Spending a mountain holiday isn’t just about alpine skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. Sledding is a fantastic alternative and isn’t just for kids!
Discover why sledding is a perfect activity for families or friends, and learn about the best slopes in French resorts for fun and thrilling experiences.
Sledding: a must-do winter mountain activity
Friendly, easy to use, and inexpensive: sledding has many advantages for enjoying your mountain holiday!
Simple fun accessible to everyone
Unlike skiing or snowboarding, sledding requires no complex technical skills or expensive equipment. Everyone can enjoy a sled ride for just a few euros, and sometimes even for free.
For young children, sledding is a fun way to experience sliding and can even replace a stroller on walks. Older children will find it safe and entertaining. For adults, it can be a nostalgic trip back to childhood, offering thrilling sensations.
A fun and social après-ski activity
Sledding is also perfect for the end of the day when ski slopes are closed. Many resorts offer evening runs, adding a magical touch to the experience.
It’s a great way to end the day enjoying a friendly atmosphere with loved ones and fellow visitors.
Sled zones at the base of the slopes: a playground for kids
The base of the slopes is the heart of the resort, where most ski lifts start and main slopes end. It’s also where most safe sled zones are located, especially designed for children.
Free to access, these “sled zones” are designated areas, sometimes fenced for extra safety. Some resorts even have conveyor belts to go back up effortlessly.
Marked sled slopes: guaranteed fun
To diversify winter activities, some ski resorts offer long marked sled slopes accessible via ski lifts. Separated from ski areas, these slopes provide a safe space and different sliding experiences:
- Family slopes with gentle, wide runs, perfect for beginners and young children;
- Thrill slopes with faster sections, turns, obstacles, tunnels, and more.
In some cases, there are no dedicated slopes, but sled sessions are organized on ski runs at the end of the day when skiers have finished.
Top 5 marked sled slopes in France
Ready for a sled run on your next snow holiday? Here are some of the best slopes, mainly in the Alps.
Cosmojet in Val Thorens
With 6 km in length and a 45-minute descent, the Cosmojet sled run in Val Thorens is the longest in France! The start is at 3,000 meters altitude, atop the Péclet funitel, offering stunning views.
Navigating the Cosmojet’s numerous turns without falling is challenging, but that’s what makes it fun. On a dedicated slope, with a helmet and brake sled, the activity is completely safe.
The run is accessible from age 10 solo, and for ages 5–9 in tandem with an adult.
Daytime runs cost €20.50 (free for children 9 and under), including sled, helmet, and funitel lift ride. Evening runs are also available Wednesday to Friday for €30.50.
Sled slopes at Les Arcs
At Les Arcs, enjoy two sled runs:
- Luge 1800, from the Villards gondola summit: 900 m descent with light and sound tunnel, turns, and forest sections. Accessible from age 3 – €9 per run without special package.
- Luge 2000, from Arcabulle chairlift summit: 3 km descent, with banked turns and fast sections for maximum thrills. Accessible from age 12 (14 solo) – €14 per run without package.
N’Troll sled at Les Saisies
At Les Saisies, sledding is available at night, with runs from 4:30–6:30 pm. For ages 10 and up, it’s perfect for fun après-ski with family or friends. Try this 2 km night sled run!
Price: €15 per person, including sled, helmet, and headlamp.
Roc’n Bob in Méribel
Méribel offers a 4 km sled run, Roc’n Bob, with 450 m descent and 22 turns.
Open from 2:30–6:45 pm, with headlamps for night descents. Accessible from age 7, €14 per run, free for children under 10 with adult.
Deval’Bob in Serre-Chevalier
In the Southern Alps, Deval’Bob at Serre-Chevalier offers 4 km of fun, nearly 600 m descent with 26 tight turns. Adults and teens from 12 can enjoy this thrilling ride.
Tickets at Points Info Vente: €13 for skiers with lift pass, €16 including lift ride via Aravet gondola (Serre-Chevalier Villeneuve).
Alternatives in resorts without sled slopes
No sled slopes at your destination? Don’t worry — you can still enjoy sliding fun without skis through:
- rail sledding, suitable for summer and winter;
- snow tubing, sliding down a dedicated slope in an inflatable tube, or even jumping on a Big Air Bag;
- fun Snake Gliss rides (sleds hooked together);
- yooner introduction, and more.