With its spectacular pistes and Olympic history, Les Menuires is frequented by thousands of ski enthusiasts every year. Whether you’re a ski lover who wants to take a day or two to try some other pursuits or whether you’re not a ski fan at all but would like to enjoy some winter sports on your own terms, it’s worth trying one of the resort’s many options for fun in the snow that aren’t skiing or snowboarding. Below we discuss some of the ways you can enjoy the winter months without a ski or snowboard in sight!
Mountain Biking on Snow
As any keen mountain biker will tell you, MTB is an exhilarating and challenging sport, offering you a chance to explore some rugged and awe-inspiring scenery while honing your own strength, coordination and balance. What you may not know is that it can be done on snow!
Slightly tracked snow makes for the best riding, as deep snow is difficult to traverse and pack ice is too slippery. As Les Menuires boasts a dedicated MTB piste, you’re likely to be faced with good cycling conditions.
Due to the nature of snow, mountain biking on snow requires an additional skillset on top of that of ordinary mountain biking. In Les Menuires there are beginners’ classes available to help you develop the skills to maintain traction and keep control of your bike in wintry Alpine conditions.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll be in possession of the skills to explore snow-covered mountains on your own terms, under your own steam and at your own pace. Highly recommended for seasoned riders and newbies alike.
Sledding
Those interested in trying their hand at sledding will be well-served at Les Menuires. The resort offers a toboggan run, suitable for adults as well as kids, which is a wonderful, light-hearted way to break up a week or two of intense skiing.
If you fancy something a little different, there is also the unique prospect of a toboggan run on rails, allowing you to enjoy top notch sledding regardless of the quality of the snow. The run on rails is especially suitable for rollercoaster lovers, and boasts unparalleled views and landscaping.
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Snowmobiling
Perfect for gearheads or anyone wanting to access a little more power than their own arms and legs can deliver, visitors to Les Menuires have access to a fleet of cutting-edge snowmobiles. After hours, these can be taken out and ridden all over the resort, and it’s well worth giving them a try: there’s a unique satisfaction to speeding with absolute ease over the slopes that you’ve been skiing all day!
Additionally, as they are available when the pistes are closed, the snowmobiles represent a brilliant way to pack as much time on the slopes as possible into your winter sports holiday.
How to Get to Les Menuires
It is not possible to reach Les Menuires using only public transport from close by Geneva Airport, so you’ll have to look into Geneva Airport ski transfers or rent a car. It’s just shy of two and a half hours along the A41, although remember that you’ll need to cross the Franco-Swiss border and pay a toll along the way.
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Where to Stay
Apartment Soldanelles Les Menuires – for great value, highly enjoyable accommodation, consider the Apartment Soldanelles. This apartment is perfect for a small group of holidaymakers as it contains beds for four as well as basic cooking facilities, giving you the freedom to ensure you eat well and cheaply when you’re not on the slopes.
Azureva les Menuires – Azureva is perfect for families with children, as it has an on-site children’s playground, a selection of on-site activities and easy access to restaurants and shops. Each apartment also features a balcony, allowing you to breakfast in style, looking out at the snow-quilted mountains.
Hôtel L’Ours Blanc – giving off the warm, cosy glow of a quality chalet but matching it with all the service and luxury of a quality hotel, L’Ours Blanc is a beautiful place to stay. The south-facing views are a real treat, as is the restaurant, which uses local ingredients to create an excellent culinary experience.
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