Five unusual winter activities in Val d'Isère

Published on July 10, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Val d'Isère, the iconic French ski resort, is renowned for its ski slopes and lively atmosphere. However, there's much more to discover in this winter destination than meets the eye. If you're looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy some unique experiences, we've selected five unusual activities for you to discover during your next stay in Val d'Isère.

For thrill-seekers, the Bun J Ride is an experience not to be missed. For adventurers who want to relax and let go, Ice Floating is an incredible experience. If you dream of diving under the ice, Val d'Isère offers unique opportunities to explore the icy depths.

For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, becoming a trapper for an evening will immerse you in a warm and authentic atmosphere, where you can sample local specialities while marvelling at the stars.

Finally, for fans of new technologies, the Moonbike, a new electric machine, offers a unique driving experience on the Val d'Isère slopes.

Two divers diving under ice

Summary

Bun J Ride for extreme sensations
Ice Floating to let go
Diving under the ice
Become a trapper for an evening
The Moonbike, the new electric machine to try out in Val d'Isère
Where to stay in Val d'Isère close to the slopes?

Bun J Ride for extreme sensations

Take the plunge in Val d'Isère with a challenge at an altitude of 2600m! Thrill-seekers, get ready for a unique experience in Val d'Isère. Dare to take to the skis or snowboard on a 30-metre springboard? Strapped to your waist by two elastic bands, you'll launch yourself into the void for a vertiginous 35-metre descent, in search of the perfect trick. All in an electric atmosphere, lulled by adrenalin and the fear of the big jump. To prolong the magic, you'll come back down on a zip line, savouring every moment of this extraordinary experience. So, are you ready to take up the challenge and defy the laws of gravity?

Practical information

📍 Where can you ride Bun J Ride in Val d'Isère?

At the top of the Merles chairlift in Tignes with compulsory ski or snowboard access.

👉 Who is this activity for?

Adults and children over the age of 14, with parental authorisation for minors.

You'll need to have a very good level of skiing, and be comfortable on red runs on skis and black runs on a snowboard.

Of course, you'll need to bring your skis or snowboard and a camera to keep a souvenir of the jump.

👛 Prices:

75€ for a jump.

👉 How do I book a jump?

On the website https://evolution2.com/val-disere/bun-j-ride?utm_source=easyvoyage

Activity available from Wednesday to Friday.

Ice Floating to let go

Looking for an original way to let go? Discover an unusual relaxation experience straight from Finland, which promises to transport you to a world of serenity and well-being. Imagine yourself lying in a frozen lake, wearing a wetsuit, in complete communion with nature. Floating in outdoor sensory isolation offers a unique experience of reconnecting with yourself and the surrounding nature. Facing the majestic mountains that surround you, you'll be able to observe a magnificent landscape and feel the sun's rays caressing your face or a snowflake gently landing on you. This unique experience awaits you in Val d'Isère, for an unforgettable sensory journey.

Practical information

📍 Where can you go ice floating in Val d'Isère?

This activity takes place at an altitude of 2,500 metres, at Lac de l'Ouillette.

Access is via the Solaise cable car with a few minutes' walk to reach the lake.

👉 Who is this activity for?

This activity is open to everyone aged 10 and over; minors must be accompanied.

What equipment should I bring?

We recommend wearing warm underwear and appropriate ski clothing, thick socks, a ski mask or sunglasses. If you have long hair, it's also advisable to bring a rubber band to tie it up.

Drysuits are provided by the service provider.

👉 How does the activity work?

After a 30-minute gondola ride, the activity lasts an hour, including 30 minutes of floating. On your return, you'll take another 30-minute gondola ride to debrief this unforgettable experience.

👛 Price :

80€ per person

👉 How to book this Ice Floating session?

On the website: https://evolution2.com/val-disere/ice-floating?utm_source=easyvoyage

Diving under the ice

The Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area is full of natural wonders, and one of them is the natural lake of Tignes 2100, which is transformed into a magical winter landscape, wrapped in a coat of ice 1 to 2 metres thick. Every day, the ice forms and re-forms to create spectacular plays of light and shadow.

But this icy lake offers more than just an impressive view. Accompanied by a qualified diving instructor, you can venture out for a unique ice diving experience, either during the day or at night. Tignes-Val d'Isère was even the location for the famous film "The Big Blue" (underwater scene in Peru).

The good news is that even novice divers can try this incredible experience under the ice. However, it is recommended that novice divers opt for a day dive, while experienced divers can embark on a night dive for an even more captivating experience.

Man preparing to dive under the ice

Practical information

📍 Where can you go ice diving in Val d'Isère?

The experience takes place at the Tignes 2100 natural lake.

👉 Who is this activity for?

You don't need to have done any diving before. However, it is recommended that novice divers opt for a day dive, while experienced divers can embark on a night dive for an even more captivating experience. This activity is open to children over 15 and people over 1m55.

👉 What equipment should I bring?

To be well prepared before and after a dive, it's important to wear the right clothes. For a start, thick tights and socks can help keep legs and feet warm in the cold water. Technical underwear is also recommended to wick moisture away from the skin.

For people with long hair, a towel can be useful to dry it quickly after diving. After emerging from the water, it's important to put on gloves and a hat to avoid getting cold and maintain a stable body temperature.

👉 How does the activity work?

The dive lasts one hour and each participant is supervised by an instructor. There can only be two participants at the same time.

👛 Price :

For a day dive: €99

For a night dive : 130€

👉 How do I book an ice dive?

https://evolution2.com/val-disere/plongee-sous-glace?utm_source=easyvoyage

Become a trapper for an evening

Get ready for an extraordinary experience at Tignes les Boisses! This memorable evening begins in Val d'Isère, where you'll be transported to a secret location in the heart of the forest. You'll immediately be plunged into the atmosphere of a real trapper's camp!

After a warm aperitif around a fire under a starry sky, you'll enjoy a delicious Savoyard meal (fondue with cold meats), comfortably installed in one of the traditional accommodations: Mongolian yurts, teepees or transparent domes. You'll be swept away by the unique atmosphere of this place, where local products take pride of place.

To round off the evening in style, grab your toboggan and take to the slopes for a 30-minute run.

Practical information

👉 Who is this activity for?

You must be 16 years old for this evening. Participants can come with or without a sled.

👉 What equipment should I bring?

We advise you to dress warmly in ski clothing with a hat and gloves and snow boots.

👉 How does the activity work?

Departure is from Val d'Isère bus station between 6pm and 7pm and return around 10.30pm.

👛 Price :

With toboggan hire: €80

Without sledge hire: €70

👉 How to book your trapper's evening?

https://evolution2.com/val-disere/camp-trappeur?utm_source=easyvoyage

The Moonbike, the new electric machine to try out in Val d'Isère

Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll be able to take control of your own machine and experience new sensations.

After a 10-minute briefing, you'll be ready to take control of the machine and venture out onto varied terrain, where you'll acquire comfort and manoeuvrability. You'll be riding in a safe environment with magnificent views, for an experience like no other.

This half-hour experience will allow you to discover a new facet of the mountains and enjoy some unforgettable moments with family and friends.

Practical information

👉 Who is this activity for?

If you're over 18, have a B licence and are at least 1.55m tall, then you're eligible for this sensational activity! However, to fully appreciate this experience, it is advisable to have some experience of cycling, motorcycling or any other two-wheeled machine.

👉 What equipment should you bring?

Ski clothing is essential, including warm gloves to protect your hands from the cold.

As far as footwear is concerned, we recommend wearing high boots. Please note that ski boots are not permitted, but snowboard boots are.

Finally, safety is an absolute priority, which is why it's compulsory to wear a ski helmet. If you don't have one, one will be provided.

👛 Price :

70€ per person

👉 How do I book a Moonbike session?

https://evolution2.com/val-disere/moonbikes?utm_source=easyvoyage

Where to stay in Val d'Isère close to the slopes?

Booking.com

Les Crêtes Blanches 3*

The hotel is close to shops and restaurants and 150 metres from the Solaise and Bellevarde Express ski lifts.

8.1 Very good

From

£153 / night

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by Jude JONES | Staff Writer

Jude Jones is a writer and editor from Manchester, England. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in History and Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge. He has a keen interest in art, film and literature.