Guest Blog by Consensio Chalets
When most people picture a winter holiday in the Alps, they imagine fresh powder, perfectly groomed pistes, and days spent skiing from dawn till dusk. But the world-class resorts of Courchevel, Méribel and Val d’Isère offer so much more than downhill thrills.
For travellers arriving by private charter and bespoke helicopter transfer these resorts provide a wealth of winter experiences that appeal to skiers and non-skiers alike. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, family fun or luxury downtime, there’s a world of activity waiting beyond the slopes.
Courchevel: luxury, adventure & wellness
Courchevel has a reputation for glamour, Michelin-starred dining and high-end chalets, but it’s also one of the best resorts in the Alps for non-ski winter activities.
Enjoy snowshoeing and scenic winter walks, with miles of groomed trails and quiet forest paths, snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore Courchevel’s beautiful surroundings without skis. Guided tours take you through peaceful valleys, past frozen lakes and into quiet corners of the mountain that skiers often miss.
Aquamotion is Europe’s most impressive mountain aquatic centre and is an attraction in its own right. Perfect for families or wellness-seekers, it features indoor and outdoor heated pools, saunas, steam rooms and a salt grotto. Children love the wave surfing and waterslides, while parents can relax and enjoy the ice baths and wellness therapies. It’s one of the best places in the Alps to unwind, especially after a long travel day.
Tobogganing and ice skating are perfect for family fun. Courchevel offers dedicated sledging tracks and an outdoor ice rink in the heart of the village. These are ideal for mixed-ability groups or guests who simply want to enjoy the magic of the snow without strapping on skis.
Méribel: nature, family fun & alpine charm
Located at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel blends vast mountain scenery with a warm, village feel and provides plenty of ways to enjoy winter besides skiing.
Enjoy the walking trails and snowshoeing around Lac de Tuéda, this Nature Reserve offers some of the most stunning winter walking anywhere in France. The frozen lake, quiet woodland and dramatic mountain backdrop make this a perfect half-day activity for couples, families or photography lovers.
Gondola sightseeing and sledding is perfect way to enjoy the resort, take a gondola ride simply for the views. Méribel sits in a vast open bowl and the panoramas are incredible. Afterwards, take the children to enjoy one of the resort’s secure sledging areas for simple snowy fun.
Dog-sledding is something truly memorable, head out on a dog-sledding adventure through the forests. Driven by expert mushers, these journeys feel like something taken straight from an Arctic film set.
Val d’Isère: adventure, variety & high-altitude magic
Famous for its world-class skiing, Val d’Isère is also exceptional for those seeking high-energy, off-ski adventures and unusual winter experiences.
Snowmobiling & moonbiking, for adrenaline-seekers, snowmobiling through Tignes–Val d’Isère’s frozen plateaus at dusk is unforgettable. Moonbikes, lightweight electric snow bikes, offer an even more futuristic alternative.
Ice driving on a frozen circuit, Val d’Isère’s ice-driving track provides a unique chance to learn winter handling skills behind the wheel. With professional instruction, you can drift and slide around a frozen course in a controlled environment, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ice floating is one of the most unusual activities in the Alps. Located in the Lac de Tignes, ice floating involves lying in a warm survival suit on a frozen lake while stargazing or listening to the silence of the mountains.
Why ski resorts can be perfect for non-skiiers:
There is something for every type of traveller in these high-altitude alpine resorts, from adrenaline and adventure to wellness and gastronomy, these resorts offer far more than ski runs. Non-skiers can easily fill their days with rewarding activities and families with mixed interests can make the most out of their stay.
Consensio Chalets provides the perfect base for discovering these resorts at their very best. Their collection of exceptional catered chalets and beautifully designed serviced apartments ensures there is something to suit every traveller. With Consensio’s world-class concierge team seamlessly arranging everything from restaurant reservations to spa days, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and other winter adventures, you can relax and enjoy an effortless, personalised and truly unforgettable alpine holiday.
Fly to Chambery Airport (CMF) for Courchevel, Meribel and Val D’Isere. Contact us for private jet charter enquiries via sales@smart-aviation.co.uk or call + 441293 551244.
