What's the Petit Futé's favourite winter rendezvous? A trip to the snow in Les 2 Alpes. Landscapes covered in a blanket of white, raclettes and fondues, mulled wine... there's no denying it, the mountain atmosphere is really something! However, there is a division within this little icy paradise: those who ski and those who don't... Not keen on speeding down the slopes and re-enacting Nathalie's remake of Les Bronzés font du ski every year (we hope you've got the reference), the question arises: what can you do in Les Deux Alpes when you don't ski? Check out our selection of activities below.
1. The Écrins footbridge, an accessible viewpoint in Les Deux Alpes when you're not skiing
In the mood for grandeur? At an altitude of 3400 m, facing a spectacular panorama of the Écrins massif: you couldn't dream of anything better. The Écrins footbridge is an activity you can do on your own or with your family. If they're aged 4 or over, your toddlers will be able to enjoy this magnificent view too. Getting there couldn't be easier: a 10-15 minute walk from the funicular station exit.
Good to know a funicular ticket costs 26 euros for adults, 19 euros for children aged 5 to 12 and free for children under 5.
Before choosing which activities to do, the first thing to do is choose your ski resort. Discover our advice on choosing the right ski resort!
2. Visit the ice cave, an unusual family activity
Have you ever visited an ice cave? You certainly have. Well, this time it's a bit more difficult: have you ever visited an ice cave? At the summit of Les Deux Alpes, at an altitude of 3,400 metres, you'll enter through a long ice tunnel, then be amazed by the ice sculptures that surround you. This unusual place is an Écrin de beauté glacée nestling in the Écrins National Park. It was created and shaped by Bernard Lambolez and Bruno Gardent, two high mountain guides.
Good to know if you don't visit between December and March, don't worry, the cave won't have melted and will welcome you every day of the year. (Please note that opening times vary according to the season)
You love this selection but you've already booked in Val Thorens? If so, check out our article: What to do in Val Thorens when you're not skiing? Top 11 must-do activities.
3. Snowmobiling in Les Deux Alpes - can you call it jet-skiing?
Just because you don't like skiing doesn't mean you don't like speed. In summer, you can hire your traditional jet ski tour, but this winter in Les Deux Alpes, you can go snowmobiling. In the middle of a pristine landscape, you'll be able to see the mountains in the distance, the snow-covered trees lining the road you're on and the magnificent blue sky contrasting with the white snow. The great thing about snowmobiling is that, unlike skiing, where you stay on the slopes, here you can explore the wild areas of the resort. And best of all, there's no need to train- guides will explain everything you need to know, so you can enjoy the moment without worrying about where your skis are.
Good to know depending on what you want to do, you can book a day trip or take a night trip to admire the starry sky.
Article to read what to do and see in Isère The 16 must-sees in 2025
4. Observe the Milky Way: just because you don't ski in Les Deux Alpes doesn't mean you won't be amazed!
Happiness lies in simplicity. There's nothing like enjoying the simple things in life. One of them is watching the stars streak across the sky. It's great if you're out of town, and even better if you're in the mountains. Plunged into the darkness of the night, only the stars and the moon gently illuminate the landscape, from which you won't see much but little lights scattered across the sky, pure beauty.
Petit Futé tips: To observe the Milky Way, we advise you to take your snowshoes and head off towards the clearings to find yourself in the darkest possible spot.
Do you have a disability and want to go to the mountains in winter? You might like this article: The 11 best ski resorts accessible to people with reduced mobility.
5. What to do in Les Deux Alpes when you're not skiing: the open-air ice rink
Gliding along the ice, going at your own pace, enjoying the sky and the scenery: skating in Les Deux Alpes is an activity suitable for all ages and all levels, guaranteeing a good time in a friendly winter atmosphere. It's a very affordable activity, with prices ranging from €6 to €8 for skate hire.
Good to know getting there is easy. You can walk there during the day or even in the evening!
Now that you've discovered the things to do in Les Deux Alpes when you're not skiing, check out the activities not to be missed on a winter holiday in the mountains.
6. Snowshoeing in Les Deux Alpes: the art of walking in the snow without slipping (or almost slipping)
Fed up with crowded ski slopes and, indeed, skiing altogether! If you want to recharge your batteries in the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, snowshoeing is the way to go. With the snow crunching under your feet and the wind blowing, you'll discover the mountains in a more intimate and slower way. As night falls, you can take a snowshoe outing that ends in a refuge: raclette, mulled wine, you couldn't be happier.
Good to know you can vary the itineraries to discover different landscapes. We recommend the Vallée Blanche sector for a calm yet wild atmosphere, and the easy Plan du Saut trail.
Fancy going to the mountains in summer? Discover Top 5 mountain resorts to go on holiday to this summer
7. Paragliding to the summits of Les Deux Alpes
If you're a thrill-seeker, you'll love the Écrins footbridge For the more adventurous, what could be better than paragliding to discover a breathtaking view? Flying over a resort perched at over 1,650 metres, you'll admire glaciers and valleys like never before. You don't need any experience to enjoy this timeless experience, as an experienced instructor will be on hand to guide you.
Up high, you'll be able to admire lots of pretty little villages. It was charming... but you don't know any of their names! We'll help you - check out the Top 15 of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
8. When you're not skiing in Les Deux Alpes, you can enjoy the local gastronomy... and drive!
How can you enjoy the mountains properly if you don't fill your stomach? And there's a good reason for that: enjoying the local specialities is child's play, because they're as good as they are comforting... that's what they're all about. Tartiflette, raclette, fondue savoyarde, croûte savoyarde, homemade soup or savoury tarts... There's no excuse. When it comes to staying hydrated, it's all the same. Mulled wine, homemade hot chocolate, genepi, tea or mountain herbal teas... it's impossible to run dry. We don't know about you, but that list made our mouths water!
Good to know good to know: you can eat while admiring the magnificent mountain views. There are plenty of restaurants with views. We advise you to go at lunchtime rather than at night.
Once you've feasted on the specialities of the mountains, you'll have a full belly and be ready to hit the slopes. Speaking of driving, did you know that choosing the train over the car reduces your environmental impact? Discover the 12 best ski resorts accessible by train.
9. Discover the winter landscape by sled dog
What could be more romantic than a husky ride? Adorable dogs gliding you across the snow, a gentle pace, incredible scenery and a sunset... it's the stuff of dreams. If you're lucky, you might even get to pet the dogs and harness them! For lovers of nature, animals and life in general, this is the activity not to be missed.
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10. Ice diving, an extraordinary experience
Ice diving in Les Deux Alpes... it's not something you'd have thought of at first. At the same time, you don't dive into a frozen lake at an altitude of 2200 m every day, or so you'd think! But it's an unusual and, above all, memorable experience. For a moment frozen in time in this frozen lake, you'll discover absolute calm and the sun filtering through the ice. This experience will take you out of your comfort zone and into a whole new world. Don't worry, you'll be accompanied on this adventure by qualified and experienced instructors, and equipped with a dry suit.
Good to know this activity can also be enjoyed on the Buissonière lake, which is close to the ski resort.
After an exciting day out, especially after diving into a frozen lake, there's nothing quite like relaxing under a blanket and opening a good book. Check out our reading recommendation, perfectly suited to the occasion: Autobiographie de la neige.
Where to stay in Les Deux Alpes? Our selection of hotels:
- The most luxurious:
The Chalet Mounier has been run by the same family for 5 generations. Comfort, charm and refinement are the watchwords of this enchanting setting, bookable here, which offers top-of-the-range services such as a spa and a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant.
- The perfect blend of conviviality and family atmosphere:
The Côte Brune hotel is very well located, at the foot of the slopes and a stone's throw from the resort centre, so it will meet all your requirements. Decorated in a mountain style, you'll feel right at home with your little family. Click here to book.
- An exceptional chalet in the hotel tradition
Les mélèzes is a charming and welcoming chalet founded in 1968, book here. With its contemporary style, noble materials and attentive staff, this is the hotel to choose if you want to relax.
