Other Activities in the Alps  As you might imagine - the Alps is really a great outdoor activity centre.  We have dedicated sections on walking / mountain biking and on white water rafting.  Also in our attractions section we have a number of outdoor activity centres.  We have a section on skiing (the Alps becomes a skiing paradise between late November and early April).  And yet there is still more!  Here we feature summer skiing and the unique pastime of Via Ferratas.

Via Ferratas:

Via Ferratas – are man made facilities for rock climbing with ladders, walkways, handrails & safety cables.  Possibly a bit too challenging for younger children, they are great fun for older kids from young teens upwards.  Some are free of charge but we would recommend that you should use the services of an organised activity company or private guide.

There are 5 Via Ferrata’s in Haute Savoie.  You can learn to rock climb or use ropes and harness on the "Via Ferrata" in Avoriaz.

Summer Skiing:

Skiing does not need to be restricted solely to the winter months. Several Alpine resorts offer the opportunity for skiing on glaciers during the summer. If you're into skiing anyway, this is a great option for a day out with a difference during a more conventional summer holiday.  It wouldn't be recommended though for non-skiers.  Listed here are the main resorts we know of:

- Les Deux Alpes – here is the largest summer skiing glacier in Europe. It is open from 18th June - 28th August 2011.
- Tignes/Val d’Isere – skiing is possible well into the summer on La Grande-Motte glacier. A ski lift operates all year round to the top of the glacier.
- Alpe d’Huez – skiing possible in the summer
- Val Thorens – excellent summer skiing at high altitude at Péchet
- La Plagne – skiing on the Bellecôte glacier.