Let Loose in the Alps

Sledding, skating, snowshoes, or dog-sledding. There’s so many ways to let loose in the Alps. In Montgenèvre, Les Orres, or Orcières, you are in for a treat with their unique snow activities. Prefer an airboard, pony sled, SNOOC, or zip-line? Let’s go on an adventure!

Published on 4 November 2019

Have a Blast on a Sled

Inflatable or Snake Gliss

Between bumps and bends, the many sledding runs in the Southern Alps guarantee memorable fits of laughter. With kids 6 and under, opt for the safe slope of Valberg. With your family or friends, take part in a group descent, in Vars, for example. Want to try a rail sled? These sleds on tracks can be found at Verdon Express at Val d’Allos , Orrian Express at Les Orres or the Monty Express in Montgenèvre. For a more sporty version, dare to have a go on an airboard – an inflatable sled that you steer while lying flat on your belly. Try one at Les Orres or at La Grave La Meije. Similarly, you could also go tubing. Find these fun bouées de neige at Orcières-Merlette. To end with a flourish, treat yourself to a Trapper Evening at Les Orres with a snowshoe hike followed by a snake gliss (sled train) descent under the stars.

Go Sledding with Animals

Dogs, Horses, and Ponies, too!

An age-old means of travel, dog-sledding offers a unique, intimate moment with dogs on a relaxing and kid-friendly outing.. In the Southern Alps, many mushers at each station are keen to share their enthusiasm with you. You can also try this adventure with horses. In the Vars, Les Crins de la Forêt Blanche will take you on a horse ride, a carriage ride, or even tow you on an inflatable tube on the snowy trails! You might also be tempted to try a ski joëring session – horse-drawn skiing – or a pony sled at Le Dévoluy.

Spin At A Skating Rink

Outdoors, At Night, Or With Music

On a holiday in the Southern Alps, rediscover the joys of ice-skating with your family or friends. In Auron and at La Salle Les Alpes, skate outdoors and even at night under a starry sky. Change of mood at the Olympic-size Briançon skating rink. This is where the Diables Rouges, the town’s ice-hockey team, train. For kids, it’s an introduction to skating at Les Orres skating rink, during the « Jardin de Glace » sessions. To skate to the beat of sound and light, choose a themed evening at the Orcières-Merlette rink.

Amble In Snowshoes

Explore Nature in a Different Way

Discover the powdery Southern Alpine trails up close. With your snowshoes on, nature will reveal all its charms and calming power to you. Snowshoeing can be done with your family in all the Southern Alps resorts. There are no less than 43 km of marked trails in Valberg, 8 routes for all levels in Pra Loup, 5 at Le Sauze, and many more. Our favourite is the Circuit Trappeur [Trapper’s Circuit] at Le Val d’Allos, a 4km walk to explore with your family. And, of course the night outings at Orcierre-Merlette.

Get Your Thrills

Pure Adrenaline Rushes

Let’s go for a karting session on ice! A short walk from Le Sauze, the Ice-Karting track of Barcelonnette welcomes both young and old daredevils . Still thirsty for more adventures? You can try the Ice-Karting de Serre Chevalier Vallée track for a max of thrills in a pure mountain setting. While you are at the biggest resort in the Alps, why not have a go on a SNOOC? This nifty invention, halfway between sledding and skiing, is accessible for anyone 10 years old and up. At Val d’Allos, kids (from 4 to 14 years) will have a field day with the children’s quads. To feel an adrenaline rush with all your senses, launch head first through the air on the Orcières Merlette zip-line!

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Une publication partagée par Orcières Merlette (@orcieresmerlette) le 27 Févr. 2017 à 2 :47 PST

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Une publication partagée par Emilie (@katoutorbera) le 23 Févr. 2019 à 12 :31 PST

Go On A Treasure Hunt

And Other Fun On The Slopes

To share good times with your family with your feet in the snow, take one of the five Treasure Hunts that were created by the Le Sauze Tourist Office. From charades to guessing games, you’ll yomp around the four corners of the resort to work out the puzzles. For a snowier version, you and your family can try the fun slopes of Val d’Allos. Bumps, bends, quizzes, and snowballs – laughs are guaranteed! The Montgenèvre fun trail is ideal for skiing with children. For an introduction to freestyle, head to the Waouland Snowpark in Risoul, the Isola 2000 Snow Park or the Family Park in Valberg – all levels are welcome.

Play In The Snow

Igloos, Torches, and Teepees

Because snow is also synonymous with dreams and escape, let yourself be tempted by a fairytale moment. What if, just like the Inuit, the kids built their own igloo at Orcières-Merlette? In Pelvoux, you can walk inside a giant igloo the Igloo Pelvoo village, a world of ice and light enameled with ephemeral sculptures. When night has fallen, don your snowshoes and take a timeless journey in Montgenèvre: a walk to the teepee village or a fondue evening in a wigwam, a typical Amerindian home.