6 alternative ways to enjoy the slopes

Nature and Outdoor ActivitiesMountainsWinter

Oliver Godbold Photo
© Oliver Godbold Photo

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 24 October 2022, updated on 9 January 2026

For a holiday out of the ordinary, French resorts offer a whole range of original activities to make the most of the benefits of the mountains. In the air, on the ground and even inside the mountain, here are 5 ideas to enjoy the French massifs in a different way this winter.

A Step into the Void in Morzine

Morzine, France

Domaine Skiable de Morzine
© Domaine Skiable de Morzine

A bit of adrenaline and a lot of contemplation: to feel the immensity of the Alps, go to the Pas de l'Aigle in Morzine. At an altitude of 2019 metres, this footbridge offers a 360° panorama with a view of Mont Blanc and as far as Lake Geneva. A great breath of fresh air and the mountains as far as the eye can see to your left, to your right, and even under your feet!

Discover the Pas de l’Aigle Footbridge in Morzine

Zip Line Over the Slopes of Val Thorens

Val Thorens, Les Belleville, France

After the opening of the highest zip line in Europe, Val Thorens is back with a new innovative flying experience in the heart of the resort. Securely fastened by a harness and with your skis on your back, set off on a 1600 metre long flight, 65 metres above the slopes. Start at the top of the Moutière chairlift and reach the ground on the Place Caron. The zip line is accessible to skiers and pedestrians and reaches an average speed of 75 km/h.

Try the Zip Line in Val Thorens

Fat Bike Riding on Ski Slopes in the Alps

R. Palomba
© R. Palomba

You may have spotted them already, bikes with extra-wide tires made for snow. Fat bikes, both mechanical and electric, are a growing trend in mountain resorts. Destinations such as Alpe d’Huez, Les Saisies, Val d’Isère, and Serre Chevalier now offer easy rental options. Open to all levels, this activity combines stunning alpine scenery with smooth, accessible riding, as the large tires provide excellent grip on snow. Descents are often done on closed ski runs, offering plenty of room to ride freely and enjoy the experience.

Discover Snake Gliss in La Bresse

La Bresse, France

You may know classic sledding or tubing, but have you tried collaborative sledding? That’s exactly what Wiidoo Gliss offers in La Bresse, in the Vosges Mountains. Riders head up the slope on identical sleds using a conveyor belt, then connect them at the top to form one long chain. Everyone takes a seat and enjoys a unique, low-to-the-ground sliding sensation as the convoy snakes downhill like a serpent. For an extra thrill, grab a spot at the back of the chain.


Try collaborative sledding in La Bresse with Wiidoo Gliss

Explore Tignes on Snowshoes

Tignes Val d'Isère, Tignes, France

andyparant.com
© andyparant.com

To explore Tignes off the beaten track, there's nothing like putting on your snowshoes for a timeless walk. Accompanied by a guide, set off to explore the white immensity of fresh snow, untouched by footprints, get close to chamois and ibex and enjoy the unique silence of the mountains!

Our Snowshoeing Trail Ideas in Tignes

Try Dog Sledding and Cani-Activities in the Vercors

Corrençon-en-Vercors, France

At Corrençon-en-Vercors, in the Vercors Massif, visitors can discover dog sledding and related activities such as cani-rando and cani-scootering. Children are welcome to try cani-sulky rides as well. It’s an ideal way to explore the musher’s craft, meet sled dogs, and learn about their way of life. For younger audiences, the experience is rounded out with storytelling sessions inspired by sled dogs.

Extrapattes

By The editor

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.

Read more