Non-Ski Activities in Val d’Isere

Anna | December 4, 2018

There is often a member of a family or group on a catered chalet holiday that doesn’t ski and not everyone wants to thrash up and down the slopes all day. In Val d’Isere there is plenty of fun to be had in the snow that doesn’t involve skiing or snowboarding.

The excellent selection luxury chalet accommodation in Val d’Isere and vast range of shops, restaurants and bars make it the perfect mecca for non-skiers. The village has a homely traditional Savoyard feel and a wonderful long high street adorned with plenty of great shops and cafes to keep non-skiers entertained. It is centered around a buzzy nursery slope area with lovely slopeside restaurants and terraces offering the perfect spot for relaxing in the sun. It’s also really easy for non-skiers to head up on one of several gondolas to meet family members for lunch in a local mountain restaurant.

So, what makes Val d’Isere a great resort for non-skiers. Well, here are a few highlights: for adventurers there is sledding, snow tubing, ice-fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. There is also ice-karting, ice-skating, paragliding, shopping, fitness at the Aquasportif centre, relaxation at local hotel spas and plenty of great spots to snuggle up with a great book and a hot toddy or enjoy lunch on the mountain.

These can all be arranged in advance of your Val d’Isere luxury chalet stay by our helpful in-house concierge team.

Click here for our complete Val d’Isere Resort Guide, including our top three mountain, in-resort restaurants and Val d’Isere ski schools and more.

Here’s The Chalet Edits pick of the best ‘Non Ski Activities in Val d’Isere’.

GO ICE-KARTING – Go-karting on ice! Head to La Daille – just outside Val d’Isere – where, hidden in the valley and surrounded by rivers and fir trees, is the ice-karting circuit. The track accommodates a variety of unique ice experiences from learning how to drive a piste-basher to driving on snow and ice in a controlled fashion, whilst families will love racing one another around the ice-karting track.

TRY YOUR HAND AT ICE SKATING – Enjoy the beautiful mountain views whilst playing around on some skates. The outdoor ice-rink in Val d’Isere is open from 15:00-20:00 every day and is a fun thing to do with the family.

PARAGLIDING OVER THE VILLAGE – Val d’Isere is superb for paragliders and a great place to learn how to fly if you’ve never tried paragliding before. There are several clubs and organisations in the area. Glide down to your destination on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor as you enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Flights can be undertaken solo for qualified paragliders or with prior training from a qualified instructor.

TAKE OFF ON A HELICOPTER FLIGHT – Still flying high? There are a range of scenic helicopter flights over the Alps summits, exploring peaks like Mont Blanc, La Grande Casse and Les Ecrins. Take a 30-minute Heart of the Alps trip or the Mont Blanc tour which takes an hour. You can also book the helicopter for airport transfers and trips to the best restaurants in the area!

DINE ON THE MOUNTAINS – With its stylish décor of white enamel milk churns, exposed zinc pipework, antique tiling and dairy-styled fittings and furnishings, La Fruitiere has a special atmosphere. Easily accessible by Gondola, the menu is rich in locally produced foods and Savoyard delicacies.

APRES SKI AT THE FOLIE DOUCE – Party on the Pistes – just because you’re not skiing doesn’t mean you can’t join the open air party. From 2pm when the weather is good see live musicians and soak up the apres ski party atmosphere.

MAKE A SPLASH IN THE AQUASPORTIF CENTRE – The swimming pool and sports centre in Val d’Isere offer swimming, climbing, gym/fitness, squash, indoor football, volleyball, a children’s play area and more. It is split into five main areas – Beach World, Spa World, Sports World, Well-being World and Lounge World. There is something for everyone!

INDULGE IN A SPA TREATMENT – There are plenty of places for a pamper in Val d’Isere. Right in the centre of town and offering plenty of different treatments is Aigle des Neiges Spa. The hotel spa is a haven of peace with a wide range of facilities to help you truly unwind.

MASSAGE AWAY ACHES AND PAINS – If your chalet doesn’t come with a spa, book Progression Therapies for a fabulous massage and range of treatments to help keep you looking – and feeling – amazing! Best of all, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your chalet if you don’t want to as they’ll come direct to you.