Do you love the mountains in winter, with ski resorts offering activities for adults and children, sports enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation? But did you know that in summer, the mountains also offer a wide range of sports and entertainment to help you breathe in the fresh air and have fun? From mountain biking, paragliding, climbing, rafting, via ferrata, horseback riding to various hikes, there’s plenty to enjoy during your high-altitude stay.
Hiking, a flagship summer mountain activity
Hiking remains one of the most popular summer mountain activities. Put on your hiking boots and explore the mountains on foot. You have a wide choice of scenic trails: Lac Vert (Savoie), Lac d’Allos, the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), Hirschsteine trail (Vosges), Pic du Midi d’Ossau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), and more.
The variety of hiking trails allows you to enjoy a leisurely walk with the family or undertake a multi-day adventure trek, always rewarded with beautiful views.
The mountains: a playground for cycling and mountain biking
Want to work your legs during your mountain stay? Conquer the legendary mountain passes such as Alpe d’Huez, Tourmalet, Galibier, etc., on a road bike.
Alternatively, try mountain biking. With Sport 2000, you can rent a mountain bike or electric mountain bike and enjoy beautiful rides in nature with high-quality equipment. Why not also tackle the downhill trails if you enjoy thrills? Or have fun at a Bike Park, which usually offers trails of varying difficulty. Check out resorts such as Les 2 Alpes, Les Gets, Les Orres, Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère, and more. Many resorts offer high-quality Bike Parks.
Aquatic and water activities in the mountains in summer
Looking to cool off? Try new thrilling experiences? Discover the mountains from a different perspective? Explore the water sports available in summer in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, and beyond.
Rafting
Whether with family or friends, rafting is a perfect summer mountain activity that combines nature exploration and adrenaline. In an inflatable raft, you will navigate rivers and rapids while paddling, a great way to build strength and endurance.
Ideal on hot summer days, rafting perfectly combines sport and fun.
Canyoning
Canyoning offers an exciting adventure for an unforgettable mountain holiday. Descend crystal-clear torrents, jump into natural pools, and slide along rocky walls—unique experiences to enjoy. Whether with family or friends, this thrilling activity is offered in many mountain resorts with routes ranging from gentle to extreme.
Swimming
In summer, you don’t have to be at the seaside to swim. French mountains are full of lakes and streams where you can dive into crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Popular spots include Lac de Gérardmer (Vosges), Lac de Vouglans (Jura), Cascade Saint-Benoît (Savoie), Lac des Bouillouses near Font-Romeu (Pyrénées-Orientales), Lac de la station de Tignes, and more. If the water feels too chilly, there are also natural hot springs, such as those in Canaveilles (Pyrénées-Orientales).
Climbing and via ferrata, quintessential mountain sports
Climbing is a challenging summer mountain activity. Before tackling cliffs, start by learning indoor climbing if you’re new to the sport. Outdoors, climbing is both intense exercise and a chance to discover nature from a unique perspective, enjoying breathtaking views from the heights.
Via ferrata is a more accessible form of climbing, requiring less experience. It involves following a prepared route on a rock face using ladders, cables, and handholds. It requires concentration, strength, and balance while providing excellent scenic views. Beginners are recommended to go with a guide.
Paragliding: the mountains from above
Try this increasingly popular summer mountain activity. Discover the mountains differently by soaring above them in a paraglider. A unique, adrenaline-filled experience available at numerous spectacular locations.
Spots include Samoëns, Annecy, Chamonix, the Vercors massif, or Luchon. Book a session with an instructor, follow their guidance, and enjoy the experience!