Sports fanatics looking for an active summer break need look no further than the striking alpine town of Val d’Isère in France.
Typically thought of as a snow-capped winter destination, Val d’Isère transforms in the summer months to offer a whole range of sporting activities in the beautiful mountainous landscape, from exciting e-bike routes and trail running packages to forest adventure courses and lake-side yoga.
Summer’s hottest sport
Noticing an ongoing demand for e-biking, Val d’Isère has committed to boosting its e-bike offering through developing new trails, bike sharing schemes, and hosting an E-Bike Festival from 29-31 July which will see long distance races, discovery rides, including a gourmet ride where food lovers can explore the area whilst trying fresh local produce, and finally a trade fair sampling new bikes and the latest equipment. Making sure e-biking is accessible to all, Val d’Isère has a whole range of different classes and courses for new riders from every Sunday to Friday. Oxygène, a leading family-friendly, ski and snowboard school, is offering both private and group sessions, in addition to special children’s courses and family rides, so everyone has a chance to try.
Exploring Val d’Isère on foot
Those who prefer to explore the mountains by foot are in luck this summer as Val d’Isère has opened two trail tracks through the lakes and lush forests of the Le Manchet Valley. Travellers looking to make an entire holiday from their love of running can enjoy a week-long trail running package run by the Odlo team, offering the chance to stay in a traditional chalet in the heart of the village; the perfect place to relax after a day of running.
Endless activities
Aside from new biking and running routes, energetic visitors to Val d’Isère can spend their summer taking part in a wide range of different activities found at the village’s two Sports Parks. The Le Manchet Sports Park is nestled within a protected valley, surrounded by rolling Alpine mountains to offer yoga, horse riding, tennis, and other outdoor activities such as fitness classes and football. Children and adults can take part in lessons and tournaments for each sport, coming back from their holiday as a sporting pro. The Center Sports Park lies in the centre of Val d’Isère and is home to more unique summer activities including a forest adventure course, trampolining, and a dedicated e-park; adding to Val d’Isère’s commitment to promoting e-biking this summer.
For the best views
Visitors looking to make the most of Val d’Isère’s altitude and peaceful surroundings can head up to Ouilette lake which sits at 2,400m offering breath-taking views of the mountainscape. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, and travellers can rent out equipment at the fishery, where experts will give secret tips for the best chance of success.
Indoor activities
For some indoor activities Val d’Isère’s Aqua Leisure Complex boasts 5,000m2 of space dedicated to both sports and relaxation. With numerous swimming pools at Beach World, rock climbing and squash at Sports World and hot-tubs, saunas and steam rooms at Spa World, there really is something for everyone.