Buy a pedestrian pass
Enjoy the mountains as a non-skier by buying a pedestrian lift pass. It provides access to 24 lifts, over 35km of marked and maintained winter walking trails, and to many mountain restaurants. Often the mountain restaurants can be reached on foot by ski lift, so it's entirely possible to meet up with your family and friends for some fine dining.
The panoramic views from the mythical Pic Blanc summits are easily accessed by taking a gondola, but you will also be able to visit villages linked to the resort. There are some beautiful well groomed hiking routes around the lakes at 2,100m or towards Col de Sarenne, that are dotted with benches so pack a lunch, and don't forget to visit the ice cave. Local lift operator SATA provides twice-weekly guided tours up to the summit of the Pic Blanc. The views from here are truly epic and, on a clear day, you see for literally miles and miles including as far as Mont Ventoux, the 'Giant of Provence' to the west. These tours start from the DMC lift station at the top end of town.
Après-ski with everyone else
You don't have to ski to enjoy "après-ski". Meet up with the rest of your group in a local bar and share stories from your day over a beer. Or head to the local ice skating rink for a fun evening set beneath the snow-clad Alps. Located in the heart of the main street this is another fun activity you don’t need skis for.
Alternatively, grab a sled and head to the designated sledging zone under the Grandes Rousses DMC gondola, or sled for free on the piste next to the Bergers shopping centre. Night sledding is held on the Butte de l'Eclose slope. Not enough excitement? Then head to the luge track for a 1km descent with turns, twists, jumps, tunnels, and if you want to add some more thrills just borrow one of their virtual reality masks for an altogether altered experience.
Drive a dog sled, skidoo or go ice driving
Whether on a sledge pulled by huskies, riding your own skidoo, or whizzing across the ice in a car, there is an excursion choice to suit all levels of adrenaline. You can opt to be the 'musher' of your own huskies, or take the less physical option and sit in the sled whilst the guide and dogs do all the work. Operating from the top end of the Altiport at the end of the trail to the Sarenne gorge, the rides take place every afternoon, and it's very popular so we recommend you book in advance.
To try your skills at the controls of a skidoo, there are specific circuits for snowmobiles as well as organised tours you can join, even heading out onto the trails after dark to have dinner at one of the mountain restaurants. Remember to bring or borrow some goggles for this one.
Or if you fancy testing your driving skills, book an ice driving session. The cars all have studded tyres, and you'll learn to control (or not) the vehicle as you whizz across the ice. The circuit can be found behind the Palais des Sports.
Book a tandem flight
Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the mountains with a tandem paragliding flight, or book yourself onto a helicopter tour.
Snowshoeing and ski-touring
You can really get away from it all and disappear into nature on some snowshoes (raquettes). The area around the fort is particularly popular for snowshoe walking, as is the Sarenne Gorge area up behind the Altiport. If you prefer a guided snowshoe walk, you can easily book a snowshoe excursion with an activity company to see a side of the mountains that most skiers will never see. Full-day, half-day and night-time options are available to take you into the heart of the mountains – from the highest peaks to the wildest valleys. Equipment and transport are usually included, check when you book.
If you've decided the days of skiing up the mountain all-day, every-day, are well behind you, those with previous skiing / snowboarding experience could try ski touring. Hire a guide and pull on some skins for an adventure away from the madding crowd. Popular routes include the Grandes Rousses massif, which has easy routes like the Grandes Buffes or the Croix de Cassini.
