Ice activities: to discover new sensations and adrenaline !

Icefalls: climbing like you’ve never seen it before

Climbing? In winter? It’s possible, and it’s guaranteed to give you a good dose of adrenalin. Ice climbing involves climbing the frozen walls formed by waterfalls that freeze in winter. These activities, supervised by professionals, are a different way of discovering climbing.

Climbers use ice axes and crampons to hold on to the ice, progressing vertically with precision and strength. This type of climbing requires a high level of physical fitness, a specific technique and the right equipment, including ropes and protection to ensure a safe ascent. But it also offers a unique experience in the heart of nature, combining adrenalin, physical challenges and impressive scenery!

Winter climbing is becoming more and more popular in the resorts, with the creation of snow-covered and non-snow-covered routes of varying levels of difficulty. Here are a few resorts where you can try this activity this winter:

At Tignes, a huge icefall awaits you all winter long (when conditions are optimal), and many of the resort’s players are offering supervised outings. Book your session here.

At Orcières Merlette, the Bureau des Guides des 2 Vallées offers beginner and advanced outings in a magical icy world, in complete safety. Find out more here.

At Les Contamines-Montjoie, experience ice climbing by night! It’s an even greater thrill. Find out more here.

At Peisey-Vallandry, an itinerary on foot or snowshoes will take you close to an immense ice waterfall, to admire this work of art sculpted by the winter cold. See the itinerary here.

Close to the Grand Tourmalet ski resort in the Pyrenees, the Pic du Midi has decided to make ice climbing accessible to the general public through supervised sessions, so you can practise in complete safety. For more information, click here.

Ice diving, ice-floating: when icy water amplifies the sensations

Not afraid of the cold? Then why not try 2 even more unusual activities: ice-floating and ice diving! Spoiler: thanks to the appropriate wetsuits and the invaluable advice of the instructors, you won’t even feel the cold! And if it does get a bit cold, all you have to do is warm up in one of the resort’s bars with a nice hot chocolate (or fondue, it’s up to you).

Ice-floating is a discipline that involves floating in complete safety in icy water, generally using a waterproof thermal suit. Lying on your back in a frozen lake or river, you let yourself be carried along by the cold water while being insulated from the extreme cold. The activity is renowned for its benefits to the body and mind, thanks to the combination of a small dose of adrenaline and a feeling of relaxation as you let yourself be carried along by the waves. Want to try it? Try it out here:

At La Clusaz, it’s on the Lac des Confins, in the heart of an exceptional panorama, that you’ll enjoy this special moment, snug and warm in your neoprene wetsuit. A little bonus: hot drinks and snacks are served on the edge of your icy pool. All the practical info here.

In Val d’Isère, the experience is available from age 10 and even at night, for a timeless moment with a breathtaking view of the stars (or with the warmth of the sun on your face, if you prefer the daytime version). Book now.

For even more thrills, why not try ice diving? Divers explore the depths of a frozen lake through a hole drilled in the ice. Equipped with dry suits and connected to the surface by safety lines, they discover a silent and fascinating underwater world, illuminated by light filtered through the ice. It’s an experience that takes a bit of courage, but opens the door to a fascinating world explored by very few. You won’t regret it!

Here are two examples of ice diving in resorts:

At Chamrousse, the Dive Xtreme school takes you behind the scenes of the Roberts lakes, frozen in winter at an altitude of 2000m! Even beginner divers can discover the activity and the unique scenery beneath a layer of ice varying between 20cm and 2m. Reflections, bubbles, light effects and colours you won’t see anywhere else await you. Find out more here.

At Les Angles in the Pyrenees, the frozen lake of Balcère welcomes you for an incomparable experience. Beneath the surface, light shines through the ice to create a surreal world that is sure to leave you with unique memories. Even beginners can get in on the action, with 15-20 minute sessions offering a thrilling experience. Find out how an outing works in detail here.

The benefits of cold weather in the mountains for body and mind

And since combining business with pleasure is always a good idea, did you know that the cold has many benefits for our bodies? We don’t all react in the same way to the cold, but one thing is certain: it can have very positive effects on both our bodies and our minds. Here are just a few of them:

Reduced inflammation: cold reduces inflammation, relieves joint pain and promotes muscle recovery after exercise.

Improved blood circulation: cold causes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, resulting in better venous return and better oxygenation of tissues.

Activation of the metabolism: the body expends more energy to maintain its temperature, which stimulates the metabolism and fat burning.

Improved mood: cold stimulates the release of endorphins and dopamine, promoting a feeling of well-being and reducing stress.

Increased mental clarity: the cold improves alertness, concentration and attention span.

Connecting with nature: in the mountains, the cold encourages you to be fully present in the moment, reinforcing your sense of groundedness and serenity.

The benefits of the cold are greatest when exposure to it is gradual and controlled. The most important thing is to listen to how you feel and stop when you’ve reached your limits!