10 unique summer activities to try in the mountains

While a favorite winter destination, the mountains are sometimes overlooked in the summer. Yet, they offer just as many advantages during the warmer months, including a wide range of sports and leisure activities for the whole family. Today, your Airbnb concierge service presents 10 original activity ideas for your mountain vacation!

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1 - Summer tobogganing

For our first summer mountain activity, we invite you to tap into your inner child! Accessible to both kids and adults, summer tobogganing promises speed and thrills at a very affordable price. Whether solo or in pairs, come race down the tracks in La Clusaz or Alpe d’Huez, both accessible via ski lifts. No need to wait for snow!

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2 - Via ferrata

Is the term "via ferrata" new to you? If you don't have a fear of heights and love beautiful views, this activity is for you! A via ferrata is essentially a route built into a rock face. Metal rungs and a safety cable (similar to what you might see on a ropes course) are fixed into the rock to ensure your safety and guide your way. Monkey bridges, walkways, and even zip lines might also be part of the journey! Check out the Via des Evettes in Chamonix or the Les Bourtes via ferrata in La Plagne.

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3 - Rock climbing

More familiar to the general public, rock climbing is usually an indoor activity for beginners. Why not try it outdoors? Nestled in magnificent landscapes, the Alps are full of superb climbing spots just waiting for you. There are plenty of ways to get started, and the postcard-worthy panoramas are always a highlight! At Alpe d’Huez, the Lac Besson climbing site is particularly worth a visit for experienced climbers with their own gear.

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4 - Geocaching

Calling all treasure hunters and quest lovers! Geocaching is an innovative and fun activity that involves using a GPS (smartphone or hiking GPS) to find containers called "caches" or "geocaches." You must also be registered on the geocaching.com website beforehand. It’s completely free! When you find a cache, you can swap one of the "treasures" inside for an item of your own. An unusual activity to do with the family!

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5 - Donkey trekking

Tired of pony rides? Spending your vacation in the mountains is the perfect opportunity to try a variation: donkey trekking! Accessible to very young children as long as they are accompanied by an adult, this original activity is ideal for animal lovers and budding riders. A great time is guaranteed!

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6 - Paragliding

Want to reach new heights? We continue our selection of activity ideas with a mountain staple: paragliding! There’s nothing like it for viewing the peaks from the air. Between the adrenaline and the feeling of weightlessness, enjoy a tandem flight and let the wind carry you. It’s a fun and memorable way to discover the impressive slopes of the Alps!

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7 - Hydrospeed

Also known as river boarding, hydrospeed involves navigating a river using a float and swim fins. Accessible to everyone, this lesser-known activity promises a great time with family or friends! You can, for example, try hydrospeed with the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, which offers a 6-kilometer descent at the foot of Mont Blanc.

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8 - Canorafting

A cross between canoeing and rafting, a canoraft is an inflatable boat steered with a double-bladed paddle. Whether you're alone or in a pair, a novice or an expert, you can navigate at the foot of the French peaks and take on the rapids. In La Plagne, La Clusaz, or Chamonix, discover the joys of whitewater in a canoraft!

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9 - Mountain carting

Everyone knows go-karting. But have you heard of mountain carting? To try this fun and unusual activity, the La Plagne resort invites you to the Colorado chairlift reception chalet. Once you're at the start of the track, 1.5 kilometers of downhill excitement await you! Good times guaranteed for anyone 10 and older who gives it a try.

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10 - Canyoning

To wrap up our selection, let's head back to the water! If you love climbing and feel right at home in the water, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy canyoning. Rappelling down waterfalls, sliding down natural water slides, and cliff jumping: that’s what’s in store if you decide to take the plunge! It’s a diverse, active experience that fully immerses you in nature and is perfect for sharing a great time with others.

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So, which activity will you try this summer?

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