Winter activity holiday in the French Alps
Description of Winter activity holiday in the French Alps
This winter activity holiday in the French Alps is a flexible option for people who want to enjoy the region without having to strap a pair of skis to their feet! There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, including snowshoeing through the winter landscape, having a go at driving your own team of huskies, experiencing the thrill of climbing a frozen waterfall with an ice axe and crampons, hurtling down Europe's largest tyrolean zip wire, and spending a romantic night in an igloo. Our activity holiday works on a points system with each activity having its own points value. Nine points per person are included in your basic holiday price, with the option of buying extra points if you wish.
This holiday is suitable for families and couples, and there are accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury chalet style hotels to wooden chalets or self catering apartments. You’ll be given your own snowshoes and poles for the week so you can explore the winter wonderland on foot, with maps and advice from us on where is safe to go on your own. There are also lots of local events, markets and other sightseeing opportunities such as the ice sculptures in Valgaudemar. We'll give you up to date information when you arrive.
The winter season starts in December and continues through until mid April. Bear in mind that the majority of tourists who come here are local French tourists and it can get reasonably busy and more expensive in the school holidays, including around Christmas and in the month of February.
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Winter activity holiday in the French Alps
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2023 by Mary Henderson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Snowshoeing on higher slopes.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don't have to go out of your comfort zone, but it is worth it if you do!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The tour operator seemed to make a real effort to source things locally and encouraged us to by locally too.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Spectacular!
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2019 by Brenda Evans
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Husky driving.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider the options carefully before you decide what to do.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The instructors were all local people and I spent money in the shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant.
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONWe encourage guests to travel to the Southern French Alps by train wherever practical and provide information to help plan their journey. Transfers from local railway stations may be arranged depending on the accommodation and itinerary chosen.
As this is a tailor-made holiday, guests can choose from a variety of winter experiences, including human-powered activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Our local team helps plan the programme around the chosen activities, accommodation and travel arrangements.
As a Travelife Certified tour operator, we use Carmacal to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our holidays. We also make a contribution on behalf of every traveller to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth, supporting initiatives focused on habitat restoration and biodiversity. These contributions are not presented as compensation for the emissions associated with the holiday.
We provide itineraries, practical information and travel details through our smartphone app wherever possible, reducing the need for printed documents.
ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
Winter is a challenging season for mountain wildlife, with animals adapting to cold temperatures, snow cover and limited food supplies.
During suitable guided activities, guests may learn to recognise animal tracks in the snow and discover how different species survive the Alpine winter. Our local guides share their knowledge of the mountain environment, helping guests better understand the landscapes and wildlife of the Southern French Alps.
Activities are organised in appropriate locations, taking account of applicable regulations, access restrictions and protected-area guidelines.
Guests are encouraged to follow the advice of their guides and instructors, respect wildlife, use designated trails where appropriate and take all litter away. These practices are particularly important during winter, when disturbing wildlife can cause animals to expend valuable energy.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYOur Winter Multi-Activity Holidays bring together a network of independent accommodation providers, mountain guides, ski instructors, activity operators and other local businesses across the Southern French Alps.
Depending on the activities and accommodation chosen, guests may also visit local restaurants, cafés, equipment hire shops and other businesses during their stay.
By working with local partners wherever possible, we help direct part of the holiday spending towards the communities guests visit.
Alongside the outdoor activities, guests have opportunities to discover traditional Alpine villages, regional food specialities and the local culture of the Southern French Alps. Our local team can incorporate these experiences into the itinerary according to guests' interests and the options available during their stay.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
We work with qualified local guides, instructors and activity providers who bring specialist knowledge of the Southern French Alps and its winter conditions.
We pay agreed professional rates for their expertise and services, supporting local guiding and outdoor activity businesses.
Because every itinerary is personalised, we can recommend activities to suit different ages, interests, confidence levels and experience.
Whether guests want to try snowshoeing for the first time, learn a new winter sport or enjoy a mixture of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, our team helps them choose suitable activities.
We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.
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