If you're spending your holiday in one of the world's great ski resorts, it would almost be a shame not to spend at least some time up on the mountain, even if you aren't skiing every day. Fortunately there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.
You don't even have to be a skier to enjoy most of these activities. There's a special pedestrian lift pass for non-skiers, available either as a single return journey or an unlimited trip day pass, at substantially less than the cost of a skier's lift pass.
Our absolute favourite non skiing activity has to be parapenting, especially in the spring when the thermals are perfect.
The views are incredible and, in the right conditions, you can see not only Mont Blanc but the Matterhorn as well. No need to be nervous - no experience is required as you're securely strapped in with an experienced instructor who controls everything.
Don't forget your camera!
Another great experience is the snowmobile trip from the plateau near the Tommeuses chairlift. You can either drive yourself or ride as a passenger, and there's even a sunset option which includes an aperitif with local wine and Savoyard specialities
They've also recently introduced electric MoonBikes up there - somewhere between a snowmobile and a motorbike.
We've not tried them yet, but they look great fun and we're looking forward to giving them a go.
Most of these activities - and plenty more besides - are organised by Evolution 2, so it's well worth popping into their office beside the main roundabout in the centre of town to see what's available.
Cross-country skiing is an ideal way to get out into the middle of nowhere and experience the beauty of the mountains in winter, even if you don't fancy the exertion of downhill skiing. It's not that difficult to get to grips with, so why not just hire a set of equipment for a morning and see how you get on? There are cross-country trails between the village and La Daille, in the beautiful Manchet Valley and around Lac de l'Ouillette at the top of Solaise.
Snowshoeing is another wonderful way to escape the crowds without putting on a pair of skis. We strongly recommend going with a guide if you've never done it before or, indeed, even if you have but don't know the area. As always in the mountains, you need to be aware of avalanche conditions and know how to avoid them.
Evolution 2 and the ESF both organise guided snowshoe outings and provide all the equipment you'll need.
There's been a bit of a resurgence in telemark skiing recently and several of our staff have been trying it out and are completely hooked!
It's certainly different to start with and you'll probably feel like Bambi on ice, but once you get the hang of it there's nothing quite like it. After all, this is the original way to ski. If you fancy freeing the heel, we'd recommend Ken at Progression or Nico at Elevation.
And lastly... sledging. First off, you're not allowed to use the ski lifts with sledges during normal lift opening hours, for obvious safety reasons.
There is, however, a free sledging area beside the Savonnette lift on the nursery slopes if you’re prepared to walk up.
Then, several evenings each week, the Savonnette slope hosts organised après-ski sessions with instructors supervising activities including traditional sledges, Snake Gliss, Yooners and Airboards.
Great fun for both adults and children.
