{"id":62293,"date":"2026-05-08T16:12:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/62293\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T16:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:12:54","slug":"11-things-to-do-in-the-french-alps-if-you-dont-like-skiing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/62293\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Things To Do In The French Alps If You Don’t Like Skiing"},"content":{"rendered":"

A fan of France<\/a>, fresh mountain air, picturesque winter landscapes but not too keen on the skiing part? No problem. There are many things you can do in the French Alps that don\u2019t involve actually putting on a pair of skis. Be inspired by these ideas, from total relaxation, authentic shopping to other winter sports.<\/p>\n

Dine at a cult Thai restaurant<\/p>\n

\n Ibiza\u2019s cult Thai restaurant Pom Tha\u00ef opens this month in Courchevel 1850, bringing a fresh, cosmopolitan energy to the slopes. Known on the White Isle for its devoted creative following and quietly confident style, Pom Tha\u00ef<\/a> translates its signature blend of authentic Thai flavours, ancient cooking techniques and refined presentation to an Alpine setting \u2013 offering a welcome alternative to traditional apr\u00e8s-ski dining. The Courchevel outpost captures the brand\u2019s warm, unpretentious spirit, with a menu designed for sharing, a standout wine list and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere that speaks to the continued rise of experience-led luxury travel. It\u2019s a concept that taps into the growing trend for \u201ctravel through taste\u201d, where skiers and non-skiing winter travellers seek memorable, globally inspired dining as part of the overall destination experience.\n <\/p>\n

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Treat yourself to a thermal pool and spa day<\/p>\n

\n Now you feel like you\u2019re on holiday\u2026 Many resorts have indoor spa facilities, but if yours doesn\u2019t, there\u2019s sure to be somewhere to go nearby. What could be more luxurious than relaxing in water, outside, with snow all around you? Les Grands Bains du Mon\u00eatier<\/a> just north of Brian\u00e7on in the Alps, is a popular location, with great facilities and incredible views.\n <\/p>\n

Try snowshoeing, snowboarding or sledging<\/p>\n

\n Skiing isn\u2019t the only sport in town. If you\u2019re keen to fill your days outside or on the slopes (so you feel like you actually deserve the apr\u00e8s-ski) but skiing isn\u2019t for you, then get in touch with the chalet or resort where you\u2019re staying in advance to find out what other activities are available. Snowshoeing, for example, is the perfect activity if you want to get out on the mountains in a more leisurely fashion. Many resorts will hire out poles, snowshoes and maps of good trails.\n <\/p>\n

Wander the Christmas markets<\/p>\n

\n If you\u2019re visiting the French Alps in the run up to the festive season, a Christmas market visit is a must. Ask the resort where you\u2019re based for a list of the closest ones. The ski resort of Courchevel is well-known for its Christmas market, as is Meg\u00e8ve, though there will be plenty of other options.\n <\/p>\n

Visit Grotte de Glace<\/p>\n

\n Grotte de Glace is the ultimate ice cave. To reach the cave, take the train to Montenvers from the centre of Chamonix, finishing the journey in a small cable car from the train station onto the Mer de Glace. The cave has to be altered each year due to the glacial shifts and the whole experience is pretty otherworldly.\n <\/p>\n

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Indulge in delicious French food<\/p>\n

\n Who needs skiing when you\u2019re in France and surrounded by all the tasty dishes that go with it? You might have canteen-style meals at your resort, but make sure you spend the evenings exploring local corners of the nearby villages and towns for unique brasseries and restaurants. Whatever the options, including a glass of red and something with cheese means you can\u2019t go wrong!\n <\/p>\n

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Snap some pictures<\/p>\n

\n The French Alps can\u2019t be beaten for photography. If you\u2019re more arty and less sporty, just because everyone else is skiing around you doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t explore the landscape from a photography point of view. Many resorts offer guided walks where you\u2019ll be taken to the really exquisite spots in terms of views and vegetation.\n <\/p>\n

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Explore villages nearby<\/p>\n

\n Just because there\u2019s snow, that doesn\u2019t mean exploring is off the cards. Depending on where you base yourself in the Alps, plan a few neighbouring towns and villages to visit. You\u2019ll get more of a taste of the local way of life away from resorts, and make the most of local events and festivals. The towns of Chamb\u00e9ry and Annecy are particularly delightful, whatever time of year.\n <\/p>\n

\n Get to know Annecy when you book one of these tours and experiences<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

\n The Thiou canal in Old Town of Annecy
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\n \u00a9Armando Oliveira \/ Shutterstock\n <\/p>\n

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Catch a cable car<\/p>\n

\n Who doesn\u2019t love a cable car ride? If you\u2019re staying in Grenoble, then you have to take a ride on the Grenoble-Bastille cable car referred to as Les bulles by locals, which connects the centre of Grenoble to an old fortress, \u2018Bastille\u2019. The views are just spectacular looking back over the city. Rise up the mountains even more by catching the Aiguille du Midi, the ultimate cable-car journey from Chamonix up to a dizzying height of 3,842 metres.\n <\/p>\n

Include a Grenoble getaway<\/p>\n

\n If you want to be in the French Alps but skiing doesn\u2019t excite you, then what about a city break? Decide on an urban base and head out into the mountains for day trips. Grenoble<\/a>, often called the \u2018Capital of the Alps\u2019, is a university city and a buzzing base from which to delve into the neighbouring scenery. Ski resorts circle the city at varying lengths and so combining a city break with a long weekend in a chalet is easy.\n <\/p>\n

\n Discover the Capital of the Alps with a local expert on one of these tours and experiences in Grenoble<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

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Relax with a hot mug and the views<\/p>\n

\n Finally (as if an excuse is needed) just sit back and relax. Take in the big landscapes, the fresh air, the sun bouncing off the mountain peaks. If you\u2019ve been meaning to read that book, write that letter or make some plans, this is the time. Pour yourself a cup of your favourite tipple and just take in the scenery, waiting for everyone else to finish their day skiing.\n <\/p>\n

Trips and Tours in France<\/p>\n

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark<\/p>\n

\"Cityxbrchx \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Explore the best of France from the stunning capital city Paris to the beautiful calm of the Riviera in the South. With fine cuisine, Alpine wilderness and a rich history, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.<\/p>\n

About the author<\/p>\n


\n \"Holly
\n <\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Twitter
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Holly is a freelance writer based in B\u00e9ziers, South of France. From London to a life in the Languedoc, she has written for French Property News and Living France among other titles and covers travel, lifestyle and culture.
\nShe can be followed at: www.lostinthelanguedoc.com<\/p>\n

\n If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.\n<\/p>\n