis and that allows you to go up the slope without slipping. The skin glides up the slope, but blocks and slows the glide backwards.
This support allows you to move forward on the snow and get to the top of the mountain without the help of the ski lifts! Once you’re up there, of course, the skins come off and you can finally enjoy that well-deserved descent!
There are no gondolas on the horizon or ski schools snaking their way down the slope, the mountain is yours and the connection with the surrounding nature is total.
How to get started
First and foremost, you need to know how to ski on the slopes. Ski well, in fact, and you should already be somewhat at ease on ungroomed runs. You also need to be in good physical condition, because the slopes can be quite steep!
If these conditions are met, surround yourself with qualified people. If you have friends who know what they’re doing, great. Otherwise, the best solution is to go with a guide or a certified organisation such as your local ski club.
Don’t buy straight away, wait and see if you like it, because it’s quite an investment! If you don’t want to break the bank, rent in town or at the bottom of the valley, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from the hirers and sellers, who are generally enthusiasts and will be able to guide you. The same applies to clothing. You don’t dress like you would on the slopes, and don’t forget that you’re going to be sweating uphill! And of course, don’t forget your avalanche safety equipment, with the shovel-sonde-Arva combo, or the airbag rucksack.
A word of warning
We can’t stress this enough: if you’re a beginner, don’t go off on your own anywhere in the mountains just to try it out. It’s a wild and dangerous terrain that will make mincemeat of the little human you are. You need to know the mountain, know how to handle it and know how to read its codes and warnings.
Even with several people, if you’re not an expert on the terrain, don’t set off without a professional.
If you really want to attack without a guide, head for a resort that offers safe ski touring routes.
Whatever the case, even with the best mountain guide in the world, there is no such thing as zero risk.
7. Snow kiting
Photo Facebook Page SnowKite Master
If you love intense sensations, why not try your hand at snow kiting!
This sport is similar to kite surfing in that you’re pulled along by a kite, but you’re on a snowboard.
You ride down the slopes, playing with the terrain and letting the wind carry you. You really need to know how to handle the kite and understand the wind before putting on your board. You can also try it on skis, but it’s rarer and less obvious.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that you can’t snow kite everywhere (and let’s face it, it’s not cheap), especially not on the slopes! Here are a few popular places to try snow kiting in France.
The Col du Lautaret
This magnificent peak in the Hautes-Alpes is world-famous for snow kiting. The wind blows here almost constantly and the terrain is perfect for learning this new discipline! Not to mention the breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside!
It’s not for nothing that the Col du Lautaret hosts the Snowkite Masters, the equivalent of the World Cup for this discipline!
The Col du Petit Saint Bernard
On the border between France and Italy, the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard is another great spot for snow kiting. The conditions are excellent, the snow ideal and the environment magnificent!
You’ll find plenty of snow kiting schools to get you started and discover your new favourite sport!
The Vercors
The villages of Autrans and Lans-en-Vercors are located in the Vercors Regional Park, near Grenoble. The plateau is wide and well exposed, so you can learn to snow kite in complete safety!
The Pyrenees
If you’re more into the Pyrenees, then the Col du Puymorens is the place to go. It’s one of the oldest snow kiting spots in France!
The conditions are excellent, of course, and the Col du Puymorens is well known in the industry.
The resort of Les Angles is also perfect for trying your hand at this discipline, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, with easy or technical zones.
The Jura
As we’ve seen, the Jura has the distinction of offering cold, dry winters with good snow conditions. With its less rugged terrain than the Alps, it’s an excellent spot for snow kiting, with the resort of Les Rousses in particular offering schools and beginners’ courses.
Les Rousses is also the venue for the Jurakite, a snow kiting competition bringing together the best riders in France (and Switzerland, after all, this is the Jura, the land of border crossers!)
8. Ice climbing
If you’re a keen climber with an interest in mountaineering, ice climbing is for you!
Often considered a difficult and inaccessible sport, ice climbing is actually relatively affordable.
A number of sites offer the experience, giving you the chance to discover the mountains in a different way, in the shoes of a mountaineer!
Where can you try it?
- Val Thorens
- Chamonix
- Lans en Vercors
- La Grave
- Les Deux-Alpes
- L’Alpe d’Huez
- Ceillac
- Champany en Vanoise
- Pic du Midi
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