The essential guide to planning your future winter stay in the Alps!

n winter, the Alps appeal to both skiers and non-skiers alike. Here, we provide an overview of all the possibilities for outdoor activities, whether in conjunction with downhill skiing or not. Discover our charming villages, snowshoe hikes, introduction to other snow sports, tasting of local products... There is something for everyone, and for the whole family! For your future tailor-made stay in the Alps or for your private transfers from the train station or airport to the ski resorts, Agency 1786 takes care of everything, and above all, of you!

Best winter Alps destinations

Whether you're an avid skier, a beginner, or simply love the snow without skiing, the Alps have something for everyone for your winter mountain vacation!

Ski enthusiasts will find themselves drawn to resorts such as Val d'Isère and Tignes, Megève and Les Contamines, Alpe d'Huez, Les 3 Vallées (Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel, and Courchevel), and La Clusaz, among others!

Chamonix epitomizes the perfect blend of a family-friendly resort and a hub for non-ski activities. If some in your group are keen on skiing while others are not, we highly recommend prioritizing this iconic destination in the Alps!

For those seeking more historical discoveries, consider visiting Geneva or Chillon Castle in Switzerland. Alpine cities like Chambéry, Annecy, and Aix-les-Bains also welcome you for experiences away from the snow: guided tours, local product tastings, food tours... Immerse yourself in Savoyard culture in these beautiful valley cities!

Things to do in the Alps in winter

Best ski resorts in the Alps or ideal destinations for non-ski activities, you'll find something to suit your preferences every time!

A skier going down the snowy mountain off-piste facing the superb peaks of the Alps

The world-renowned ski areas of the Alps

The French Alps are home to the ski area of Les 3 Vallées, the largest in the world! With nearly 600 km of slopes between Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel, and Courchevel, experienced skiers won't get bored! The snow conditions are often exceptional, and the diversity of blue, red, and black slopes is remarkable.

Other resorts are equally excellent for skiing. This is the case with Portes du Soleil, in Haute-Savoie, which includes Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, and Châtel, totaling 580 km of slopes.

A deckchair installed in the snow, facing the superb peaks of the Alps

The entire area of Tignes and Val d'Isère, covering nearly 300 km, also offer superb slopes on glaciers and breathtaking views of the regional massifs.

Megève and Saint-Gervais, Alpe d'Huez, La Plagne, Les 2 Alpes, and Les Arcs remain other renowned spots, each with nearly 200 km of slopes.

Agence 1786 is at your disposal for all your private transfers from airports to ski resorts in the Savoie Mont-Blanc region! For worry-free travel, don't hesitate to contact us.

Winter snow holidays for non skiers in the Alps

Chamonix is undoubtedly the ideal destination for non-skiers looking to enjoy outdoor experiences and discover the Alps in winter. If that's the case for you, know that the Mont-Blanc massif is full of sublime natural spaces that you can explore on snowshoes, accompanied by a local guide who is passionate about the region.

Winter is also the perfect time to take a cable car to the top of the iconic Aiguille du Midi, a peak overlooking the Chamonix valley from its 3,842 meters above sea level. A breathtaking panorama awaits you over the entire Alps, covered in a pristine blanket of snow as far as the eye can see. Also, hop on the cogwheel train to visit the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in the French Alps. At this time of year, the layer of snow covering it gives it a peaceful and enchanting appearance.

Feeling like a cultural or culinary break? Embark on a guided tour of Chamonix, meeting the great figures and events that have shaped its history. Also, explore, through your taste buds this time, the different flavors of our local specialties, such as cheese, beer, chocolate, wine, and charcuterie during a Food Tour through the alleys of the city. You're in for a treat!

Lastly, want to try out some winter sports? We recommend trying out cross-country skiing, ski touring, biathlon, and snow fat biking to experience new sensations while admiring the valley's numerous natural wonders!

Of course, all the other resorts also offer us the possibility to provide you with non-skiing winter experiences. For more options, discover a summary of the best activities for non-skiers in the French Alps.

Hiking in the Alps in winter

In winter, hiking goes hand in hand with snowshoeing! Every destination in the Alps offers you magnificent trails to explore, allowing you to admire peaceful landscapes and snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see...

You can choose from half-day or full-day outings, with a guide accompanying you in discovering the surrounding mountains and life in nature. You can also combine it with other original activities, such as building an igloo or visiting an authentic mazot where a delicious Savoyard aperitif awaits you. Alternatively, you can head to a mountain restaurant, where you'll savor a tasty fondue.

As you can see, wherever you wish to go, snowshoes will take you there! For more options, discover all our snowshoeing experiences in the Alps.

Two people on ski touring in the middle of a snowy forest

A hiker crosses a snowy field on snowshoes, with a snowy alpine landscape and wooden chalets in the background

A resort village of the Alps, full of authentic chalets, built at the foot of a snow-capped summit

Best snow holidays for families in the French Alps

All of our activities in the Alps are adaptable for a young audience. Here's an overview of our favorite experiences to enjoy with your family for memorable moments:

Alongside your children, learn to build a real igloo, mastering all the techniques to make it the right size and ensure its durability!
Embark on fantastic snowshoeing hikes with a guide who will teach you how to recognize animal cries and tracks in the snow...
In Chamonix, explore the city center, its monuments, and its history in an original way with our digital treasure hunts: the Mont-Blanc Enigmatorium (for ages 12 and up) and the Mystery Walk (for ages 6 and up).
Still in the Chamonix region, take to the heights of the Aiguille du Midi and capture a unique family photo above the void!
For an incredibly convivial evening, trek with your guide on snowshoes to an igloo hidden in nature, where a delicious Savoyard fondue awaits.
Challenge your children with a biathlon initiation! After running or skiing, hold your breath and aim for the target... Who will win the challenge?
Since young ones are generally true animal lovers, head to a farm in the Bauges region to meet the cows and make your own cheese to take home!

Discover all our family activities in the Alps!

A little girl blows snow that flies into the air

Two little girls dressed in warm jackets and hats have fun sliding on a sled

Your tailor-made winter holiday in the Alps

For your ski vacation in the Alps, we take care of your private transfers from Lyon, Geneva, and Grenoble airports, or from the train stations in Chambéry, Annecy, Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, and Bellegarde. We then transport you to the resort you have booked: Courchevel, Méribel, Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, La Plagne, Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel, Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes...

In luxury vehicles, comfortable and equipped with four-wheel drive and snow tires, you travel with serenity and peace of mind, fully enjoying your journey!

If you wish to create a tailor-made stay combining downhill skiing with other non-skiing activities, we offer a circuit that will meet all your expectations! We take care of finding charming accommodations and chalets that you will be happy to return to after your adventurous days! If your itinerary includes multiple destinations, we organize your private transfers between each of them.

Moreover, according to the program you have validated, we book experiences that will make your trip a memorable moment! Our guides are waiting for you for original adventures, immersing you completely in the nature and culture of the Alps.

Depending on your preferences and chosen activities, some lunches and dinners will be included in the budget, while others can be reserved for you in quality restaurants, showcasing our local gastronomy.

Do you have any questions about your future tailor-made trip to the Alps in winter? Our entire team is at your disposal to answer them and start designing your personalized itinerary!