Looking for an unusual winter activity? Here are the best places to go snowmobiling in the Alps.
Snowmobiling in the heart of the Alps? What a funny idea! We always imagine that these machines are reserved for the mountains ofAlaska or the slopes of Canada, but they’re not. It’s possible to find places to snowmobile in the Alps, right here at home.
And it’s very easy: the vast majority of ski resorts offer this activity from December to April. As a general rule, ski areas open their doors to snowmobilers as soon as the slopes close, at around 5pm. This gives them free rein to zigzag down the snow-covered slopes for two or three hours.
After that, the snow groomers take over, smoothing out the slopes and guaranteeing skiers a completely smooth surface. We’ve chosen to present you with ten of the best places to try snowmobiling in the heart of the Alps. Ideal for enjoying the mountains effortlessly and safely!
1. La Plagne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sasha Samardzija
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Period: November to March
Join Alexis, La Plagne’s snowmobile instructor, for a night-time motorized tour. This unforgettable activity takes place on snow-covered slopes and marked trails in the heart of the larches. Thanks to its privileged geographical location, La Plagne is one of the most beautiful places in the Alps for snowmobiling.
Four departures are scheduled each day: 5pm, 6:10pm, 7:20pm and 8:30pm. After a short briefing, you’re off for 12 kilometers of unique sensations in the middle of the night. The view of the illuminated La Plagne resorts is exceptional.
2. Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire
Photo credit: Facebook – Animations et activités à La Toussuire
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Period: November to March
Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire is a splendid French commune in the Savoie department. This mountain village in the Arvan-Villards massif in the Maurienne region is one of the best places for snowmobiling in the Alps.
A guide is on hand to take you off the beaten track in complete safety. On the heights of the resort, summer hiking trails turn into winding tracks. Here, even the little ones are allowed to snowmobile! A closed circuit and specially adapted machines are available for children aged between 6 and 13.
3. Pra-Loup
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Peter Gudella
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour to a full day
Preferred period: December to March
Pra-Loup is definitely one of the most beautiful resorts in the Southern Alps. In summer, you can enjoy hiking, paragliding and white-water sports. And in winter, skiing, snowboarding and even… snowmobiling! It’s a fabulous place for snowmobiling in the Alps.
The site lends itself particularly well to this, with its trails winding through the mountains. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful in Europe. A new feature is the Snowbike. This converted motocross bike with its caterpillar track breaks the mould and provides access to even steeper terrain.
What are you waiting for to give it a try during the winter season?
4. Les Deux Alpes
Photo credit: Facebook – Les 2 Alpes
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Preferred period: November to April
Why not go snowmobiling in the Alps… at Les Deux Alpes? It’s an excellent change from the endless ski descents. In any case, you’ll be able to combine the two activities, as the snowmobiles depart in the evening.
Meet behind the skating rink, at the foot of the pistes, for a 15 km circuit up to 2,500 m above sea level. The one-hour tour departs four times a day, starting at 6 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to admire the view of Les Deux Alpes!
5. Vars/Risoul
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jiri ‘Tashi’ Vondracek
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Preferred period: January to March
The Forêt Blanche ski area is shared by the communes of Vars and Risoul in the Hautes-Alpes. The area is sunny all year round and is a delight for lovers of wide-open spaces. To explore the latter, you can opt for mountain biking, walking or cross-country skiing.
But you can also choose a more powerful machine! Snowmobiling in the Alps at Vars and Risoul means discovering splendid landscapes in the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park. This sumptuous spectacle is best enjoyed with a cup of mulled wine in the resort. That is, if you can let go of your handlebars!
6. Arâches-la-Frasse
Photo credit: Facebook – Nature Motoneige
Level:Easy
Duration: 1 hour to half a day
Preferred period: December to March
A funny name for a resort! Snowmobiling in Arâches means enjoying the experience of a dedicated guide. He’ll lead you along forest tracks in the heart of the Grand Massif. You’ll pass through Flaine, Samoëns and Morillon before stopping at the summit of Les Carroz to enjoy a sublime panorama of the immaculate massifs.
The entire Aravis mountain range, Megève, Combloux and Faucigny, are yours to discover! Can you see that crescent-shaped lake in the distance? Yes, it’s Lake Geneva all right…
And don’t worry about the cold: your car’s handles are heated.
7. Alpe d’Huez
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gaspar Janos
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour to one day
Preferred period: November to April
On your next vacation, why not go snowmobiling in the Huez Alps? Quite simply, the resort boasts the largest snowmobile park in the Alps. You’ll have plenty of time to discover it on a ride to the summits at an altitude of 2,500 m.
Ideally, you should do it with friends and family: you’ll be able to race under the watchful eye of your guide. Your guide will ensure your safety and enable you to progress smoothly. Our advice? Choose the « Rando Evasion », where the route is followed by a succulent meal in a mountain chalet.
8. Val Thorens
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergey Kelin
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Period: November to April
Val Tho’ is a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. In this Savoyard resort, you can even try out the thrills of snow scooters. Snowmobiling in the Alps is great, but in Val Thorens it’s even better! Three departures are scheduled daily at 5.30pm, 6.45pm and 7.55pm.
So you can explore the sublime Tarentaise valley at night. If you wish, you can be accompanied by a guide, so you can detach yourself from the group and enjoy even more freedom during your escapade. Once you’re back in the resort, it’s a good idea to head for the Place de Caron. Restaurants await you for a well-deserved moment of conviviality!
9. Méribel
Photo credit: Shutterstock – haveseen
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour to one day
Preferred period: November to April
Snowmobiling in the Alps at Méribel means enjoying the very best of Savoie. Day or night, you can ride along the slopes and trails of the 3 Vallées ski area. It’s right in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, renowned for its sparkling beauty.
You’ll come across some amazing animals in the wildest parts. Marmots hibernate, but chamois, ibex and eagles are also present.
The little extra? While the grown-ups are having fun, the little ones can also discover this unforgettable activity. A dedicated and perfectly safe circuit is available for them: that’s good for everyone, isn’t it?
10. Les Orres
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oscity
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Preferred period: January to March
Les Orres, in the Hautes-Alpes, is a prime spot for all things winter sports. The resort is renowned for its beautiful, human-scale ski area. To get a better idea of what this area has to offer, hop on board a snowmobile!
You’ll hurtle down snow-covered slopes, weave through evergreens and cut through powder under starry skies. Don’t worry, the headlights are specially designed to illuminate your path perfectly.
There’s even a trailer specially adapted for toddlers if you’re bringing the whole family: pretty cool, don’t you think?
Practical information
Rates
Snowmobiling in the Alps is still quite expensive. If you choose to hire a company, expect to pay an average of €100 per hour per snowmobile. Rates are degressive for half-day tours.
Tip: you can take a passenger with you and share the cost. These rates are fairly similar, regardless of the resort you choose. What’s more, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit: these machines are powerful, fun, but expensive!
Additional information
Here is some additional information before you decide to go snowmobiling in the Alps:
- Remember to bring warm ski clothes. Gloves, après-ski boots and a mask are also essential. The agency will provide you with a helmet complying with NF standards;
- This sporting activity is subject to weather conditions. In the event of heavy snowfall or a blizzard, it may have to be postponed. What’s more, the season depends on snow cover… and sometimes, by March, it’s already too late!
- You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, but the good news is that, as a general rule, you don’t need a « B » license;
- Children are generally allowed from the age of 8 (as passengers, of course).
- Reservations are required during peak periods;
- Follow the instructions carefully to make the most of this extraordinary moment!