The French Alps may be synonymous with a skier’s paradise, but the region of France offers much more than its slopes. There are plenty of snow and mountain activities to be experienced; no need to be Lindsey Vonn to enjoy the French Alps. This region of France offers a variety of snow activities, hearty gastronomy and nature experiences. Whether you’re not into skiing or you’re looking for the perfect après-ski activity, look no further. We’re rounding up some of our best non-skiing activities in the French Alps.

Best Non-Skiing Activities in the French Alps

Treat Yourself to Massage in your Mountain Chalet

After a long day of skiing or exploring the village of Courchevel, unwind with a massage in the comfort of your own chalet. Take your pick of organic massage oil and let your massage therapist work her magic on your feet or stomach. Give yourself some much needed TLC during your stay in the French Alps.

Dog Sled through the Forest

Even if you’re not looking to ski, that’s no excuse for not admiring the best views of the French Alps. There’s no doubt that one of the best non-skiing activities is seeing the wonders of the snow-covered French Alps from the comfort of a sled. On your private guided tour, bundle up, hop onto a cozy sled, and let a team of dogs whisk you through the forest on the Plateau de Prameruel.

Retreat to the Mountains for a Yoga Session

Whether you’re a beginner or long-time yogi, retreat to the French Alps for a yoga session. During your private lesson in the mountains near Courchevel, you can work on your breath work and yoga poses all with a backdrop fit for a postcard. 

Looking for more wellness experiences for your time in the French Alps? You might also be interested in Best Hotel Spas in the French Alps.

Snowshoe at Sunset

As dusk sets in, you’ll start your snowshoeing adventure toward the Refuge des Montagnettes near Chamonix. Don’t give up on the climb because a cozy Savoyard dinner awaits at the top. The chalet owner will share her best stories as you nosh on cheese and charcuterie of the region. You’ll head back down under the stars with a full heart and stomach.

Indulge in Savoyard Fondue in an Igloo

Warm up around the fondue pot in the heart of an igloo. Your Savoyard cheese will be paired with local charcuterie and bread. Nosh on a hot vegetable soup, and sip on some French wine. Your evening will also include a snowshoe walk through the French Alps forest. Your enchanted evening will also include a private transfer to Chamonix.

Enjoy a Guided Photography Walk

Grab your cameras and your comfy walking shoes. Your personal guide Teresa will show you her favorite spots to snap the best photos. From its wooden chalets to snow-laden forests, the French Alps are teeming with Kodak moments. Take photos of your favorite corners of Chamonix, and bring these precious memories back home with you.

Embark on an Ice Climbing Tour

For those craving adventure, French Side Travel has just the activity to spark your exhilaration. The Chamonix Valley awaits with its two crags for you to explore. We’ll take care of the ice axes and crampons, and you can climb near the Crémerie in Argentière and the Cascade de Bérard in Vallorcine. You’ll want to pack your hiking boots and water to prepare for this adventurous day.

From dog sledding to snowshoeing, Savoyard fondue to yoga sessions, the French Alps abound with non-skiing activities. Perhaps you’d still like to enjoy some time on the slopes. French Side Travel is ready to help you plan your skiing vacation no matter the type of activities you’d like to do.

Ski Courchevel’s Slopes on Your Own
Looking to enjoy the Alps to yourselves? At Courchevel, you can have exclusive access to the slopes after the ski station closes for the day, when booking through French Side Travel. You’ll start your evening enjoying a glass of wine during golden hour. As the sun starts to set, you’ll get equipped for a night skiing adventure. We’ll take care of the ski headlight so that you can simply marvel at the town’s lights.

Where to Stay in the French Alps

Hotel Mont Blanc
Located in Chamonix, this five-star hotel dates back to the mid 1800s and will have you drooling over its mountain views. Stay in one of its luxurious 41 rooms, and reserve a table at its restaurant Matafan for some hearty fare. Unwind at its spa and wellness facilities with a massage or trip to its heated outdoor pool.

Hotel L’Apogée
Located in Courchevel, this hotel will have you wanting to stay in. From its 50-something rooms and suites to its Spa L’Apogée by La Prairie, Hotel L’Apogée is the perfect nest for your French Alps vacation. Dine at one of its five restaurants featuring menus from Spanish tapas to Italian. Indulge in a body treatment that combines warm volcanic stones and cool jade stones at its spa.

Les Balcons du Savoy
Located in Chamonix, les Balcons du Savoy will charm you not only with its cozy Savoyard decor but also its spa services. This four-star facility offers apartments, which gives you the independence to enjoy your stay on your own terms. After a day out in the snow, warm up at Les Balcons du Savoy’s sauna and heated indoor pool with a view of Mont Blanc.

Ready to dogsled through the French Alps? Or snowshoe up the mountain at dusk? Or perhaps feast on Savoyard fare? At French Side Travel, we’re ready to help you plan your trip to the Alps whether it’s to ski or to enjoy après-ski activities. You might also be interested in: 5-star Ski Vacation to Chamonix and the Mont-Blanc Valley and A luxury weekend to Courchevel.

From its snow-capped mountains to its idyllic ski villages, the French Alps promises enchanting experiences. But after a long day out in the snow or on the slopes, your body needs some rest and relaxation. From Megève to Chamonix, this region offers a wide array of hotels with luxury spas that are sure to tempt you. Whether you’re in the mood for sauna access or a rejuvenating facial, we’ve compiled some of the best hotel spas in the French Alps. From spa treatments to wellness facilities, here’s where you can unwind and warm up with some TLC during your trip to the French Alps.

Best Hotel Spas in the French Alps

Hotel Coeur de Megève

Treat your body to the care it craves with a visit to the Hotel Coeur de Megève’s spa. The spa uses Tata Harper’s natural, non-toxic products. Indulge in its Winter Rescue Facial to give your dry skin some luxurious care. Or opt for a personalized facial treatment based on your skin’s needs. After a long day of skiing, unwind with a Workout Recovery by Tata Harper treatment, which includes a purifying body scrub and massage. The hotel spa even offers parent-child duo treatments such as facials and massages. No need to leave the relaxation behind once you return home. The spa also offers a variety of Tata Harper products from serums to cleaners.

Les Balcons du Savoy

Located in Chamonix, les Balcons du Savoy will charm you not only with its cozy Savoyard decor but also its spa facilities. After a day out in the snow, warm up at Les Balcons du Savoy’s sauna and heated indoor pool with a view of Mont Blanc. Opt for one of its spa’s massages, perhaps their Swedish hot stone treatment. Located in Chamonix, this four-star hotel is just an hour’s drive from Geneva.

Hotel Le Val Thorens

This ’70s-inspired hotel will charm you with its retro decor, close proximity to the slopes and its spa and wellness offerings. Move your body during a yoga class overlooking the mountains. And warm up with a trip to the hotel’s cozy hammam or sauna. Le Val Thorens’ hotel will enchant you with its massage menu. Opt for a pre- or post-ski massage with Theragun technology to target tense muscles. Opt for one of its packages including time at the spa and lunch at La Brasserie du Val Thorens.

Hotel Mont Blanc

Located in Chamonix, this five-star hotel will have you drooling over its mountain views and its extensive spa and wellness experiences. Treat yourself to its Lunch and Spa offer, which boasts a 3-course meal, spa access and Clarins treatment. Pamper yourself with a Rebalancing Massage with Essential Oils either with its stimulating Tonic or calming Relax oil. Or enjoy time in one of its Scandinavian showers or heated outdoor pool.

Hotel du Pralong

Hot tub, sauna, hammam – the choice is yours at the Hotel du Pralong. Dating back to 1850, this 5-star hotel is tucked in Courchevel. In partnership with Kos Paris, this hotel has a swath of spa treatments to care for your body and skin. Whether you’re longing for a calming Lomi-Lomi massage or a Mauritian sugar body scrub, your rendez-vous with relaxation awaits. Give your hands and feet a refresh with manicure and pedicure, and benefit from their selection of waxing services.

You might also enjoy our article on Romantic Trips to Take This Winter in France. Our team is available to help plan and organize your trip so that you can focus simply on enjoying it.

Grand Hotel du Soleil d’Or

This five-star hotel in Megève is sure to enchant you with its cozy yet sophisticated decor as well as its extensive spa treatments. Let yourself unwind with a session in its hammam or sauna. Take a dip in its indoor pool overlooking the mountains. Foodies will adore this spa’s Chocolate Massage package, which includes a massage with chocolate almond oil, spa access and a mug of hot chocolate. Or treat yourself to its mango body scrub after exploring the village of Megève. 

Altapura

Nestled in the ski town Val Thorens, Altapura not only offers family-friendly stays and a ski concierge but also more than 10,000 square feet of spa facilities. The Spa By Codage at Altapura will wow you with its igloo-inspired room. Dedicate the entire day to Altapura’s spa with its day-access package, which includes a face or body treatment, spa and wellness facility access, and lunch at 2Mille3 restaurant. The spa also offers family packages so that everyone can enjoy the experience together. Or enjoy a romantic moment with its Duo Evening offer, which includes a couple’s face or body treatment, spa access and champagne.

Ski Courchevel’s Slopes in Exclusivity
Longing to have the slopes to yourself? At Courchevel, you can have exclusive access to the slopes after the ski station closes for the day, thanks to French Side Travel. You’ll start your evening enjoying a glass of wine during golden hour. As the sun starts to set, you’ll get equipped for a night skiing adventure. Your ski headlight will be provided and allow you to marvel the town’s lights from a VIP spot. 

​Les Airelles Val d’Isère

This five-star hotel’s Guerlain spa teems with luxury and relaxation for your getaway. Sip on a refreshing drink at its fruit juice bar or warm up with a cup of hot tea. The spa even offers on-site osteopathy appointments. If you enjoy staying active on your ski getaway, the spa at ​Les Airelles Val d’Isère also offers a fitness room as well as group and private yoga classes. Opt for its anti-aging Imperial Longevity facial or an après-ski massage. The spa also offers makeup services and parent-child treatments.

Hotel L’Apogée

Located in Courchevel, this hotel will have you wanting to stay in, thanks to its Spa L’Apogée by La Prairie. This spa prides itself on its array of natural, organic products. Indulge in a body treatment that combines warm volcanic stones and cool jade stones and includes a massage. Or opt for a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage. Book one of its Banya experiences, which offers privatized spa access and alternating between hot and cold. 

The spa also offers manicures and pedicures as well as makeup and hair services. Spa L’Apogée has treatments for the whole family. Give some much needed love to your body with a coaching session or yoga class. From massages for pregnant mothers to crêpe-spa packages for adolescents, everyone is sure to find an experience to suit her fancy.

Perhaps these hotel spas experiences have you longing for an exquisite stay in the French Alps? At French Side Travel, we’re ready to help you plan a stay at one of these best hotel spas as well as other exciting activities in the region. You might also be interested in: Fabulous Skiing in Val Thorens and Winter Trip to Courchevel with Half Board.