What to do in the mountains in winter when you don't ski?

Just because you're not on skis or a snowboard doesn't mean you can't enjoy the pleasures of sliding during a mountain stay.

Think for example of sledding, which delights children, but can also appeal to adults. Many resorts offer dedicated sledding runs, often free, and sometimes lit for magical night descents. If you don't have a sled, consider rental with Sport 2000 : online or in-store, our shops offer sled rental for children and adults.

Even more fun sledding variants are offered by many resorts in France:

• The snowtubing : sitting in a large tube, you hurtle down specially designed slopes. It's a perfect activity for those seeking thrills without the technical constraints of skiing.

• The Snake Gliss : sleds are linked together, forming a long snake that hurtles down the slopes.

• The rail sled : open in winter and summer, this activity is halfway between sledding and an amusement park ride. No need to steer, just enjoy the sensations!

• The ice skating : many resorts have an ice rink, indoors or outdoors, allowing you to have a good time with family or friends.

• The snowmobile : to effortlessly traverse the snowy peaks and enjoy great sensations, snowmobiling is another sliding activity to consider, either as a passenger with a guide or as a driver.

• The dog sled ride : this activity will give you the experience of a journey to the Great North and can be practiced with children. The sled can take you into the heart of fir forests and onto open plateaus, to fully appreciate the nature around you, with the joy of being surrounded by dynamic and affectionate sled dogs.

Without talking about pure sliding, it is possible to practice a multitude of winter sports during your mountain holidays in France.
The snowshoe hike is one of the flagship activities and has the advantage of being accessible to everyone. There are indeed trails of varying difficulty and you can even participate in organized excursions with a mountain guide. Enough to delve into the heart of mountain nature and discover landscapes inaccessible from the ski slopes!
Note that most Sport 2000 stores offer snowshoe rental. Remember to book online for a stay anywhere in France: in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura, or the Vosges.

And for a little more thrill, why not consider a descent on a electric Fat Bike ? A paragliding tandem flight ? Ice climbing ? A zip-line descent? Ice diving under a frozen lake? There are a multitude of activity ideas you can explore, whether you go to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or another mountain range in the country.

Winter mountain holidays are also an opportunity to immerse yourself a little more in local culture and the preserved environment.

Through guided tours, you can learn more about cheese making, life on alpine farms, the architectural specificities of the village, local fauna and flora, etc.

Also, don't miss the local markets, which are full of good local products. Cured meats, cheeses, honey, jams, and other local specialties await you. This is a great way to take a gourmet stroll through the village and bring back good memories from your mountain holiday.

Not to mention exploring the points of interest around the resort where you are staying: the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the fortified city of Briançon in Serre-Chevalier, the Lac Blanc in the Vosges massif, the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Barre des Écrins from Puy-Saint-Vincent, etc. The mountains of our beautiful country are enough to make you dream and offer wonderful photo spots, even without skiing!

Whether it's because you don't want to ski, because the weather isn't favorable, or because there's no snow, know that all resorts offer indoor activities.
For example, let's mention the sports complexes, such as those found in Val Thorens, in Megève, in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in Tignes, in Val d’Isère, etc. These are establishments where one can generally indulge in climbing, racket sports, team sports, fitness sessions, yoga, etc.

For relaxation, there are also wellness centers, ranging from thewater play area to the spa. Many resorts have modern facilities with jacuzzis, saunas, hammams, and heated pools, as well as areas dedicated to children.
For entertainment, some resorts are also particularly rich, with bowling, cinema, concerts, family entertainment, nightclubs, etc.

As you will have understood, skiing is far from the only thing to do when you go on winter mountain holidays. Adventure lovers, hiking fans, holidaymakers seeking a new experience, those who enjoy relaxing holidays: there really is something for everyone off the slopes.

However, before booking your holiday, we advise you to consult the website of the resort's Tourist Office. You can find out precisely about the off-ski activities offered, get more information on opening hours and prices, etc., and thus best plan your stay.