Summer mountain activities
Do you like the mountains in winter, with their ski resorts offering activities for adults and children, sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation? But did you know that in summer too, the mountains offer a whole host of sports and entertainment that will allow you to get a breath of fresh air and have fun? Between mountain biking, paragliding, climbing, rafting, via ferrata, horse riding and other hikes, there's plenty to keep you happy during your stay at altitude.
In summary
Do you want to enjoy the mountains in summer and vary your pleasures during your holidays? Our guide details a wide range of outdoor activities to practice at altitude, whether you are a thrill-seeker, a lover of wide open spaces, or looking for family relaxation. From essential hiking and cycling (mountain biking, road biking) to white water sports (rafting, canyoning, lake swimming), via ferrata, climbing or paragliding, discover all the possibilities to compose your ideal summer stay.
Hiking, a flagship activity in the mountains in summer
Hiking is still a popular mountain activity in summer. Put on your hiking boots and go discover the mountain on foot. You are spoilt for choice when selecting a beautiful route: Lac Vert (Savoie), Lac d'Allos, the largest natural high-altitude European lake (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), Hirschsteine trail (Vosges), Pic du Midi d'Ossau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), etc.
The diversity of hiking trails allows you to stroll peacefully with your family, as well as undertake an adventurous multi-day trek, always with pleasant viewpoints as a reward.
The mountain, an ideal playground for cycling and mountain biking
Want to get your calves burning during your mountain stay? Tackle the mythical passes in Alpe d'Huez, Tourmalet, Galibier, etc. by road bike.
Otherwise, opt for mountain biking. With Sport 2000, you can choose to rent a mountain bike or an electric mountain bike, and thus enjoy beautiful hikes in the heart of nature, with quality equipment. Why not also descend the downhill biking trails if you love thrills? Or have fun at a Bike Park, which generally offers courses of different levels. For example, head to 2 Alpes, to Gets, to the Orres, to Val Thorens, to Tignes, to Val d’Isère, etc. Many resorts offer a quality Bike Park.
Water and nautical activities in the mountains in summer
Want to cool off? To have new thrilling experiences? To discover the mountain from another point of view? Discover the water sports to practice in summer in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, etc.
Rafting
With family or friends, rafting is a perfect activity in the mountains in summer to combine nature discovery and thrills. Aboard an inflatable boat, you will descend rivers and torrents while paddling. A good opportunity to build muscle and improve your endurance.
An ideal summer mountain activity on hot days, rafting perfectly combines sport and fun.
Canyoning
Canyoning offers a thrilling adventure for an unforgettable mountain holiday. Descending crystalline torrents, jumping into natural pools, and sliding along rock faces are unique experiences to be had. Whether with family or friends, this exciting activity awaits you in many mountain resorts, with more or less thrilling routes.
Swimming
In summer, you don't just swim by the sea. The French mountains are full of lakes and torrents, allowing you to dive into crystalline waters, surrounded by extraordinary panoramas. Lac de Gérardmer (Vosges), Lac de Vouglans (Jura), Saint-Benoît waterfall (Savoie), Lac des Bouillouses, near Font-Romeu (Pyrénées-Orientales), lake of the Tignes resort, etc. If you find the water temperature too bracing, there are also natural hot springs, such as those in Canaveilles (Pyrénées-Orientales).
Climbing and via ferrata, mountain sports par excellence
Climbing is a summer mountain activity requiring good practice. Before tackling the rock faces, start by learning indoor climbing if this sport attracts you. In the mountains, climbing is both an intense sport and a good opportunity to discover nature differently, admiring magnificent landscapes from above.
Via ferrata is a more accessible form of climbing, requiring less experience, which consists of following an equipped route on a rock face, and progressing along it with the help of ramps, ladders or cables. It requires concentration, muscles and balance, but is also a perfect opportunity to admire the surrounding landscapes. For beginners, it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide.
Paragliding, the mountain from the sky
Come and try this summer mountain activity, which is attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. Discover the mountains differently, by paragliding over them. A unique and adrenaline-rich discipline that you can practice in multiple magnificent "spots".
Samoëns, Annecy, Chamonix, the Vercors massif or Luchon... so many places that should provide you with unforgettable memories! Book a tandem flight with an instructor, let yourself be guided, and enjoy the experience!
