{"id":69400,"date":"2025-04-30T11:07:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T09:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=69400"},"modified":"2025-06-05T18:46:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:46:16","slug":"sporty-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/sporty-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Our complete guide to active holidays in the Alps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you want to enjoy the fresh air and recharge your batteries? With their stunning backdrop of majestic peaks, high-altitude lakes and unspoilt villages, the Alps are the ideal destination for an adrenalin-fuelled active holiday, whatever the season. Whether you\u2019re looking for physical challenges or moments of relaxation in cosy chalets, every day in the mountains promises its share of thrills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into hiking, mountain biking, climbing, water sports or other activities, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about organising a sporting break in the mountains, so you can let go of the daily grind and refocus on yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Choose your chalet in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
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\n SEE ALL OF OUR ALPINE CHALETS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Discover the magic of the mountains between April and October\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Magnificent scenery and pleasant temperatures, for a more affordable holiday without the crowds\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Away from the crowds, close to what you need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From April to October, the mountains offer a peaceful and unspoilt setting far from the winter crowds. It\u2019s the ideal time to take in the breathtaking views<\/strong> and breathe in the pure mountain air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Away from the hustle and bustle, you can savour the silence, the beauty of the scenery and the pleasure of reconnecting with nature. Off-season prices are also much lower<\/strong>, whether for accommodation, activities or even restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know: <\/strong>Many resorts offer package deals for a whole range of activities at affordable prices<\/strong>, to encourage people to visit the Alps outside the winter season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever-changing views that are always magnificent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The mountains are an ever-changing environment, revealing a new scene every season.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In spring, the flowering meadows are covered in colour, while in summer, the lush green mountain pastures invite you to hike under clear skies. Then comes autumn, when the forests turn gold and bronze.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may spot marmots, chamois and golden eagles on your way, making each of your walks unique and every hike a sensational journey to the heart of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n AUTUMN ACTIVITIES IN THE ALPS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Get moving, breathe and have fun: our favourite activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On foot, on skis or on a bike, get some exercise and experience nature at full speed\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the mountains \u2013 even with children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the mountains gives you the chance to go at your own pace, while you take in the marvellous scenery. Away from the resorts, each step brings you closer to rural idylls and a unique sense of freedom.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a great family activity<\/strong>, as many of the trails in the Alps are accessible to children. With waterfalls, forests and encounters with wildlife, hiking becomes a fun and rewarding adventure for young and old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting that snow often falls as early as October in high-altitude resorts. This is the perfect time to discover nature on cross-country skis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n DISCOVER HIKING ROUTES IN THE ALPS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pedalling to the rhythm of the passes and paths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mountain biking and cycling combine sport, nature and thrills. Road cyclists<\/strong> enjoy the legendary mountain passes and breathtaking views, while mountain bikers<\/strong> enjoy the technical trails through the forest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for a physical challenge or a leisurely ride, there\u2019s plenty of choice on offer in the Alps. The clean air, stunning scenery and freedom to cycle at your own pace make mountain biking a particularly rewarding experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know:<\/strong> <\/strong>Some of our partner chalets provide all the equipment you need to look after your bike. Look for the \u201cCycling Friendly<\/strong>\u201d and \u201cAccueil v\u00e9lo<\/strong>\u201d labels on our search page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n DISCOVER OUR CHALETS FOR CYCLISTS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Transmaurienne Vanoise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy via ferrata, canyoning, paragliding\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The mountains, and in particular the Alps, offer a wide range of activities for thrill-seekers<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Via ferrata offers a dizzying adventure between sky and rock. Canyoning offers refreshing descents through waterfalls and natural pools, while paragliding lets you fly over valleys with breathtaking views.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zip wires, rock climbing, bungee jumping<\/strong>\u2026 There are plenty of other activities that combine nature and adrenaline. So make sure you find out beforehand what\u2019s available in your resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n CANYONING NEAR ANNECY<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Slow down the pace with a yoga session in the peaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Away from the stresses of everyday life, take a deep breath of pure mountain air, soothed by birdsong and the gentle breeze. The calming setting of the Alps<\/strong> encourages you to focus, relax and reconnect with yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The altitude encourages oxygenation, stimulates circulation and enhances concentration. Every breath becomes deeper, every movement more conscious, and the mind is freed more easily from stress and tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know:<\/strong> <\/strong>Some of our partner chalets include a private gym<\/strong>, so you can work out in the comfort of your holiday home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: \u00a9 Andrey Popov<\/a> via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cool off in the lakes and rivers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Water is an essential element in the Alps, and it promises some great sporting adventures surrounded by sublime scenery. Lakes Annecy, Le Bourget and Serre-Pon\u00e7on all offer water sports include paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the rivers, you can enjoy the thrills of rafting, canyoning or hydrospeed<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re going alone or with family or friends, water sports in the mountains add a refreshing touch to your active holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n TOP 10 WATER ACTIVITIES ON LAKE ANNECY<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The best places in the Alps to enjoy mountain life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beautiful routes to discover the mountains from every angle\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walks around Annecy, Lake Geneva, and the Beaufortain\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the Alps is a guarantee of varied and spectacular scenery. Each trail combines beauty, tranquillity and complete immersion in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near Annecy, Le Semnoz<\/strong> offers stunning views of the lake and Mont Blanc. Around Lake Geneva, <\/strong>the Grammont trail and the walks above \u00c9vian<\/strong> offer splendid panoramic views. In the Beaufortain<\/strong>, the tour of Lac de Roselend and the climb up to the Col du Joly are enchanting, with their mountain pastures in bloom in spring and their impressive views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n SEVEN WALKS AROUND LAKE ANNECY<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: \u00a9 Monica Dalmasso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mountain bike circuits in the Aravis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Aravis mountain range offers dozens of signposted trails for bikers of all abilities, particularly around La Clusaz<\/strong> and Le Grand-Bornand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In La Clusaz, there are more than 135km of trails to choose from, ranging from panoramic circuits to off-road routes. In Le Grand-Bornand, we recommend the Balcon des Aravis<\/strong><\/a> circuit, which offers a 24km loop with a 795m ascent, ideal for admiring the peaks while challenging yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know:<\/strong> <\/strong>Some ski lifts operate throughout the summer, allowing you to take your bikes to higher altitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Panoramic viewing points you won\u2019t want to miss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your sporting holiday in the Alps is guaranteed to be marked by breathtaking panoramas, where every effort is rewarded by the raw beauty of the mountains. Here are some of our favourites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n