Share this
What if the mountains sparkled just as brightly without skis on your feet?
Skiing, skiing, skiing . . . What if we came to the mountains not just to hit the slopes, but to discover different activities?
The mountains encompass so many different worlds that it’s possible to enjoy unparalleled adventures and experiences, whether sporting or cultural.
As early as 1980, pioneers were offering activities that weren’t intended for speed enthusiasts. Sledding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing are just some of the many options available, offering a different perspective on mountain holidays.
These new activities are becoming increasingly important to the resorts’ economies, with skiing accounting for two-thirds of revenue and other activities combined accounting for one-third. “Which is not insignificant,” according to Douglas Favre, director of Évolution 2 Tignes – Val d’Isère. It is an evolving model, and the reason is not solely ecological.
The amount of time spent skiing has changed. What used to be a full day is now down to four hours. This is due to ski lifts, which are now much more efficient.
Activities for all tastes
To delight visitors, municipalities are constantly improving. Variety is increasing as demand grows, and thrill-seeking activities are joining those focused on relaxation.
Ice climbing, year-round sledding, a gourmet break at a restaurant before admiring an exhibition on the way to a music or film festival. Some may even put on their touring skis and set off to explore the marked trails that resorts are increasingly offering, while others turn to mountain professionals to venture into unknown territory.
It is this unusual aspect, which leaves visitors with memories of a wonderful vacation in the mountains, that they are looking for. In Bessans, for example, it is possible to follow farmers in their daily lives, from snacking in the mountain pastures to milking cows and feeding calves. The farming profession holds no more secrets for the curious, and families leave with stars in their eyes.
It’s an evolving model that gives us a glimpse of the future of our resorts. So, are you ready to skip a day of skiing to discover the adventure stories and experiences that the mountains have to offer.
Read more:
How can we protect fragile species?
Serre Chevalier: A pioneer in renewable energy
Val Cenis leads way with recycled chair lift
March 01, 2026
