Buy a pedestrian pass
Enjoy the mountains as a non-skier by buying a pedestrian lift pass. It provides access to many activities and mountain restaurants. Over half of the mountain restaurants can be reached on foot by ski lift, so it's entirely possible to meet up with your family and friends for some fine dining.
La Plagne has some beautiful winter walks through the trees below the main area in and around Montalbert, Montchavin and Les Coches. These trails zig-zag their way through the forests of fir, larches, spruces and Swiss pines, often with astounding views over to Mont Blanc in the distance. In particular, the Enchanted Pastures around Montalbert will delight children and adults alike with surprises round every corner.
Easy routes are possible in sturdy hiking boots or snowshoes after a heavy snowfall. You can pick up a guide from the tourist office. Always dress for the weather - layers are the key, sunglasses and sun cream are vital even on a cloudy day. Stick to the trails, respect the environment and be aware of changing conditions.
Après-ski with everyone else
You don't have to ski to enjoy "après-ski". Meet up with the rest of your group in a local bar and share stories from your day over a beer.
The floodlit rink at Bellecôte is usually the place to head if ice skating’s your thing, but for this winter it's closed. Set just above the main building near the foot of the Roche de Mio gondola, the natural rink is perfect for beginners with a special area reserved just for novices. Alternatively, grab a sled and head to one of the free sledging zones.
And if that doesn't offer enough spills and thrills you must try out the Olympic Bobsleigh run. It’s a truly once in a lifetime experience and you should really do it whilst you’re here. Choose to ride solo in the Speed Luge, in a group of four in the Bob Raft (a padded self-driving, self-braking bobsleigh) or in a full competition bobsleigh complete with professional driver (Bob Racing). Bob Racing is the fastest, reaching speeds up to 120km/h – a complete thrill. However you go down, this really is one not to be missed.
If you still want to feel the rush of riding downhill, perhaps Airboard might be more to your taste. The Airboard is essentially an inflatable body board which you ride a little like the skeleton – head-first and at speed. After a short instruction course, you’ll soon be flying your way along the 5km track from Aime 2000 all the way down to La Roche.
Drive a dog sled or skidoo
Whether on a sledge drawn by horses, a faster one pulled by huskies, or riding your own skidoo, there is an excursion choice to suit all levels of adrenaline.
Horse-drawn sledge rides can be found in Champagny-en Vanoise, the huskies can be found racing around on the slopes of the Dou du Praz, and skidoo trips run in the evening from Belle Plagne and can be done either solo or as a duo. Remember to take or borrow some goggles for the skidooing, especially if there's powder.
Book a tandem flight
Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the mountains with a tandem paragliding flight, or book yourself onto a helicopter tour.
Snowshoeing and ski-touring
You can really get away from it all and disappear into nature on some snowshoes (raquettes). Book a snowshoe excursion with an activity company to see a side of the mountains that most skiers will never see. Full-day, half-day and night-time options are available to take you into the heart of the mountains – from the highest peaks to the wildest valleys. Equipment and transport are usually included, check when you book.
If you've decided the days of skiing up the mountain all-day, every-day, are well behind you, those with previous skiing or snowboarding experience could try ski touring. There are ski touring routes in resort, and it's a great way to work up a sweat, earning your burger whilst the rest of the world takes the lifts. Hire a guide and pull on some skins for an adventure away from the madding crowd.
