You may already know that Val Thorens already offers a wide range of thrilling and relaxing non-skiing activities including their mega zip-wire, ice diving, toboggan, mountain biking on snow, spas and more.
But here are five great new activities in Val Thorens that you’ll probably never have heard of yet…
- Aerial Paramotor Flight
Paramotors are paragliders with the addition of a lightweight engine, carried on the pilot’s back. The engine means you can control your altitude and stay in the air as long as you like.During a 30-minute flight in a two-seater, you’ll see landscapes so beautiful from the air you won’t believe your eyes. There’s a choice of simple aerial excursions or acrobatic flights. And with an engine using Bioethanol fuel, it’s good for the planet too. Price: 120€ per flight. Find out more at www.paramoteur-valthorens.com
2. Panoramic helicopter flights
Pilot Christian Blugeon was recently made a Knight of the Legion of Honour due to his passion and professionalism. You can join him from Val Thorens’ new heli-station on either a 3 Vallées flight (1,300€ for a 15-20 minute flight) or a Mont Blanc flight (2,300€ per 35 to 45-minute flight). More details available at www.blugeon-helicopteres.com
3. Ice driving
There’s no need to be terrified when a single snowflake falls on the road, because you can now they can take their own vehicle on the Alain Prost track to practice safety control techniques when driving on ice and snow.
A 1hr 30min session includes an introduction, basics, braking, collision avoidance, emergency situations and costs from €200.
4. Snowshoe Hiking
When the ski runs close, parents and children can set off on a twice-weekly snowshoe hike from 5.30pm to 7pm, each in their own separate group!
Children can build igloos and drink hot chocolate while their parents hike beneath the stars and enjoy a glass of mulled wine. Cost is 25€ per person including equipment. Details from Evolution.
5. Learn a language while you ski:
Who said that you can’t learn while having fun, or combine something useful with a good time?
Certainly not the Ski-Cool ski school, which is giving you the chance to learn a new language while you ski this winter. Bilingual ski instructors will help you improve your language skills during group lessons. Lessons take place in French for English speakers and in English for French speakers. Costs are from 204€ per week during school holidays only.
Accommodation in Val Thorens
For details of catered chalets in Val Thorens or hotels, please contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617761 and we can help find the right property for you and your family.
Val Thorens
Article by Iain Martin