For the first time, we imagine it, we idealize it, we dream of it, we prepare for it… and we live it. First night in a refuge, first mountain pass by bike, first summit, first thrilling activity…a first time cannot be forgotten. Holidays in the mountains hold their share of surprises for visitors looking for new experiences. As the sunny days have appeared, here are some original suggestions.
First night in a refuge – Oisans
Le Refuge du Carrelet, a farm at the top, an easy family outing.
When you leave the village of La Bérarde it takes an hour of flat walking to reach Le Carrelet. On arrival, the hens, donkeys and goats act as a welcoming committee. Located on the flat Carlez and its small stream, the refuge is a paradise for children who can observe wildlife, enjoy outdoor games and water games with a view of the Ecrins.
First pass by bike – Courchevel
The Col de la Loze bucolic version.
If it will be climbed by the riders of the Tour de France at high speed on July 19, the Col de la Loze can also be experienced in “slow” mode. After a possible first stop at the Pralong farm to buy some farm products: Beaufort cheese from the Pralin mountain pasture, tomme cheese, charcuterie, jams…, the bucolic getaway begins. While crossing the mountain pastures, not a sound, except the sound of the bells of the cows which graze quietly. Then the track rises after a few bends, the landscape changes and becomes rocky, the silence is only broken by the whistling of marmots…
First orienteering race – Cluses Arve & Montagnes
Discovering landscapes from another angle.
Cluses Arve & Montagnes has created 12 adventure games on the same territory, a first in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Each game has its own story and promises a fun ride in a world apart. Between orientation course, adventure game or Explore Games, there is something for everyone. The whole family will be invited to discover all the secrets of the territory.
First zipline – Valloire
First station in France to equip itself with an intelligent zip line.
A first in France for this new generation zip line, called intelligent, which has the advantage of modulating the speed to increase or reduce the sensations and also of recharging itself with electricity during the descent. With a vertical drop of 300 m, adventurers will appreciate the 1,380 m in length to enjoy a 360 degree panorama. The little extra of this new attraction is the possibility of two people setting off, side by side thanks to the bi-cable installation.
First step on the moon – Flaine
A geological curiosity at an altitude of 2,500 m.
Walking the Platé desert is like walking on a petrified glacier or on the moon. Site classified and protected since 1998, the largest lapiaz in Europe with a limestone plateau of 1980 hectares, offers a 360° view of Mont Blanc, the Aravis, Belledonne and the Jura. With its spectacular fauna and flora, the Desert of Platé is an exceptional playground for the whole family, with 200m of vertical drop for 1h30 of walking.
Premier bivouac – Chartreuse
4 star bivouac.
Whether young or old, the first bivouac experience leaves unforgettable memories. Ultimate goal of the outing or stage of a journey, the bivouac cannot be improvised. And to facilitate its organization, in the hamlet of Reys, in Saint Pierre d’Entremont, 4 new cabin-tents on stilts will satisfy hikers for a night in the heart of nature.
First summit – Verbier
Head for Mont Fort at 3,330 m.
Like its cousin ferrata, the Via Cordata combines hiking, climbing and mountaineering. The difference is that the participants are roped along the entire route. Leaving from Les Gentianes, the Via Cordata du Mont-Fort (3,330 m) links rock climbing and hiking on the glaciers of Tortin and Mont-Fort. Accessible to all those who seek the pleasure of grandiose panoramas…
First trail course – Saint-Lary
At a run with Panaurama.
From May to July, Panaurama organizes reconnaissance courses for major events such as the Patou Trail or the Grand Raid des Pyrénées, physical preparation to live sporting events serenely or even days of discovery of the practice of trail running for learn to run on varied terrain, manage effort, read a map…
First walk from lake to lake – Orcières
A unique and original walk where poetry and pedagogy come together.
This is a new way of approaching the mountain through a fully scripted hike for the enjoyment of the whole family and accessible to all from the Drouvet2 chairlift or the Rocherousse chairlift. This walk criss-crosses the northwestern part of the resort, made up of vast mountain pastures with six main lakes.
First Via ferrata – Vaujany
Freshness and adrenaline in the Fare via ferrata
Located on the slopes of the Massif des Grandes Rousses, this surprising via ferrata with its 500 meters of cables, starts at the edge of the magnificent Fare waterfall. Divided into several sections that can be done separately, a course is accessible for beginners from 14 years old. It is supervised by a professional that you have to set off on this sporty Via Ferrata.
First jump in the air – Megève
Paragliding, to feel yourself flying.
For those who are not afraid, head for the summit of Rochebrune! It is from the top of this mountain which overlooks the village that you take off in a tandem baptism with a paragliding instructor who will make this trip through the air a dream that has become accessible, an experience as magical as it is dizzying. After a few last steps on dry land, we dive into the aerial world of eagles and bearded vultures. We fell in love with the “sensation” flight: a discovery flight that ends with turns, loops and a few figures of style.
