Non skiing activities for the not so feint hearted
At Luxury Chalet Book we often get asked what is there to do in a ski resort other than skiing. Perhaps one family member has never learnt to ski or maybe you’re looking for an extra adrenaline fuelled activity to enhance your next ski holiday. The list of things to do really is endless but we’ve taken a look at the more obscure activities on offer in some of our favourite Alpine ski resorts.
How many have you tried?
YOONER in MORZINE
You would be forgiven for not knowing what Yooner is, neither did I until last winter. The Yooner is the modern redesigned version of the Savoyard Paret (a wooden sledge), which was used by village children as a means to get to school in winter in the early 1900s. The Yooner has a single central foot, a mounted seat and steering stick. The new version is certainly more comfortable than the original one and allows you to slide easily down the mountain and in total control.
Try your hand at Yooner in Morzine, part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with Indiana Ventures every day for 2 hrs from the Nyon cable car bottom station (must be 8yrs+).
SKI JOERING in MERIBEL
This is the sport of being pulled along on skis by a horse or dogs. No one country can claim its invention and it is constantly being reinvented, however the first competitions in the sport were held in Scandinavia. Its fast becoming a fun activity in ski resorts across Europe. No need to be an expert skier or horse rider but you’ll definitely need to be able to stand up on skis unless you want to be eating snow.
Try it in Meribel ski resort right at the heart of Les Trois Vallées with Le Coeur Equestre Des 3 Vallees, you must be 8 or over and able to at least snow plough!
LUGE - THE CRESTA RUN in ST. MORITZ
You’d have to be brave to choose a beginner session on the Cresta Run in the luxury ski resort of St Moritz. A man made ice track between St Moritz and Celerina gives crazy men in full body suits the opportunity to hurtle themselves down it, head-first at up to 140mh/h. The Cresta Club is a very exclusive members only Gentlemen’s club, however beginners can book a slot on a practice session.
You must be 18 or over and male….that’s right this famous skeleton ice run is only open to women on the last day of its season and by invitation only. To book a session go to Cresta Run.
SPEED RIDING in VERBIER
For the adrenalin junkies out there this is a must. An activity that allows you to ski and fly all during the same descent. Due to the flying aspect it allows you to access parts of the mountain that is normally not possible on skis alone.
You have to be a competent skier with nerves of steel to start this hobby. Have a go in the ski resort of Verbier in Switzerland with Fly Verbier.
ICE DIVING in TIGNES
Ever wanted to explore the world under an icy lake? Well if the answer is yes, or just maybe, then the lake in the ski resort of Tignes is covered in ice for 6 months of the year providing a fabulous ice-diving experience.
The diving is open to everyone so no need to be an experienced diver and it’ll certainly give you something to tell your friends about. You can try an ice diving experience with Evolution 2 in Tignes.
Looking for an exciting winter holiday?
To book a luxury ski chalet in any of these resorts and even those not featured please do not hesitate to enquire below or call on +44 207 117 2085.
