thetravellingwilbennetts

I have over the last few years seen non-skiers in resort and wondered what they get out of the holiday if their family are off on the slopes.  Do they not get bored?  Are they just waiting around for them to return from a day of skiing?  However after talking to a couple of mums it transpires they just have no desire to put on skis either through no interest or just a little scared to learn – but don’t want to miss out on family time.  They also said that they find other stuff either on their own or get the family to join in with activities that are not just about skiing/snowboarding.

So, I decided to check out what the latest resort we visited has to offer.  Check out my Top 10 below.  If you want to read what we got up to during our time away click here.

1. Ice Skating

Close to the Jandri Express gondola there is an open-air ice-skating rink.  During the winter season the rink is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 3pm to 7.30pm and Saturday from 5pm to 7pm.

Cost – Free entry with a 6-day ski pass.  Skate hire is 5€ for adults and 3.60€ for children.

2. Ice Sliders

Basically bumper cars on ice.  This is on the ice rink on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 6pm.

Cost – 4€  for 6 minutes.  We were told you get one free go if you have a weekly ski pass.

3. Mushing/Husky Sledding

For a truly unique experience let these beautiful and gentle creatures take you on a thrilling ride through the stunning countryside.  We were lucky to enjoy this activity on a trip to Lapland back in 2017.  Definitely give it a go it is a magical experience.  It is recommended to book in advance – particularly in the school holidays.

4. Ice Caves and Belvedere des Ecrins

Head up both the Jandri 1 and 2 lifts and you will find yourself close to the summit of the Glacier.  Across the snow path from the exit you will see the entrance to the Ice Caves which is a tunnel and carvings underneath the glacier.  The are well lit and adorned with pre-historic creatures.  Definitely worth a visit and certainly impressive.

 

Cost – Adults 5€ and children 4€. 

Then just behind the main café you will find a short lift that takes you down to the funicular.  The funicular is a super impressive fete of engineering, tunnelling 1.7km through the mountain to the summit.

When you exit the funicular you are again rewarded with spectacular views, a viewpoint showing where all the points of interest are and on a good day Mont Blanc.  A 10 minute walk away down a  path from the exit is another viewpoint – a suspended walkway which continues giving you breathtaking views as well as amazing photographs.

5. Horse drawn sleigh rides

Another lovely way to spend some time is to join one of the 3 x daily horse drawn sleigh rides. Rides depart at 10am , 2pm and 3.30pm and last 1 hour 15 minutes. A relaxing time again in beautiful surroundings.

Cost – Adults 30€  and children (under 12) 20€   

6. Snowmobile

If you love a thrill then join one of the 4 x 1 hour guided snowmobile trips every evening over a 15km track on the upper slopes. Booking is essential and is done at the Chalet Motoneige at the bottom of the slopes in front of the ice rink. Rides are available at 6pm, 7.15pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

Cost – 130€  per one or two person vehicle. You can also pay for 50€ as a passenger of one of the guides (limited spaces).

7. Mont de Lans Village

Take time away from the slopes to discover the heritage and what life is like in a mountain village. You can reach the village via the Mont de Lans chairlift. In the village there is a museum, café and also a number of activities that help you discover more. If you Wednesday is  the day if you love a traditional French Market..

8. Tobogganing

There are a number of areas in the resort where you can go tobogganing – some areas with crash barriers to avoid any accidents.  There is a small run just near the Diable ski lift which is perfect for toddlers.  For those little people that like a bit more speed then the slopes near the Jandri are perfect for this.

Some of the local accommodation may have spare sleds but if not there are a number of shops that will rend them by the half day/day/week.

9. Swimming

Les Deux Alpes has an open air heated pool (next to the ice rink), there is also a jacuzzi and Turkish Bath. The pool is open Sunday to Friday between 3pm and 8pm.

Cost – (for the pool) Adult 5.50€ and children 4.40€ – we were informed that one entrance is free with the ski pass.

10. Spa

If you fancy a massage, facial or just a general pamper session there are spas available in the resort. Below are two of the properties that come recommended

https://www.hotel-cotebrune.fr/

http://www.spa-chaletmounier.com/

 

Whether you are a non-skier/boarder or just  looking for some additional activities then Les Deux Alpes has it covered.