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Top 5 activities to try this summer in the Alps

Sport & Activities / The Alps
August 3, 2025

Want to fill your next summer holiday with adventure? The Alps are packed with activities to enjoy in the great outdoors, whether on the mountainside, above the valleys or in the crystal-clear waters of its lakes.

Gravel biking in Megève, mountain biking in Les Gets, canyoning in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, wakeboarding in Morillon, or even paragliding in Annecy… Follow our tips to make the most of your Alpine summer!

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1. Mountain Kart

Woman on a mountain kart, one of the best summer activities in the Alps.
© Photo: Office de Tourisme de Manigod

Treat yourself to a new experience with Manigod’s “mountain kart“. This activity, which can be found at the top of the Cabeau chairlift, promises thrills and plenty of laughter as you race down the mountain in a sturdy, self-propelled all-terrain kart. 

Suitable for adults and children over 1.30m tall, it is available all summer long, as soon as the ski lifts open. Helmets are provided and thrills are guaranteed, for a breath of fresh air in a stunning alpine setting. Children up to the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

2. Gravel biking

Man riding a gravel bike in front of a wooden chalet.
© Photo: OVO Network – Peignée Verticale

Gravel biking, a hybrid cycling discipline that takes place on forest trails and Alpine roads, is attracting more and more cycling enthusiasts. 

Resorts such as Les Gets, Megève, Morzine and Val d’Arly offer a variety of routes, combining moderate effort with spectacular scenery. 

Ideal for lovers of gentle sports and nature, gravel biking gives you a new way to explore the mountains, combining escape, well-being and discovery in the heart of the Alps.

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3. Water activities

Family doing canyoning, one of the best summer activities in the Alps.
© Photo: OVO Network – Peignée Verticale

The Alps offer a wealth of water sports from June to September, in a superb natural setting. 

In Morillon and Les Saisies, the lakes are ideal for family swimming. In Chamonix, rafting and canyoning are a delight for thrill seekers. In Annecy, paddleboarding and sailing appeal to those who prefer more relaxing activities. 

These experiences are suitable for both sports enthusiasts and those who prefer to take it easy. Between fast-flowing rivers and peaceful waters, everyone can find their own way to enjoy the pleasures of water in the mountains.

Canyoning

Canyoning in the Alps is a refreshing way to discover the waterways of the mountains. Enjoy slides, jumps and abseiling as you find your way down the mountains in the heart of spectacular scenery. In Morzine, Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, there are several routes suitable for adults and children aged 8 and above. 

Supervised by qualified guides, this activity combines adrenaline and discovery. Whether you are a nature lover or a thrill seeker, canyoning is a fun and exciting way to discover Alpine torrents.

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Wakeboarding and water skiing

Wakeboarding and water skiing offer a refreshing break from the heat during a summer in the Alps. Supervised by qualified instructors, these activities are available for children aged 6 and above in many locations, such as Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget and Lake Serre-Ponçon.

Perfect for sports enthusiasts and guests looking for excitement, these water sports combine adrenaline, fun and breathtaking scenery. It’s another great way to experience the Alps, with your feet in the water!

4. Climbing with a difference

Via ferrata

Young woman doing via ferrata, one of the best summer activities in the Alps.
Photo: © Walther Luecker via Unsplash.

Via ferrata allows you to experience the thrill of climbing in complete safety. With your hands on the cables and your feet on the rocks, you can make progress at your own pace between ladders, footbridges and dizzying views. 

In the Alps, there are plenty of routes suitable for all ages and abilities, for example in Passy, La Clusaz, Les Arcs and Aussois. This activity is ideal for families as well as sports and adventure enthusiasts who are not afraid of heights.

Ridge climbing

Reserved for athletic adults and mountain enthusiasts, ridge climbing combines walking, basic climbing and high-altitude thrills. If you are physically fit with a head for heights, and want to push your limits, it’s a unique way to get a taste of the world of mountaineering.

In Chamonix, La Bérarde and Val d’Isère, legendary routes such as the Cosmiques ridge and the Promontoire ridge offer spectacular scenery. Accompanied by a high mountain guide, you will reach the summits in complete safety.

5. Paragliding

A person doing paragliding with mountains in the background.
Photo: © Behnam Jaafarianpoor via Unsplash.

Paragliding in the Alps is an experience you won’t forget. Available from spring to autumn in renowned sites such as Annecy, Samoëns, Morzine and Les Saisies, you’ll get a real sense of freedom as you soar above the valleys, carried by the air currents. 

Tandem flights are open to anyone aged five and over, making this a great activity for all the family. Supervised by qualified instructors, the flight is completely safe. A magical and gentle way to discover the Alpine landscapes from a different angle.


Whether you are looking for adventure or more relaxed activities, the Alps have something for everyone. From via ferrata to cycling, swimming in lakes and sailing, every day is full of excitement. And at the end of the day, you can relax and unwind in the comfort of your private accommodation… 

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