Winter Sports Differently

Our blog writer, Alain Dierckx, loves travelling to sunny destinations just as much as snowy ones. In his articles, he shares his experience and tips with those for whom travel is also a real passion!
Below, he gives 7 ideas for those who want to go on a winter sports holiday without spending the whole stay devoted to skiing or snowboarding.
Ideas for experiencing a snow holiday differently.

While for some, a snow holiday means days spent on the slopes from morning to night, that's not the case for everyone! Discover a few activities below that will make a nice change from traditional skiing or snowboarding.

1. Walks in boots or with snowshoes

Snow crunching under your boots. The mountain sun turning your cheeks red. Enjoy a lovely walk, whether with your children or without. In every ski resort, you'll find plenty of hiking trails.
It's up to you:
- Don't feel like putting on snowshoes or snow boots? Head out along the resort's cleared paths and take a walk through the village, for example.
- Want more adventure? Take the snowy trails. Put on your snowshoes and don't forget to stop at one of the mountain refuges to warm up and enjoy a snack and a hot drink.

Walking in the snow can of course be done anywhere, particularly in the typical winter sports destinations of Austria, Switzerland and France. But also in Germany and even in our own Ardennes (when there's snow, that is)!

A few useful links:
- https://fr.tyrol.com/loisirs/sport/excursions-en-raquettes-randonnee-hivernale
- https://www.france-montagnes.com/guide-des-stations/randonnees
- https://www.visitardenne.com/fr/preparez-votre-sejour/meteo-et-saisons/que-faire-en-hiver-ardennes
and plenty of other websites too!

2. Sledging or tobogganing

You don't have to be a daredevil to go down the slopes on a sledge or toboggan and have a wild amount of fun. Even taking it very carefully, the thrill of the descent stays unforgettable.

The price is no obstacle: an average of €2 per run or €5 an hour! All you need to do is rent a sledge. Nothing else required. Here too, you can choose between different types of runs: the wild, natural run or the groomed one. It's up to you.

A few useful links:
- https://www.france-montagnes.com/webzine/activites/les-meilleures-pistes-de-luge-en-montagne
- https://www.loisirs.ch/dossiers/19211/les-meilleures-pistes-de-luge-de-suisse-romande
and plenty of other websites too!\

3. Or how about "Snake Gliss"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BokNwaRxSg&w=560&h=315

Snake Gliss is an activity quite similar to sledging. The difference is that Snake Gliss is made up of a number of sledges (up to ten!) linked together. What makes this activity fun is that you go down the mountain with a group of friends or your family, while the professional instructor, seated at the front, takes care of everything. Prices range from €10 to €30 depending on the distance covered (3, 6, 8... km). Children are allowed from the age of 4. Bring gloves, good ski boots, a helmet, and... off you go! Sssssss...

A few useful links:
- http://www.snake-gliss.com/
- https://www.valthorens.com/fr/activite/snake-gliss

4. Snowmobiles: not just in Lapland!

You're probably picturing tourists sitting on a snowmobile looking for Santa Claus in Lapland? These wonderful rides through pristine landscapes are also possible in other parts of Europe. You'll be accompanied by a guide. Expect to pay around €140 to rent the vehicle.
Did you know there are snowmobiles for children too? They're available to children aged 5 to 11. The price is around €10 for five minutes of fun. Helmets and warm clothing are compulsory.
A practical tip for adults: don't forget to bring your driving licence.

A few useful links:
- https://www.cap-adrenaline.com/moto-neige-A75-rhone-alpes-R3.html
- https://www.valthorens.com/fr/activite/motoneige
and plenty of other websites too!\

5. Winter canyoning: not for the faint-hearted

Do you have the soul of an adventurer? Aren't you afraid of braving cold mountain water? If so, winter canyoning is for you. Under the supervision of professional guides and after numerous safety measures have been taken, you'll make your way down a high mountain (just as in summer, in fact) through streams and rocks that are partly frozen or covered in snow. This sport is reserved for those in good physical condition. You can take part in this sport, for example, in Switzerland in the Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken area, and in the French Pyrenees near Luchon.

A few useful links:
- https://canyon-spirit.com/en/canyoning-pyrenees/luchon/
- https://www.x-adventure.be/blog/wintercanyoning

6. Dog sledding

Renting a dog sled is always an unforgettable experience for the young and not-so-young. The dogs (six to eight of them) will pull you at full speed through the snow while you sit back and enjoy. Your encounter with these energetic animals will stay etched in your memory. Expect a price ranging from €70 to €120 for a trip of a few hours. Warm clothing is essential, as you generally stay seated in the sled.

A few useful links:
- https://www.austria.info/fr/activites/ski-et-sports-d-hiver/balade-en-chien-de-traineau
- https://www.valthorens.com/fr/activite/chiens-de-traineaux
and plenty of other websites too!

7. And in bad weather?

We obviously hope this won't happen during your holiday, but what should you do when it's raining, there's a blizzard or fog? More and more ski resorts now have indoor winter sports centres.
How about a spa session? This used to be limited to a sauna in a hotel basement, but today there's a wide choice of professional wellness centres in an ever-growing number of ski destinations.

More and more ski resorts also have a genuine indoor sports complex, where you can, for example, swim to your heart's content or take part in indoor sports.

A few useful links:
- https://www.france-montagnes.com/webzine/style/spa-de-montagne-15-spas-decouvrir
- https://www.les2alpes.com/fr/bien-etre-detente-massages-soins-fitness.html
and plenty of other websites too!

A few good tips

• If you want to know about alternative activities to try at your ski resort, find out before you go. A booking might be essential.
• For all the outdoor activities mentioned above: wear warm, good-quality clothing (preferably several layers) and good footwear. Read our blog article to prepare yourself physically as best you can.
• Get informed and trust the professionals. They know what they're talking about and can help you with plenty of good advice. Thanks to their experience, you'll avoid certain mishaps.
• Always check the weather forecast. If, for example, you're planning a long walk, don't forget that mountain weather can change very quickly.
• Don't take unnecessary risks. You're on holiday, enjoy it. You don't want a ticket on the next "snow plane", do you? Also think of your family or friends, they certainly wouldn't want anything to happen to you either. Don't assume nothing can happen just because you're not skiing. An accident can happen anywhere and at any time. Redion can vouch for that! Before setting off on a winter sports holiday, check your travel insurance cover. Prevention is better than cure
• All that's left now is to make the most of your holiday!

Also read the article "Setting off on an adventure in the high mountains"