When we talk about mountain holidays, we think of winter sports, mountain biking, or hiking. But in reality, there are many other activities to discover, regardless of the season, your personal preferences, or whether you are traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends.
This guide presents ideas for activities to enjoy in the mountains, whether in winter or summer, at a resort or at higher altitudes.
Winter in the Mountains
Enjoying winter in the mountains is the perfect opportunity to combine sports, relaxation, exploration, and gastronomy in an exceptional natural setting. Find the ideal activity among all the ideas offered in our Sport 2000 guide.
Must-try Snow Activities
Fortunately, alpine skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only options in the mountains! Among the highlights of winter activities are family sledding, cross-country skiing, hiking with snowshoes or on foot, and of course relaxing in the sun on a restaurant terrace.
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Thrilling or Unusual Activities
If you’re looking for activities that will give you a rush of adrenaline, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your thirst for adventure. From tandem paragliding to Fat Bike descents, large zip lines, ice climbing, or snowmobile excursions, there’s no shortage of thrilling sports activities. Make the most of your winter stay by enjoying a unique experience!
Family Activities
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, you’ll find plenty of options at most ski resorts in France. Think of the ice rink, dog sled rides and other animal activities, snow tubing or Snake Gliss rides, and more.
Resorts also offer facilities to keep children entertained indoors, whether it’s the pool, bowling, playgrounds, or museums to visit. These are great ideas when the sun is hiding or simply to have fun off the ski slopes.
Summer in the Mountains
Summer in the mountains offers a wide range of activities for all tastes and fitness levels. You’re sure to find an outdoor sport or a way to have fun during your stay, including with the whole family!
Sports and Nature Activities in the Mountains in Summer
Hiking, running, and trail running, as well as electric or classic mountain biking, are the main sports activities during summer, and you can enjoy them at any resort. There are options for all levels, from family walks to challenging mountain hikes, low-elevation trail routes to vertical kilometer climbs, calm mountain biking trails to Bike Parks with downhill courses for maximum thrills. All these activities allow you to enjoy nature and landscapes while staying active.
But your vacation is also the perfect opportunity to try other activities in the heart of the mountains: climbing, Via Ferrata, dog trekking, white-water experiences like rafting or canyoning, and more. Contact the local tourist office as well as ski and adventure schools for more information and to find organized outings.
Family Fun During the Summer Season
Resorts in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges, and Massif Central all offer families the chance to enjoy the mountains in summer. Depending on your destination, activities include summer tobogganing, outdoor heated pools, visits to mountain farms, pony rides, fishing in lakes and rivers, tree-top adventure courses, and more.
Hiking is also a great activity to do with children, by adjusting the elevation gain and duration of the walk to their age and fitness level. Some high-altitude trails are even accessible via chairlifts, allowing for a beautiful walk with views without hours of climbing.
Looking for more ideas for your stay in the heart of the French mountains? Check out the various articles in our guide and enjoy a memorable experience. You won’t be bored during your vacation, especially with the stunning landscapes the mountains have to offer!