Snow getaways are holidays of choice for South Africans. And after having been denied access to the slopes for the last two years, ski aficionados have already booked their long awaited spot on the slopes for the coveted next ski season.
For the ones still hesitating to join the snow fun, here are some good reasons to try out this unique way of unwinding. Not being a skiing enthusiast does not mean you can’t still enjoy a magical snowcapped winter getaway.
If you are looking to book that year-end snow break and wondering what other activities you can enjoy in the Alps, here are some fun alternative options you can try at our favourite snow resorts in the French Alps.
Ice skating in Tignes
All one needs is an ice rink and a pair of skates to feel like a kid again. If you are looking for some fun twirling and gliding around on the ice, then Tignes is the place to be. Located in the French Alps, near the Italian border, Tignes is the perfect place to indulge the inner child on an impressive 800m2 ice rink.
If you book a stay at the all-inclusive Club Med Tignes, your ski pass grants you entry into the rink and you can hire your boots on arrival. If you are one of those who yearn for extra thrills, you can try a spot of diving to explore the world under the ice.
Snow mountain biking in Val Thorens
Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), a ski region in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of Southeastern France is the largest ski playground in the world. It includes 7 of the best ski resorts including Courchevel, Val Thorens and Méribel and has magnificent slopes that are just waiting for you to explore.
As a non-skier, you can take to the slopes on specialised studded snow bikes that you can hire from Club Med Val Thorens. These mountain bikes are perfect for exploring the town and surroundings of the stunning region.
But snow biking is not the only thing you can do. Suppose you are on a couple’s getaway and looking for a romantic activity to do together. Not many holidaymakers have a chance to explore the Alps under a starry night, but you can – and nothing could be dreamier than hopping on a snowmobile in the evening and gliding under a starry night, over untouched snow to explore the surrounding forests.
Dog sledding in Pragelato-Sestriere Club Med Pragelato Sestriere in the Italian Alps offers another unique way to enjoy the slopes – on a dog sled! Take in the snowy surrounds at pace, sitting or standing on a sled pulled by magnificent canines. Over and above that, the superb Via Lattea ski area is a winter paradise, with the splendors of Italian gastronomy and mountain specialty cuisine serving as the perfect reward upon your return from the ride.
*Guided departures between 5:30pm – 8pm.
Bobsleighing in La Plagne
Many of us watched Cool Runnings and we loved it! Watching the team whizzing around the track to victory was such an emotional high. If you are looking to re-live some of the iconic moments from that movie then you are in luck.
At La Plagne, a ski destination located in the alpine valley of the Tarentaise (Savoie), you will find the only bobsleigh track that was initially built for the Winter Olympics in 1992. The great news is that the track is now open to anyone wanting their turn to speed around, either as a team or alone. Go for gold!
Nordic and snowshoe walking in Valmorel
Nothing clears the mind like a walk in the outdoors. And a walk in the crisp air over freshly fallen snow can only be better. In the Alps, one of the more popular activities is Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a form of “mindful walking”, where one concentrates on their breathing and are encouraged to be mindful of, and present in their surroundings and the moment.
This walk is done with specialised snowshoes and poles for balance. Not only is it a full-body workout that has many health benefits; it is the perfect way to explore the surrounding slopes and villages in the Aigueblanche Valleys on foot.
Not being a skier should not deny you the amazing experience you can get from a snow holiday – and if you crave outdoor action and adventure, there are plenty of options you can explore in the Alps.
And with the whole world champing at the bit and eager to get back to the slopes, there is no time like the present to book your spot on the slopes. So go out of your comfort zone on your next holiday and try something new. Who knows, you could not just make more than memories, but you might also just come home with new passions.
