Mountain Sports: Our Top Picks!
Want to get some fresh air and get your body moving? The mountains are an incredible playground, summer and winter alike. Whether you love snow sports, high altitudes, hiking trails, or whitewater rafting, there’s bound to be a mountain sport that’s perfect for you. So check out our selection of must-try activities you won’t want to miss!
Mountain sports: the most popular winter sports
Downhill skiing
Downhill skiing is the quintessential mountain vacation activity. What a thrill it is to glide down the slopes on skis, at your own pace! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone: wide slopes to build confidence, steep runs for speed enthusiasts, and always that exhilarating feeling of gliding down the mountain.
Freestyle skiing
Looking for a little excitement? Freestyle skiing is the art of performing tricks in the air, on moguls, or on rails. Very popular in snowparks, it requires good balance, technique, and plenty of creativity. It’s not just a mountain sport—it’s also a way to express yourself on the snow!
Ski cross
There’s no time to waste here: ski cross is all about racing. Several skiers start at the same time and must navigate a series of obstacles—tight turns, bumps, and jumps—as quickly as possible. It’s an adrenaline-fueled mountain sport that’s thrilling to watch and even more exciting to participate in.
Ski jumping
Ski jumping is a combination of precision, technique, and courage. How does it work? You build up speed on a ramp, take off, and glide as far as possible! It’s worth noting that this spectacular sport can’t be improvised and is reserved for the most experienced athletes, but seeing it in person is always breathtaking.
Classic cross-country skiing
If you enjoy taking your time and admiring the scenery, classic cross-country skiing is for you. You follow two tracks in the snow at a leisurely pace, gliding along at your own speed, one step at a time. It’s a gentle mountain sport, perfect for combining physical activity with nature without overexerting yourself.
background skating
A more dynamic version of cross-country skiing, skating is similar to ice skating: you push off with your sides, pick up speed, and get a great cardio workout! It’s an excellent way to burn off some energy while enjoying the great outdoors, especially if you enjoy endurance sports.
Sski touring
Far from the ski lifts and crowds, ski touring lets you enjoy all the benefits of the mountains. You climb using your own leg power, with skis fitted with climbing skins, then descend off-piste, often through magical spots. It’s the perfect mountain sport for those who love the wilderness, silence, and physical exertion.
Snowboarding
Less technically demanding than skiing at first (but just as much fun!), snowboarding appeals to those who enjoy a smooth, slightly rebellious ride. With both feet on a single board, you carve down the slopes with smooth turns or long, flowing lines. And there’s plenty of variety to keep things interesting, since there’s also a freestyle version!
Boardercross (or board cross)
Do you love speed and competition? Then boardercross is for you. Inspired by ski cross, this sport involves several snowboarders racing down a course packed with obstacles at the same time: tight turns, bumps, jumps… it’s all there! To excel at this mountain sport, you need to be fast, agile, and keep your cool all the way to the finish line.
Dog sled
Looking for a chance to get back to nature, Northern-style? Hop on a sled and let a pack of dogs—usually huskies—lead the way. The musher (the person driving the team) gives commands as the dogs carve their path through the snow.
What sports can you do in the mountains during the summer?
Hang gliding
For thrill-seekers, hang gliding offers a more athletic and exhilarating flight experience. Lying face-down beneath a large delta-shaped wing, the pilot literally rides the air currents. Takeoff requires a bit of courage, but once you’re in the air, it’s magical!
paragliding
Want to soar above the peaks? Paragliding offers that unique sensation of gliding through the air, carried only by the wing and the wind. From the summit, you launch yourself to experience the mountains in a whole new way: gently, silently, and with a sense of total freedom.
Rafting
Rafting is the ultimate team adventure: you set off as a team on an inflatable raft to tackle the rapids of a mountain river. You have to paddle together, stick together… and, more often than not, keep your balance amid the splashes! It’s a great experience filled with laughter, adrenaline, and teamwork.
Canyoning
Do you love to move around, climb, jump, and swim? Canyoning is the perfect mountain sport for you. You follow the course of a deep river gorge, descending waterfalls, sliding down natural water slides, and sometimes even exploring caves. It’s a perfect blend of nature and fun, set against breathtaking scenery.
Hiking
Classic, yet always enjoyable: hiking in the great outdoors, at your own pace. Whether with family, friends, or on your own, on marked trails or more rugged paths, this mountain activity lets you reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. And often, the most beautiful views have to be earned!
VTT
If you love riding and aren’t afraid of rocky trails, mountain biking is sure to be a blast. Technical climbs, fast descents, winding trails: it’s a mountain sport, to be sure, but with that sense of freedom that only the great outdoors can offer.
Mountainboard
Imagine a mix of snowboarding, skateboarding, and mountain biking on grass, trails, or rough terrain. That’s mountainboarding! A board mounted on four large wheels, designed for riding down slopes all year round—even when there’s no snow.
Via ferrata
A cross between hiking and rock climbing, via ferrata lets you get up close to the edge in complete safety. With the help of cables, ladders, and suspension bridges, you can make your way up dizzying cliffs without needing to be an experienced climber. It’s a fantastic way to explore the mountains in a different way and take in some breathtaking views.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering is the art of conquering peaks. Climbing, glacier trekking, technical sections… you need to be well-prepared, well-guided, and in good shape. But the experience is extraordinary with this mountain sport: you’re in the heart of the high mountains, often in an awe-inspiring silence, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. And for the most passionate among you, there’s also ice climbing!
