Popular Questions
What activities can I do?
There are numerous activities in each of our resorts. In fact, around 80 different activities to choose from - so all tastes and abilities are well catered for. Choose from calm and tranquil pursuits like walking or tennis, wild swimming and lake kayaking to adrenaline busting adventure like Canyoning or Downhill mountain biking. We also offer many free activities with enough exciting pursuits for an action-packed week away - and they are included for free with our holidays
How fit do I need to be?
You don't have to be a regular athlete to enjoy our holidays! Far from it in fact. The activities we offer suit almost all levels of fitness and our Active Team will help guide you to the best activities for your taste, age, fitness and ability. There is also sightseeing, gondola rides and cultural things to do, great walks, sedate lake activities and sunbathing - so it’s not all about high energy pursuits. Most activities come with an instructor or guide, so you will be well cared for.
Are activity holidays family friendly?
Of course! Our chalets and hotels are full of families with kids from age 4 to 17 all summer long. And families love our friendly and welcoming atmosphere where we organise lots of days out and excursions for you to do individually as a family or with other families. We have an all-inclusive Active Kids Club in all our Alpine Elements exclusive hotels and we organise Family Fun Days and great day’s out with sociable bike rides and walks or hikes.
Will there be enough for us to do?
A common thread among our guests is that there is simply "too much to do in just one week" and we often find guests staying for two weeks. There should be enough to keep you busy with the activities included in our free Active Packs, but if you have energy left over then our Active Team will hook you up with even more activities - anything from climbing to parapenting, and canyoning to paddleboarding.
Is there a set itinerary?
Not at all, after all - you’re on holiday! We give you access to our fleet of free hire bikes (all week) and an Activity Multipass with pedestrian lift pass (and a bonus biking lift pass in Tignes) for access to the mountain facilities, culture sights and resort activities. You are then free to explore the resort, do your own thing or join in with our organised walks, bike rides and Family Fun Days. The only fixture is dinner each evening, where we serve a 3 or 4 course menu in our lovely, convivial chalets and hotels.
Is mountain biking for me?
The great thing about all of our resorts is that not only do they have the best riding in the world, but they also have a huge network of beginner trails for ALL abilities. Green and blue bike trails run round each resort and even the famous downhill courses have 'chicken runs' for relative newbies to have a go. Our resort staff will help you get started in resort and supply you with a map and clear guide of which areas of the mountain are best suited to you.
A chicken run can be found on many of the popular downhill tracks. They are easy routes around difficult sections so that everyone can experience the thrill of Downhill mountain biking. We do advise renting one of our pro bikes for downhill.
What is an alpine hotel like?
Our Alpine Hotels are much like regular hotels with warm service and professional staff. However, we've added a little twist and our own formula to help our British guests make the most out of the Alps. First of all, there’s our mountain-mad staff - who have special training to make sure you enjoy the activities and make the most out of the Alps. Our hotels also enjoy a central position and extra facilities to give you a great holiday: mountain bikes and workshops, Activity Staff, Active Kids Clubs, sports equipment, sunny gardens, stunning views, spa areas, Wi-fi and (most) have outdoor swimming pools so you can enjoy the beautiful views.
What sort of weather should I expect?
The French Alps are about 6 hours southeast of Paris and three hours north of the south coast of France. In summer, the Alps enjoy warm weather and lots of sunshine with an ambient temperature between 25C and 38C during July and August. In common with mountainous regions we can get localised thunderstorms, but rain is often short lived and quickly gives way to sunshine again. The sunniest (and hottest) resorts are Tignes and Val d'isere which enjoy a very southern location and up to 300 days of sunshine a year. Make sure you bring lots of sunscreen and sun hats, because the weather at altitude can be hot in all resorts.