Mountain and winter sports Rhône-Alpes

This charming mountain village transforms itself into a haven of winter bliss, where the ski slopes become the ideal playground for family adventures in the heart of the magnificent Parc de la Vanoise. In summer, it's a nature-lover's paradise, where you can hike, climb majestic peaks, hurtle down mountain bike trails or simply take a leisurely stroll. Families are sure to love the fun activities on offer.

Val Thorens is much more than a destination, it's a true state of mind, a fusion of attitude and altitude. This resort embodies the perfect blend of quality skiing and a very pleasant atmosphere. In a relaxed, lively and gourmet atmosphere, you're free to follow your desires at your own pace. You can multiply your experiences while sharing convivial moments. The ultimate goal is to live every moment to the full!

A dynamic and professional team of climbing instructors offers many outdoor activities: via ferrata, climbing, adventure course. Moreover, this association also has mobile equipment that allows it to set up, for example, a climbing wall or a tree course where requested. It is also possible to organize hikes. The activities take place on several sites of the department. A sportsman's and adventurer's dream? New courses since May 2021. To your harnesses!

Linking Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morillon and Sixt, the Grand Massif ski area extends to an altitude of 2,500 meters with 139 trails and 62 lifts. Skiers will enjoy the pristine spaces of the Combe du Gers and landscape lovers will enjoy the mythical blue run of the Cascades. The Grand Massif offers a wide range of skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and many other activities: dog sledding, snowshoeing or walking, snowmobiling, cinema, skating rink, bowling, cultural center, shows and events...

A mountain peak between 1,500 and 1,700 m with 360-degree panoramic views. Easily accessible by car or public transport in season, just 20 minutes from the center of Annecy, the Semnoz resort offers a privileged natural setting for skiers and hikers. This medium-altitude resort boasts a varied, affordable ski area with 18 alpine runs, 1 freestyle snowpark and 35 km of cross-country ski trails in 3 sectors (forest, petit plateau, grand plateau). Signposted walks and other activities in summer and winter.

Mountain guide Martin Herdewyn offers mountain bike and e-bike tours, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Alps, with small groups in France, Switzerland and Italy. Whether in summer or winter, these adventures offer an exceptional experience, from bivouacs at altitudes of over 2,000 meters to technically challenging routes. These stays, lasting from three to eight days, are supervised by mountain professionals.

Since 1994, the H2o Sport Landry Center has distinguished itself as the preferred choice for outdoor activities in Savoie, benefiting from recognized expertise in whitewater and mountain sports. With four strategically located bases in the region, including the Isère River in Landry and the Doron de Bozel in Moutiers, as well as a variety of options such as E-Mountain Scoot, E-Bike and Deval Bike in Vallandry, H2o offers adventures to suit everyone. This diversity guarantees memorable outdoor experiences for all adventure enthusiasts.

The Cap Guéry mountain center is an outdoor Nordic activity center perched at an altitude of 1,268 meters. It boasts 58 km of classic and skating trails, 30 km of Nordic itineraries and 28 km of marked snowshoe trails. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, of course, as well as snowshoeing, dog sledding and introductory laser rifle shooting. Many outings are supervised, allowing you to discover the wide-open spaces of the Sancy. Some nature outings are truly exceptional and rich in emotion. To round off the day, dine in the kota grill (reservations required). For the little ones, there's a play area for learning about the snow-covered mountains.

In summer, nature changes, and so do the activities. Hike, mountain bike or ride an electric scooter to discover the volcanic landscape and its flora and fauna. With friends or family, you can have fun on the Terra Alta trail, an unusual exploration course. There's something for every taste and level. You'll find all the equipment you need to rent, as well as a reception area, an out-of-bag room, a snack bar and why not stay in one of the two wooden cabins in winter, or in the lodge tents in summer... A real nature break awaits you!

A station made up of three interconnected stations on two slopes: Le Pleynet on the sunrise side, Prapoutel and Pipay on the sunset side. A resort full of resources in every season to offer us the best of the mountains. A resort that has opted for modernization and now boasts a superb range of facilities, including some of the most modern ski lifts in France. Several Nordic skiing areas. Magnificent landscapes for nature and snow lovers.

A family resort which is among the vast ski fields that make the Savoy rich, especially with the Espace Diamant linking Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Crest-Voland Cohennoz, Flumet and Praz-sur-Arly with Saisies. An alpine ski area composed of 84 ski lifts, 154 tracks for a total of 185 km. Seizures is still a world-class cross-border skiing area.

You will find nearly one hundred activities arranged from 1.20 meters to 25 meters high in the green jungle of Lioran. A course has been specially designed for toddlers - 1 m minimum. This set of aerial games: zip lines, bridges, lianas, can be practiced in complete safety with family, friends or colleagues. You just have to adapt your course to your physical level and your apprehension threshold. If you feel like it, or if you are still in the mood, you can try bungee jumping from a big tree.

The downhill ski area covers the village of Grand-Bornand and the high-altitude hamlet of Chinaillon. Lifts leave from Le Lachat (lower village or Grand-Bornand) and from La Floria and Le Maroly (upper village or Chinaillon). Accessible by TandemSki, a wheelchair adapted for people with reduced mobility and driven by a qualified instructor. Don't hesitate to extend your ski pass to the Aravis ski area, with the resorts of La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (211 km of pistes), where ski-bus connections are available throughout the day. You can buy your ski pass online, without waiting. New snow sports enthusiasts are not forgotten either, with the SnowparkGB regularly ranked as one of France's top facilities. You can record your run on the VideoparkKGB (Airbag) video zone and view it at the park hut or on your cell phone. Downhill enthusiasts can take to the Dénivel'Maxx, a 3 km non-stop descent with a 1,100 m vertical drop. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the Charmieux chairlift is in operation and the slope is lit up from 5pm to 9pm for night-time descents. New sensations on skis, yooner, paret, snow-coot, véloski and fatbike! The Rosay site is ideal for beginners, with a world-record 230 m-long, fully-covered Alpage Express carpet for a wide range of descents. Don't miss the superb Grandborama gondolas, like a contemporary art gallery suspended in mid-air.

Ecological, economical and 100% practical, Skimania is still the best way to get to the resorts of the Alps. With Skimania, you can take the metro to one of the 7 departure points in the Lyon metropolitan area and be whisked away to the snowy peaks in a Grand Tourisme coach. Skimania will provide you with a ski pass and a breakfast snack. Head for the finest resorts - Alpe d'Huez, Chamrousse, Courchevel, La Clusaz, La Plagne, Les 7 Laux, Les Arcs, Les Saisies, Méribel, Tignes and Valmorel - in the best conditions.

The captivating history of ski jumping is rooted in the enchanting setting of Courchevel, a recognized sanctuary for the discipline, acclaimed for its Olympic stadium and its unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Let's go back in time to the 1940s, when a handful of daring adventurers wrote the first chapters of this saga on a humble wooden springboard. Over the years, ski jumping has become an integral part of alpine ski training, perpetuating the birth of this growing legend.

An "all-weather" toboggan run on rails awaits you, offering a breathtaking experience for even the bravest of riders. This adventure stretches for almost 800 meters, with sections reaching up to 8 meters above the ground. You'll face blistering accelerations, sheer turns, 360 and 540-degree spins, as well as a series of thrilling waves. But don't worry, if you prefer a less intense experience, simply grab the joysticks and adjust your speed to your heart's content!

As a result of global warming at high altitude, this glacier - one of Europe's largest skiable glaciers - is losing its thickness, making it impossible to ski in July and August. So, depending on conditions, it's a late spring/early summer opening to enjoy this unique site. After taking the Jandri Express and a sub-glacial funicular, you can climb the Dôme de Puy-Sallié to an altitude of 3,421 metres, opening up a superb panorama from the Belvédère des Écrins. Pedestrian access for a unique walk on the heights.

A 4-season resort that has invested heavily in recent years to improve its ski area - 57 runs, 125 km of trails, 21 ski lifts - by offering all the new glides. Hands-free ski passes that can be recharged via the Internet. In summer, the resort is transformed to make room for many outdoor activities: road biking, mountain biking, bike park, hiking, trail, adventure course, via ferrata... Exceptional playground.

At an altitude of 1,450 m, Le Collet d'Allevard is a family resort par excellence. It also owes its reputation to its nightlife! One evening a week from 8pm to 10pm (most likely on Fridays, but the day can change), Collet d'Allevard becomes one of Europe's biggest night skiing areas, with 10 floodlit runs. Other winter activities include snowshoeing on 5 marked itineraries with free access, or Nordic skiing with 50 km of trails. In summer, hiking takes center stage, with numerous marked trails.

Practical and sensational, the first 4-season sled just outside Grenoble, in the heart of the Vercors. Alone, with family or friends, experience and share strong emotions as you hurtle down the slope at a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Adrenalin in the middle of nature by running 1.3 km of track on rails. 134 meters of difference in level, slopes up to 25%... In short, 6 minutes of unforgettable sensations accessible to all (children from 3 years old in duo, children from 8 years old in solo, accessible to PRM). Parents can also wait for their children at the Speed-Luge Café.

It all began in 1951 with the construction of a service ropeway, a rudimentary device designed to transport equipment and tools by cable. In 1952, the cableway was officially inaugurated. Today, the cableway takes you to an altitude of 2,010 meters in just 3 minutes, offering spectacular views in both summer and winter. With gradients of up to 92%, an ascent of 586 meters, and some 170,000 passengers carried in winter.

122 km of skating and alternating cross-country trails with 2 access points: Villard de Lans/Bois-Barbu and Corrençon en Vercors/les Hauts Plateaux. A space of freedom in a grandiose setting often compared to Canada. Restaurants and refuges for breaks. 2 stadiums for discovering biathlon, the Nordic discipline that won the most medals at the last Olympic Games. Discovery and children's areas.

The Espace Diamant ski area comprises 6 village resorts, including the charming Praz-sur-Arly, with a skiable area stretching from 1,000 to 2,069 meters above sea level, between the Beaufortain massif, the Val d'Arly and the Mont-Blanc region: 192 kilometers of downhill skiing, 170 trails, 82 lifts, 123 kilometers of Nordic skiing, as well as 5 snowparks and 3 boardercrosses make up this vast winter sports area, which is more than equal to the biggest in the Alps. Located 4 kilometers from Megève, the Praz-sur-Arly ski area focuses on family activities that are accessible to all: downhill and Nordic skiing, and new winter sports. Nostalgic skiers will appreciate an introduction to the yooner, the modernized version of the paret, a toboggan with one runner, or ski joëring, pulled by a horse. The ski school runs a "snow garden" area for ages 3 and up. From the age of 8, snowshoeing is the perfect way to discover animal tracks. More unusual and for all ages, a hot-air balloon flight over the Alps for an unforgettable day. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and watch the majestic ballet of the balloons, the "montgolfiades" bring the resort to life every January. In summer, the Espace Diamant opens its trails to mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, who enjoy a unique panorama of the Mont-Blanc chain. A sparkling, multi-faceted area, like a Diamond, an exceptional outdoor playground for vacations in all seasons.

Alpine skiing in the Contamines-Hauteluce area is possible thanks to the 25 ski lifts located between 1,200 and 2,500 meters of altitude, giving access to 48 runs over 120 km. 3 secured Xzones dedicated to new glides. This ski area is part of the larger Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. For Nordic skiing, 23 km of groomed and marked trails (paying), on the classified site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. In the summer, beautiful hikes or mountain bike rides.

This small resort ranges from 1,250 m, at the foot of the slopes, to 1,700 m, at the summit, in the shelter of a natural cirque and is aimed at lovers of all types of skiing. The Nordic area offers 176 km of trails in a wild environment on 3 sites: Chaud Clapier, Lente and Col de Carri. For downhill skiing there are 9 ski lifts and 16 trails. There are also sledges, snowshoes, dog sledding and snowkiting. In summer, it's hiking on the magnificent Font d'Urle mountain pasture, home of the marmot families.

The Station station is the highest in the Massif Central at 1 350 m above sea level, located at the foot of Mount Mezenc (1 753 m) and Mount Alambre (1 691 m), it is part of the northern domain of Mezenc. The 70 km of the Nordic domain will delight the amateurs of alpine skiing, with 5 ski lifts and 1 babyski, 4 green tracks, 2 blue, 1 red, 1 black and 1 snow garden with snow and 50 km of ski slopes from the bottom of the forest house. Tracing is carried out for alternative skiing and skating. The large spaces of the Mezenc are suitable for snow snowshoe rides with 4 marked circuits or 15,5 km, or traîneaux dogs around Rock-pie. Over 1 500 m, the conditions are met for the practice of snowkite, for lovers of new sensations on the snow. The area of initiation and the luge space are located at the start of the tracks. Snow-controlled activities of a monitor or accompanist of the association Mezenc'Impulse are also proposed, and each will find its rhythm and level of practice. Every winter, several demonstrations animate the station.

To drive a sled pulled by polar dogs under the passionate eye of Bruno - several times champion of France - and Dominique Stritmatter, experienced musher, you just have to register online or by phone. It's an enriching experience from many points of view: environment, relationship with the animal, discovery of sliding, etc. Special mention to the night trip, with trapper's meal, during which only the starlight joins the adventure. An experience in the heart of nature. Unique in France!

A company whose name is intertwined with the history of mountaineering, and above all the best address to find qualified and passionate guides. Because of overcrowding, ropes without certified professional guides become risky. Calling on these experienced guides is therefore a guarantee of safety. Some multi-day ski tours are for experienced skiers and the ascent of Mont Blanc cannot be improvised, a real physical and technical preparation is necessary. Hiking, climbing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, tour of Mont Blanc, many packages are offered, for all levels, summer and winter: TMB (Tour du Mont-Blanc) in 5 days with an option to carry a bag; the mountains and wonders of the Aosta Valley in 6 days; more affordable, for families, the Chamonix Valley in five days; an introduction to mountaineering in three days, etc. With almost two centuries of history (it was created in 1821), the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has become a true legend. The mountain house, which also houses the French Ski School and the Cham'Aventure company, offers a free information point, the Office de Haute Montagne. Three weather reports are posted here every day, just like at the neighboring tourist office: always highly recommended before any outing, on any terrain, even if it is considered easy. An office is also open during the season in Argentière.

Just a few kilometers from the village, the resort is tucked away in the forest between 1,200 and 1,400 meters above sea level. It offers 35 km of cross-country ski trails, which can be extended to the Espace Aubrac resorts and a further 200 km. The alpine ski area includes 6 trails for beginners and advanced skiers alike, including a red run. there are 4 marked trails for snowshoeing, a tobogganing area and dog sledding routes. Rental equipment is available on site.

There's no need to pack your climbing gear and head for the mountains to reach the summits: Casamur is located right in the center of town. The climbing gym is open to beginners and advanced climbers alike, and offers a wide range of climbing walls and routes. The 500 sq. m. climbing gym allows beginners to discover the joys of climbing in a fun environment. The other part introduces you to different types of difficulty. This is where affiliated clubs, schools and associations train. In complete safety, young and old alike can take part in training courses or customized lessons with professionals. Casamur also offers a birthday package.

It is in free access but classified difficult. One via ferrata that derives its name from the waterfall flowing through this place, fed by the torrent of the Glière. Starting from the Bieux area, then follow signs indicating "Cascade of the Fresh" and climbing school. It takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 rise. A short walk, but it will pass through impressive stretches of road. Wonderful sensations and landscapes will be at the meeting. Partir is imperative.

Alpe-d'Huez is not Lapland, but you can live a Nordic adventure there by going on a dogsled ride. Your musher will take you on a hair-raising ride in the powder snow. Along the snow-covered footpaths, you will enjoy the speed and enchantment of the landscape to the rhythm of the eight dogsled race. You can also practice ski-jöering, pulled by a horse... An alchemy between mountain, snow and connivance with the animals.

ESI offers group and private lessons in alpine skiing and snowboarding for both children and adults. The instructors have several years of experience in major French winter sports resorts. For ten years, they have been combining their skills to pass on their passion for skiing. ESI favours proximity and exchange for learning: small groups, learning by playing and optimising skiing time for the student.

Jean-François Cassier is a sledding fanatic and has made it his profession. He has settled with his adorable pack - and his family - on the heights of Murat-le-Quaire. As the sled is only available when it snows, the rest of the time is devoted to wheeled sledding, cani-trotinnette or canirando. But above all, Jean-François prefers to spend time with the dogs, to get to know the Siberian huskies better and to learn how the pack works. In complete safety, the musher alternates experiences, between full gallop rides and very instructive discussions.

Small start to master the coupling and it's gone for more than 1 hours of unforgettable strolls. In the forest, the huskys offer you their dynamism, calm and docility. Upon reservation.

Explo, for exploration : sensations, landscapes, emotions, water, rocks... In a group, as a family (children from 7 years old), or individually, you have the choice of nature activities which will be supervised by professionals, in complete safety. On the menu: climbing in Casteljau, speleology in the numerous caves and cavities of the area, canyoning in the Chassezac, via corda in southern Ardèche, Explo course, canoeing and kayaking. The choice is varied and you are bound to find something you like and that suits you!

You can practice snowshoeing or learn to drive a dog team on the large snowy expanses of the mountain. You will meet the pack of samoyeds, huskies, malamutes and Greenland dogs... but not only! Also on the programme: river rafting, canyoning, hiking, canoeing, caving... You can also go canoeing or roller karting. Activities that are 100% nature sports in summer and winter. And from the age of 3, it is possible to enjoy a baptism with the musher.

The Sainte-Eulalie resort, whose location and climatic conditions limit development, had already organized downhill, cross-country and ski jumping competitions in... 1907! Today, it welcomes lovers of the great outdoors. Snow conditions are often good, and the free access to cross-country ski trails is much appreciated. Equipment rental (skis and snowshoes) available. The area also offers snowshoeing and dog sledding. In summer, there's hiking, climbing, mountain biking...

What better setting for a day's cross-country skiing than the Ardèche plateau, the sources of the Loire and Mont Gerbier de Jonc? The Sainte-Eulalie town council manages this Nordic area, which offers access to three trails from green to red (from 1.5 km to 5.6 km in a loop) for family-friendly skiing. There are also three snowshoe trails to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Information at the tourist office, where you'll find a warm welcome.

While the Ardèche is full of climbing sites in a variety of environments, few are as demanding as Coux, between Sainte-Eulalie and Sagnes-et-Goudoulet. Its 23 20-metre routes have been carved out of phonolite, a volcanic stone found only in the Ardèche, and used by the mountain's inhabitants to build their roofs. For beginners, the tourist office can provide you with the names of professionals who can accompany you. Don't hesitate to drop in and see them, as this is not a discipline that can be improvised.

Winter: at the gates of the Vercors highlands, the site of Herbouilly offers an ideal departure for lovers of pristine nature and large spaces. Cross-country skiing and easy access to the slopes of the Nordic area of Villard-de-Lans Corrençon, in all, close to 130 kilometres of marked slopes! A record form. Ski school at 04 76 95 19 00. Summer: in the summer sun, there are also many activities: Mountain biking, hiking…

In view of the success of the vias ferratas of Planfoy, the lovers of rock faces have created this vertical activity center in order to propose in the same place a wide range of activities for all publics. Thus, the vertical offer goes from the most assisted for the beginners to the free practice on more or less difficult walls. Two vias ferratas for children and adults, as well as more than 180 climbing routes (from 3a to 8a+). Do not hesitate to contact the guides and climbing instructors of the area to discover this vertical pole in complete safety.

When it snows on the Pilat, a play area is set up for children from 3 years old to learn how to ski. Please note that there is no equipment rental on site. You will have to come with your nordic or alpine skis. On the way down, there are obstacles to overcome, tunnels, bumps, to learn the basics of skiing. Important point: the ascent doesn't require the slightest effort thanks to the automatic "snow wire" system that allows you to admire the landscape in peace or to bombard your neighbor with snowballs.

30 minutes from downtown Grenoble, the Montagnes de Lans ski area offers a splendid setting for skiing in the heart of the Vercors Regional Park. The resort, oriented towards new glides, offers a wide variety of terrains. At 4 km from the village, accessible by free shuttles, the ski area offers 26 runs for all levels. In the heart of the village, the Parc de loisirs de l'Aigle allows you to try the pleasures of sledding. Incredible viewpoint overlooking the Grenoble agglomeration.

The valley is connected to the Two Alps station by the gondola. It offers a wild nature and the highest peaks of the. The background practice in the valley is subject to snow conditions. In the forest, towards the hamlet of the Alleau, presents a 3 km loop. Following the Vénéon, we will travel the 8 km, return, from Bourg-d'Arud to Ougiers, or the 24 km, return, from Bourg-d'Arud to Bourg-d'Oisans.

Tuesday and Thursday, from a. m. to p. m. (winter hours) and from p. m. to p. m. (spring time). Free access with the Pass package. Large and long 950 m long, the signal slalom stadium welcomes night skiing and offers a difference of 250 m, with the lighting of the stadium equivalent to the Stade de France, and 3 parallel lifts will allow you to take full advantage of your package. During these evenings, you will be visiting numerous sports events and events and international competitions.

From the villages of La Grave, Saint Christopher-Oisans and Venosc, there are many possibilities for via ferrata. If you choose to leave alone, you will find the route of routes in the various guides or at the guides office which organizes departures for via ferrata. It is therefore advisable to use their knowledge before engaging in unknown land.

A 24-hectare space welcomes all riders with boardercross - 12 relevés and jumps - half-pipe, jumping modules, jumping space, and open DJ platinum. Every week, they will be watching animations, exhibitions and equipment testing. Snow-park is open every day and its access is free for ski pass holders.