What can I do in the Alps (that isn’t skiing)? Consensio’s top picks.
Taking an alpine adventure need not mean merely shoving your feet into your ski boots and strapping on a pair of planks. For families with kids who may not be ski-fiends just yet, or for those who are looking for fun alternatives whilst they’re up in the mountains, here are a few of Consensio’s cherry-picked ideas that you can use to pack your winter holiday full of fun this season.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Alpine skiing is a simply magical experience – thanks in no small part to the jaw-dropping views that can be drunk in when you’re high up on the slopes. But there are myriad ways to take in the majesty of the alpine surroundings. A neat alternative to gondolas and chairlifts is a hot air balloon tour. With operators offering sky-high views across most alpine resorts like Val d’Isère, Courchevel and Méribel – a balloon ride is a fantastic way to share an unforgettable experience with the whole family, whilst providing you with views of the mountains that you will never be able to find from the slopes.
Husky Sledding
An age-old means of navigating snowy terrain, husky sledging is a wonderful way to take in alpine forests and trails. It’s a perfectly suited activity for couples or families with kids of any age. This is another unmissable festive experience that can be found in most French resorts – and is a gentler way to roam the mountainside when you’re not skiing.
Ice Karting
Speed demons take heed – this is one way to take the adrenaline-filled fun of skiing to a whole new level. If you’re new to the concept, Ice Karting is rather self-explanatory; take go-karting, and put it on ice, essentially. If you think that sounds mad, it is. There are tracks dedicated to the sport in Val d’Isère, via Circuit Val d’Isère, where kids and adults alike can spend thrilling afternoons, battling it out to drift around the snow as fast as humanly possible. Not for those of a gentler disposition, mind you, but if you’re looking for a novel way to get your kicks when you’re up in the Alps, this is definitely something worth putting on your bucket list.
Farm Visits
Less adrenaline, this one, and more good old-fashioned serotonin. Take a day off the slopes, and take a tour of some of the most delightful farms the French Alps have to offer. Open in both summer and winter, farm visits are a glorious way to take in the historic alpine culture – and see some cuddly animals whilst you’re at it. Be warned, you won’t often find alpine farms that don’t double up as fromageries though, so if you’re planning on this one, it’s preferable that you like cheese. Or own industrial-level nose plugs. For the fromage connoisseur, however, alpine farms like La Ferme de L’Adroit in Val d’Isère are ideal places to find authentic, independent alpine cheesemakers.
Consensio’s Bespoke Winter Stays
At Consensio, we love the romance of winter – and all of the activities that are unique to the season. Many of our chalets are made with skiers in mind – especially our ski-in, ski-out chalets – but we know that there’s so much more to be found in the alps beyond the slopes. Chalets like Shemshak Lodge and Chalet Le Namaste are designed with wellness in mind – perfect for those looking to unwind after their day’s skiing, or for those looking to stay fit off the slopes.
We are also proud to partner with a number of operators who can arrange bespoke activities for you and your family during your stay with us – and our staff are ready to welcome any special requests you may have. We love to bring ideas to the table, helping to curate the perfect holiday for you and your family that unlocks the full magic that the Alps has to offer.