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Top 10 unique snow activities

Looking for unusual activities to try out in the mountains? Ski resorts are bursting with ideas! Discover our selection of 10 unique snow activities to try out this winter. 

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Top 10 unusual winter activities:

  1. The longest sled run in Val Thorens
  2. Snakegliss in Valloire
  3. Fantasticable zip line in Châtel
  4. Bungee skiing in Tignes
  5. Bobsleigh in La Plagne
  6. Ice diving in Tignes
  7. See reindeers at Tanet
  8. Airboarding in Peyragudes
  9. Deval'Moon at Alpe d'Huez
  10. Snowga, relax on the slopes
enfants luge
© Istock_Jochen Sand

The longest sled run in France, in Val Thorens

Do you love thrilling sledding? Get ready for an incredible experience on a specially marked run in the heart of a magnificent natural valley. All the pleasures of a sled run in Savoie over 6km, accessible to everyone aged 5 and over!
After an 8-minute ascent via the Péclet funitel, the run starts at the foot of the magnificent Péclet glacier at 3,000m altitude. And off you go for 45 minutes of thrills and spills! The fun-filled itinerary alternates between sharp bends and varied slopes, to the delight of sledders. 

Book your train ticket to Moutiers. Shuttle buses take you up to the Orelle cable car.

luge en famille hiver
luge hiver - © Gorilla

Snakegliding down Valloire

Do you know what snakegliding is? They are individual sleds linked together (up to 10 sleds per snake) and guided by a professional. Come and try out this activity in Savoie at Valloire, a family resort on a human scale. 

It's great fun with family and friends! It's accessible from age 3. Make sure you're well equipped with warm mountain clothes and après-ski boots. 

You can choose between the "Petite Aventure" formula, 1 km downhill for about 15 minutes of sledging, or the "Grande Aventure" formula: more than 4 km downhill (lift pass compulsory, ascent by the Sétaz cable car), for a downhill ride of about 1h30 to 2h!

tyrolienne
tyrolienne - © Artur Harutyunyan

Fantasticable, the great zip line in Châtel

The Fantasticable is a giant zip line offering a thrilling descent.  The 1,200 meters of cable are covered at speeds of up to 100 km/h! Guaranteed thrills! At 50 metres above the ground, you'll feel as if you're skimming the treetops.

The view is breathtaking. Here you are, light as a bird, hurtling through the snow-covered heights and their visitors. You can try it solo or as a Duo.

>> Book your train ticket to Thonon-les-Bains. Then take the bus to Châtel ( we recommend booking bus tickets in advance).

couple saut ski
couple saut ski - © iStock - aluxum

Bungee skiing in Tignes

Experience what great ski jumping athletes do! With the Bun J Ride, launch yourself onto the ski jump, skis on, for a leap into the heights. It's a unique adrenaline rush for everyone, combining the techniques of ski jumping, bungee jumping and zip-lining. It's stress-free, so you can try out your skills without thinking about the finish line.

You're the pro-rider! Wearing a waist harness attached to two mobile bungee cords on either side, you take off (on skis, snowboard or toboggan) from a 30-meter-long springboard that leads to a 40-meter drop. Once stabilized in the void, the system is unlocked and you zip back down to safety, intoxicated by the thrill of the ride.

It's a real adrenalin rush that takes hold of you, for an unforgettable experience worthy of the sliding pros.

Book your train ticket to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Shuttle bus to Tignes.

bobsleigh
bobsleigh - © Dmytro Aksonov

Bobsleigh in La Plagne

A bobsleigh is a fast racing car launched at between 80 and 130km/h. If you're looking for a thrill, climb aboard for a 1.5 minutes ride.

Like the famous film, try bobsleighing with friends for an incredible experience. Head for the resort of La Plagne, where the track is open to the general public. It's time to make ice!

In winter, take your TGV train ticket to Aime-La-Plagne. A shuttle bus service then serves the resort directly. From Paris, it takes around 4h40 and 3h15 from Lyon. 

Plongée sous la glace
Plongée sous la glace - © istock-Nudiblue

Ice diving in Tignes

Have you ever imagined diving into a world of ice and silence? In Tignes, you can enjoy ice diving without any problems, depending on the lake's ice conditions. A unique experience, during which you'll discover a world of silence, bathed in a special light. Underwater, you'll discover a world of beauty frozen in ice. 

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, follow the breadcrumb trail through the waters of the frozen lake and get professional advice, appropriate equipment and materials... so you can dive under the ice in complete safety.

Rennes en hiver dans un champs enneigé
Rennes en hiver - © istock-RolfAasa

See the reindeers at Tanet

It's like Lapland in Alsace. Dive into the heart of the Tanet massif and meet the Ferme aux Rennes. At an altitude of 1,096m, 30 to 40 reindeer roam freely in the forest. Take advantage of feeding time to see them up close.
The little extra? A visit to Santa's house as he prepares his round of presents. Enter his Alsatian home, where he makes a stopover every year...
Family on ski floatsFamily on ski floats- ©FangXiaNuo

Famille sur bouées au ski
Famille sur bouées au ski - © FangXiaNuo

Airboarding at Peyragudes

The resort of Peyragudes in the Pyrenees offers the chance to discover airboarding. Ride down the slopes on an inflatable sled and enjoy the pleasures of the sport! Airboarding takes place at the end of the day, when skiers leave the slopes. 

Accessible from the age of 10, airboarding is a fun activity to try out with the whole family. Without further ado, glide along the slopes on your stomach, with the last rays of sunshine.

Book your train tickets to Lannemezan. From there, shuttles take you up to the summits of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Bulle géante
Bulle géante - © 3quarks

Deval'Moon at Alpe d'Huez

Here's an activity that'll blow your mind! Placed in a giant bubble 3.20m in diameter, you're strapped in from all sides. Once secured, you're ready to hit the slopes. The bubble can accommodate up to 4 people, as you hurtle down a 150m-long slope at 40km/h. 

Sensations are guaranteed, and you'll have plenty of fun in the process. The snowball effect will win you over!
The activity is very safe, thanks to the many comfortable harnesses that cover the whole body. The slope is also safe thanks to safety nets.

>> Book your train ticket to Grenoble. Shuttle bus to Alpe d'Huez.

Snowga
Snowga - © Obradovic

Snowga, relax on the slopes

If your ski holiday is more about peace and quiet, then Snowga is for you. A delicious blend of snow and yoga, Snowga is an invitation to practice yoga on the snow.

Stretch out, meditate... in front of snow-covered landscapes. Among the resorts offering this activity, Morzine is breaking new ground with France's first on-snow yoga trail, accessible from the top of the Raverettes chairlift. You'll find explanatory signs for 10 yoga postures that can be performed on skis.

Other resorts in France are also starting to offer Snowga tours, such as Les Arcs and Chamonix. Ask at your local yoga school, tourist office or wellness center.

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Rédaction SNCF Connect

17/09/2023