Climbing in Val d'Isere

Not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day. You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. 

Not suitable for very young children but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide, everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. 

Rock climbing

Val d'Isere is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the technique and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide. 

Climbing is also a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is.

If you want to try something different in Val d'Isere, other than hitting the slopes, then why not try ice climbing. This is a fantastic sport, whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner, you can have a go at ice climbing on a 40m wide and 200m high ice waterfall. Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.

If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Val d'Isere has somewhere for you to go. 

The sports centre has seven routes graded from 5a to 6c on its 12-metre vertical indoor climbing wall. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. 

These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight, guides can be arranged on request and there are a number of adventure companies who can organise your via ferrata experience. 

Beginners can take their first steps at Roc de Tovière, behind the residential buildings in La Daille, where you will find some fairly easy routes on which to find your head for heights. There are more challenging routes at the same site, which leave from the same point but then branch off into longer routes. If you feel like pushing yourself you can try the tougher route 'Via Ferrata des Plates', which leaves from behind the Pierre et Vacances building.