Ice diving in the Alps is a unique way to experience the winter beauty of the mountain range. While the Alps are famous for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, ice diving is a thrilling and poetic experience that offers a challenge and an opportunity to explore an unknown world.

This activity takes place in frozen lakes and is a great way to push yourself to the limit. You’ll discover blue and green hues under the ice, and lines of light will illuminate the serene environment. Ice diving is an unforgettable experience that will be completely different from the rest of your winter vacation.

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Best Places for Ice Diving in the Alps

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting activity to try this winter, ice diving in the Alps is a great option. Here are 7 of the best places to go ice diving in the Alps.

1. Lake Lou

Lake Lou is a fantastic location for ice diving, situated in Savoie at an altitude of 2,000 meters and just 10 kilometers away from Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. You can book this activity online through the Evolution 2 ski school or directly from Val Thorens.

The adventure starts with a 45-minute snowshoe hike through the picturesque alpine landscape to reach Lake Lou, where you can experience a mesmerizing sound and light show hidden beneath the ice for 15 to 20 minutes.

To make the experience even more surreal, you can choose to dive at night. Don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning world under the ice of Lake Lou for an unforgettable adventure!

2. Lake Tignes

Lake Tignes is an excellent spot to go ice diving and explore the magical environment under the ice. It was the location where the iconic scenes from “The Big Blue” were filmed. You don’t need to be a professional to experience this stunning setting. You will be equipped with the right gear and receive expert guidance to safely explore this otherworldly environment.

Once under the ice, you will experience a moment of stillness and silence, with bubbles and light movements adding to the magic. Night dives are also an option, where moon rays shine through the translucent ice to create a surreal experience.

Tignes is a world-class winter resort that offers an unforgettable holiday. Add ice diving in Lake Tignes to your winter plans and enjoy an adventure you’ll never forget!

3. Lake Montriond

Lake Montriond, also known as the Green Lake, is the third largest lake in Haute-Savoie after Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva. During summer, it is a popular destination for hiking and swimming, but come winter, it transforms into one of the top places to go ice diving in the Alps. The lake’s thick layer of ice blends seamlessly into the surrounding winter landscape, making it an ideal spot for ice diving.

Even the army comes here to train for ice diving! If you’re interested in this adventure, you can contact the Aquaventure diving school. And who knows, you might not be alone under the ice as the lake is known for its abundant fish population!

4. Lake Sollières

Val Cenis in Savoie, which is a winter sports resort comprising three ski areas, is a great place to explore ice diving in the Alps. The Aqualudic base of Val Cenis provides the perfect opportunity to learn about this exceptional activity, with expert guidance from the Sensations Vanoise diving school.

The diving adventure takes place at the picturesque Lake of Sollières, which is located at an altitude of 1300 to 1400 meters above sea level. You have the option to choose either a day or night dive, and the latter includes a special package that concludes with a delicious fondue to warm you up after the cold water dive.

Sensations Vanoise is one of the few dive centers with a low age limit, allowing children as young as 12 to take part in this exhilarating experience. So, if you’re planning to visit the Alps this winter, head to Val Cenis and dive into the Lake of Sollières with Sensations Vanoise for an unforgettable adventure!

5. Robert Lakes

If you’re looking for an exciting winter activity, ice diving in the Alps is a must-try experience, and one of the best places to do so is in Chamrousse, just 30 kilometers from Grenoble. The Robert Lakes, located near this family ski resort, provide an ideal location for ice diving, as their surfaces freeze over in winter due to their altitude of almost 2,000 meters above sea level.

Surrounded by a picturesque natural cirque, the Robert Lakes offer a spectacular environment, home to a diverse range of fauna and flora. The majestic Alpine chain in the background only adds to the stunning panorama!

During your ice diving adventure, the Dive Xtreme diving school will guide you through the Robert Lakes, allowing you to explore this extraordinary setting in an unusual way. You’ll dive under a layer of ice that can be up to two meters thick, making for a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the stunning Robert Lakes through ice diving!

6. Lake Lioson

Lake Lioson is one of the top destinations to experience ice diving in the Alps, situated in Switzerland. Known as the “pearl of the alpine lakes,” it is popular for hiking and fishing. However, in the winter season, its frozen waters turn into a paradise for ice diving. Located over 1,800 meters above sea level, it requires a bit of effort to reach, but once you get there, you’ll be surrounded by a stunning landscape of untouched snow.

Different Div and Subsport are just a couple of the diving centers available to accompany you on this adventure. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Lake Lioson in a unique and unforgettable way!

7. Weissensee Lake

Lake Weissensee in Austria is the place to be for a unique and unforgettable ice diving experience. Unlike other locations in the Alps, this lake is located at less than 1,000 meters above sea level. During the summer, it’s a popular destination for seaside vacations, but in winter, the surface freezes over, creating the largest frozen area in Europe!

Diving into the icy waters allows you to witness a spectacular display of colors and light. And what’s more, the frozen lake also welcomes ice skaters and walkers, creating a surreal atmosphere as you dive below them.

To experience ice diving in Lake Weissensee, contact the Karnten Center. But be warned that it’s a popular activity, so you’ll need to book well in advance. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the magical frozen world of Lake Weissensee!

Rates & practical information

Rates

What are the rates for ice diving? You can count between 80 euros and 100 euros for 15 to 20 minutes of diving. In general, the prices of night ice diving are a little higher.

Practical information

Here is some practical information to know before booking:

• equipment is always provided by dive centers, but you will need to bring a change of clothes and warm socks;
• the water temperature is usually between two and four degrees;
• are you afraid of getting lost under the ice? Rest assured, it’s impossible. You will be tied to a rope, which is called “breadcrumb thread”;
• at the end of the activity, the dive centers offer you a small snack. Enough to warm up after the effort;
• ice diving is not a dangerous activity. Let yourself be carried away to enjoy it to the fullest!

Wrap Up

I hope you find the article “Best Places for Ice Diving in the Alps” helpful.