Activities for Non-Skiers in the French Alps: A guide to our favorite experiences!

Are you planning a trip to the Alps during winter but don't ski? No problem! We offer a wide range of activities for non-skiers in the French Alps! The possibilities are endless, and the era of resorts exclusively dedicated to skiers is over. If you enjoy sports and want to explore new landscapes and different sensations, snowshoeing, biathlon initiation, cold yoga, or fat biking will surely delight you! If you're looking to rejuvenate in the mountain air and explore local culture, you'll find happiness in our tastings and guided tours. And don't forget about the chance to have unique experiences that you can't try anywhere else. Whether you're heading to Chamonix, Courchevel, Val Thorens, Megève, Tignes, or Val d'Isère, there are activities for every taste. Here, we present our favorites!

The French Alps ski resorts for non-skiers: things to do 

Are you in the midst of planning your stay in the Alps? Wondering which resort to choose and what activities are available for those not keen on skiing? We've got you covered!

The best non-skiing activities to do in the French Alps

Some activities are possible everywhere: in the Three Valleys, Portes du Soleil, Chamonix, Megève and Les Contamines, or Tignes and Val d'Isère! Here are the ones we love to propose for the beautiful memories they create:

• Snowshoeing: a timeless classic that allows you to admire the diverse landscapes of the Alps. Accompanied by a guide who knows this environment like the back of their hand, you embark on a journey to discover breathtaking snowy panoramas. This unique way of exploring the mountains takes you off the beaten path, and sometimes, allows you to observe the rich and emblematic wildlife of the Alps. For family getaways and to add a bit more fun, we also offer the opportunity to build your own igloo during certain expeditions! 

Don't hesitate and explore all our snowshoeing experiences in the French Alps!

Want to learn more about this practice? Check out our articles "Snowshoeing outings in the snow, the perfect idea to discover the Alps" and "Snowshoeing: following in the footsteps of trappers"!

• Also, put on your snowshoes for an Evening with Trappers, on the heights of the resort where you are staying. What could be better than gathering around a delicious fondue or traditional raclette in a cozy place? After a reasonable approach, always accompanied by your guide, you'll admire the refuge or restaurant that will welcome you. You're about to experience an exceptional moment, in the heart of the mountains, in an atmosphere that feels just like home!

Discover this unique and timeless experience around Megève and Les Contamines, Chamonix, Val d'Isère and Tignes, and the Three Valleys.

• Tasting local products is also possible in many other formats! During your journey in the French Alps, delight in the wide range of Savoy wines during one of our tours of the Savoyard vineyards. Visit one of the Aravis farms to understand the making of Reblochon. Or savor the combination of both during a wine and cheese tasting at home.

Imagine the day circuit that will meet all your expectations!

• Do you crave sports without necessarily getting on skis? Snow fat biking is made for you! Enjoy the trails in a unique way, with calm and silence, and discover secret corners and extraordinary landscapes.

The Alps provide a fantastic playground for this activity, explore all the possibilities for outings!

Which ski resort in France is best for non-skiers ?

Are you planning a vacation in the Alps and unsure which destination to choose to meet everyone's expectations? If you want to experience the snow without skiing, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is undoubtedly the best French resort for non-skiers. The variety of activities is remarkable, catering to both thrill-seekers and those who prefer to explore culture and heritage. We'll tell you more about our top winter experiences in Chamonix.

Non-ski activities in Chamonix: things to do in winter

Wondering what to do in Chamonix when not skiing? In addition to snowshoeing, local product tastings, igloo building, and trapper evenings, Chamonix offers other must-try activities:

• The Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace are the highlights of a stay in Chamonix! Undoubtedly the most famous sites in the Mont-Blanc valley, you'll quickly understand why when you're there. For the Aiguille du Midi, ascend to 3,842 meters with a guide and enjoy an extraordinary panorama of part of the Alps. For the Mer de Glace, experience a journey on the Montenvers cogwheel train. Then, admire the largest glacier in the French Alps during an exciting visit!
    
• If you'd rather learn everything about the history of Chamonix, from the first ascent of Mont Blanc to the first Winter Olympics in 1924, or if you want to contemplate its Belle Époque heritage and immense murals, opt for a guided tour of Chamonix!
  
  
• For the food enthusiasts, wander the streets of the city in search of the best artisans and tantalize your taste buds during a food tour in Chamonix. Learn more about the history of the places as well.
  
  
• Finally, explore the hidden corners of the city at the foot of Mont Blanc in a unique and playful way through our original treasure hunts: the Enigmatorium Mont-Blanc (for ages 12 and up) and the Mystery Walk (for ages 6 and up)!  

We are at your disposal to advise you and tailor a program for you in Chamonix.

For even more inspiration for your next vacation in Chamonix, check out our article "Top 10 Activities to Do in Chamonix in Winter." 

Non-ski activities in Courchevel and Three Valleys: some of the best places for non skiers

In the heart of the Three Valleys resorts – Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, and Les Ménuires – immerse yourself in unique, sporty, and rejuvenating experiences: 

• Embark on an original dinner adventure in a snow groomer! At the base of the slopes, under the starlight and candle glow, savor local specialties during a timeless interlude. 
• As an exciting alternative to fat biking, discover the fatscoot, racing down the ski trails of Courchevel. Experience unique gliding sensations on this scooter with oversized wheels!
• Have you always dreamed of an ice driving initiation? Head to Val Thorens and the Trophée Andros circuit for a memorable and exceptional moment!
• For a well-deserved moment of reconnection during your stay in the Three Valleys, try cold yoga. In complete harmony with nature, rediscover all the benefits of freshness on your body and mind.

Planning a snowy vacation in the Three Valleys? Explore all our experiences in the heart of these resorts!

Activities for non-skiers in the French Alps: explore Tignes and Val d’Isère 

In addition to our flagship activities for discovering Tignes and Val d'Isère through snowshoeing and culinary delights, consider trying the ascent of an ice cascade in an enchanted setting! Enjoy this magical environment, frozen in time and cold, creating fairy-tale scenes. Strap on your crampons, grab your ice axes, and explore the sensations offered by this unique activity.

Afterward, simply savor a hot chocolate on one of the terraces in Val d'Isère and admire its authentic charm as an old mountain village. A must-visit destination in the Alps!

To delve even further, explore all our experiences in Tignes and Val d'Isère.

Megève and Les Contamines : Winter activities to do when you don’t ski

Just like in other Alpine resorts, you can enjoy beautiful snowshoeing excursions. Around Megève, you can add a unique and memorable activity: an aperitif under an igloo! Hidden amidst the mountains, you reach it after a walk through snowy landscapes. Once there, warm up with mulled wine and savor delicious local products. An aperitif like this, you'll remember! The more adventurous can even opt for a Savoyard fondue under the igloo, for a truly convivial experience! By candlelight and after a nighttime stroll under the stars, you'll experience an enchanting interlude.

If you prefer a bit more "comfort" and warmth, choose the Apéro Mazot, in a typically Savoyard mountain chalet! Warm up by the wood stove and savor local cheeses and wines, accompanied by anecdotes from your guide!

During your trip to Haute-Savoie, don't miss an initiation to biathlon, with or without skis – it's always fun! Precision and speed will be your best allies after learning the basic shooting techniques.

Does one of these activities capture your imagination? Don't hesitate to contact us for a quote and a customized program according to your expectations! And above all, enjoy your stay in our French Alps, filled with experiences you'll remember for a long time!