Do you enjoy spending your holidays in the mountains in summer and are looking for activities that are out of the ordinary? While hiking, electric mountain biking, or climbing are always enjoyable, there is actually a multitude of more original activities that could spice up your stay.
Discover our great ideas for a unique mountain experience during the summer season, along with some resorts where you can try these unusual activities!
When you think of the mountains in summer, you probably imagine hiking trails with breathtaking viewpoints, downhill mountain bike tracks, paragliding experiences, tree-top courses, and more. But the mountains have many other surprises and thrills to offer in summer, just as they do in winter with dog sled rides and other unusual snow activities…
With their lakes and rivers, the mountains offer a multitude of activities for thrill-seekers as well as those looking for tranquility.
How about trying Hydro Speed? This extreme water sport involves descending fast-flowing rivers using a special floating board. Also known as "river bodyboarding," this board allows the rider to navigate rapids and currents primarily using their body. An intense experience guaranteed!
Another original activity is Gliss Speed, also called water karting or hydro karting. On an electric device similar to a jet ski, you can enjoy a relaxed ride or pick up some speed and even race on a water course. Although this activity is still not widely available, mountain water sports centers are likely to gradually include it in their summer offerings.
Among fun activities suitable for the whole family is the Water Bubble, offered for example at Bessans, Lake Aiguebelette, and several other resorts with a water sports center. The concept is simple: enclosed in a giant inflatable ball, you bounce across the water. A completely new sensation!
Prefer a calmer unusual activity? Why not try paddle yoga? Many providers offer this activity in the mountains in summer, for example on Lake Annecy, Lake Chamrousse, the water basin of Mônetier-Les-Bains, Bolquère-Pyrénées, and more.
Hiking is naturally a key activity when vacationing in the Alps, Pyrenees, Vosges, or other mountain ranges in France during summer. To mix things up, you can approach hiking differently, for example with cani-hiking. Connected to a harness on your dog, you set off on mountain trails, pulled along by your dog’s energy. This simple but original activity can be enjoyed almost everywhere in the French mountains where dogs are allowed.
During a mountain holiday with children (or even without!), you could also hike in a different way by participating in a treasure hunt or an orienteering course. Many resorts offer these activities, which allow you to explore iconic village spots, local heritage, and the surrounding nature. Don’t hesitate to get information from the resort’s Tourist Office to find out schedules or to get a booklet for an independent treasure hunt.
Looking for even more ways to entertain yourself in the mountains in summer, off the beaten path? Here are some ideas that are sure to captivate you!
Did you know that skiing is not only a winter activity? In France, some ski resorts allow glacier skiing. This is the case in Tignes, in Savoie. Usually open from mid-June to mid-July, the few runs allow skiing from 8:00 AM, at over 3,000 meters altitude! Note, however, that these are red and black runs, suitable only for experienced skiers.
If you travel to Haute-Savoie, near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, don’t miss the Aiguille du Midi experience. The ascent is easy but thrilling, via the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy one of the most stunning views of the massif. For the adventurous, head to the “Step into the Void”: a fully glassed platform above the void, situated over 3,800 meters above sea level.
A cross between climbing and tree-top courses, the Via Ferrata is a popular summer mountain activity, especially since many routes are family-friendly. All offer thrills and allow you to exercise on the mountainside, but some stand out due to unique features. For example, at Pralognan-la-Vanoise, in the Northern Alps, the Via Ferrata of Cascade de la Fraîche takes you across a monkey bridge along the waterfall and above the torrent, several meters above the ground. Impressive and majestic! The route ends with several zip lines for a spectacular finish.
Speaking of zip lines, some mountain villages have invested in XXL installations, such as Val Thorens. Accessible in winter and summer, the “Bee” is a double zip line: you can ride two at a time, on a 1,800-meter course, several dozen meters above the ground. This activity is open to children aged 14 and up.
Other giant zip lines in French mountain ranges include a 1,000-meter descent above Lake des Confins in La Clusaz, the fantasticable (long zip line) of 240 meters elevation in Super-Besse, 1.35 km long with speeds over 100 km/h at La Bresse in the Vosges, 240 meters above ground in Châtel in the Alps, and more.