Are you going on holiday to the Alps? To stay full of sensations, discover the best things to do in Villard-de-Lans!
Nestled in the heart of the Vercors massif, with Mont Blanc as a backdrop, Villard-de-Lans will not leave you indifferent. This mountain resort offers a multitude of activities to discover the region’s natural wonders.
There is something for every traveler, from peaceful hikers to thrill-seekers. Do not waste any more time and prepare your program by discovering the best things to do in Villard-de-Lans!
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16 Best Things To Do in Villard-de-lans (Outdoor Activities)
Best Things to do in Villard-de-lans in Winter
#1 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Skiing and snowboarding
With 125 kilometers of slopes, the resort of Villars/Corrençon is the largest ski area in the Vercors. The resort will suit as many people as possible between powder fields, forest passages, and gentle or steep slopes. Beginners will head to the Colline des Bains ski park and the hamlet of Les Rambins.
They offer the best infrastructures to learn the pleasures of skiing. Experienced descenders will be able to rub shoulders with the moguls and technical passages of the black track “Carole Montillet.” The exceptional setting between panoramas of the mountain range and passages in the undergrowth will not fail to charm you.
All these assets make skiing one of the best outdoor activities to do in Villard-de-Lans!
#2 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Sled
Two spaces are reserved for beginner skiers and families wishing to take advantage of the infrastructure for toboggan runs. Thanks to the treadmills, there is no need to drag the sled on each descent. Let yourself be carried away and chain the slides effortlessly!
The whole space is secure, which guarantees you a serene moment with the little ones. This outdoor activity in Villard-de-Lans is ideal for families with children who do not ski yet.
A slide and a mini bobsleigh track guarantee you a maximum of sensations for the more adventurous.
#3 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Snowshoes
With nearly 50 kilometers of marked trails, the possibilities of walks in the Vercors massif are numerous! Put on the snowshoes and explore the snowy landscapes. You will be able to crisscross the region independently thanks to a paper guide of the walks.
And for a complete experience, go with a companion for a themed outing. They will tell you the secrets of nature in winter or teach you to recognize the footprints of animals in the snow.
#4 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Biathlon
If you are looking for an outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans, original and fun, opt for a biathlon. This complete sport combines two disciplines: cross-country skiing and shooting. In an exceptional setting, learn to master the technique of skating and develop your shooting skill.
Several formulas are proposed, from the initiation to the course of several days, all accessible from 8 years old—an outdoor activity in Villard-de-Lans that will appeal to young and old alike.
#5 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Sled dogs
Discover the world of sled dogs by visiting their park. Malamutes
and huskies await you for endless caresses sessions. You will attend the pack meal and learn how they bury themselves in the snow to protect themselves from the cold.
Otherwise, you can go for a walk comfortably installed in a sleigh, under a mountain of blankets. You will feel transported to the Far North in the footsteps of the greatest explorers.
After attending the team and receiving explanations about the job of musher, you will start your walk in the undergrowth. An outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans that will remain engraved in your memory.
#6 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Ice waterfall
Going to see a beautiful ice waterfall is one of the best things to do in Villard-de-lans in winter. Embark on the ascent of natural or artificial frozen waterfalls accompanied by a professional. You will discover all the techniques to overcome these ice walls. You will be equipped with crampons and ice axes and climb to the sole strength of your limbs.
Several paths are possible, with increasing levels of difficulty. After acquiring a reasonable level, why not switch to mountaineering and prepare for the ascent of the mythical Mont Blanc?
#7 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Fatbike
The fatbike is undoubtedly one of the most fun outdoor activities to do in Villard-de-Lans! These ATVs with wide and underinflated tires were created to operate in soft soils. They allow you to ride on beaches, dunes or… snow!
The size of the tires guarantees you foolproof stability and traction, even in thick layers of powder. Go on an adventure alone or accompanied by a guide who will make you discover the best paths.
And to offer you a different experience, know that night outing are organized.
#8 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Winter – Ski touring
Be careful; this outdoor activity in Villard-de-Lans requires excellent physical condition and a confirmed level of skiing. Accompanied by an instructor, you go hiking with skis on foot. Seal skins allow you to adhere to the snow and climb to the tops.
The descent will be off-piste, in preserved places where you will leave the first trace of the day. Your guide will teach avalanche victim search techniques with a detector, probe, and shovel.
Best Things to do in Villard-de-lans in Summer
#9 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Ramble
The Vercors Natural Park is crisscrossed by nearly 3,000 kilometers of routes between valleys, forests, and peaks. This multitude of possibilities makes hiking the outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans to discover nature.
Thanks to the Côte 2000 gondola, you effortlessly reach an altitude of 1,720 meters. So you can go directly for a walk-in mountain landscapes. Launch an assault on the Grande Moucherolle at 2,285 meters or walk the 55 kilometers of the ViaVercors.
Themed outings are proposed to discover the wildflowers, ibex, chamois, and raptors that populate the Alps.
#10 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – MOUNTAIN BIKE
In summer, the Côte 2000 gondola allows you to reach the downhill mountain bike routes. Six courses adapted to all levels await you on 600 meters of elevation gain. As with skiing, the slopes are classified according to their difficulty, from green to black.
From wide and not very steep routes to bumps and steep bends, everyone will be able to have fun. Different loops are also proposed around the village on 120 kilometers of marked trails.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, do not miss this outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans.
#11 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Mountaineering
For an outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans engaged, why not go to the assault of the highest mountains? You will choose your goal and start your ice hike accompanied by a qualified guide.
You will walk in exceptional mountain landscapes and learn the different techniques inherent in the practice of mountaineering. Rope, walking with crampons, identification of dangers… your instructor will thus transmit all his knowledge to you.
The key is the ascent of the most beautiful peaks, such as the Snow Dome of the Écrins or the majestic Mont Blanc.
#12 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Escalation
Villard-de-Lans is surrounded by cliffs inviting to climbing. Vallon de la Fauge, les Allières, so many sites allow beginners to have fun. You will learn how to use the equipment to climb to the lead, abseil…
When you have become autonomous, or the cliff of Presles will become your playground if you already are. More than 5 kilometers of rocks, from 100 to 300 meters high, passages of all levels … The ideal way out of your comfort zone and learn about the main roads! It is one of the best things to do in Villard-de-lans in summer.
#13 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Via cordata and Ferrata
Via Ferrata consists of climbing cliffs by attaching to a lifeline that ensures your safety throughout the course. Via cordata, you will leave with an instructor and use the rope techniques specific to climbing.
In both cases, you will evolve in exceptional and vertiginous landscapes that give you as many sensations as emotions. This outdoor activity to do in Villard-de-Lans allows you to enjoy sumptuous panoramas. You benefit from views of Mont Blanc and the Dévoluy massif.
The routes are accessible to all and promise you an unforgettable moment with family or friends as a couple.
#14 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Paraglider
It’s time to take the height with paragliding, outdoor activity in Villard-de-Lans urgently! Fly in a two-seater with an instructor and discover the beauty of the Alps from above.
Several formulas for baptisms are proposed, discovery (15 minutes), performance (50 minutes), through the acrobatics of the sensation flight.
To go further, opt for courses of 2 and 3 days. You start with the handling of the sail and small jumps on the school slope. On the third day, you make your first autonomous radio-guided flight. The joys of driving are yours!
#15 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Canyoning
Villard-de-Lans is located close to some of the most beautiful canyons in the Alps. To explore them, go on a canyoning expedition! You will alternate waterfall jumps, slides on natural slides, and abseiling.
This outdoor activity in Villard-de-Lans seduces all audiences, from families to groups of friends.
#16 Outdoor Activities in Villard-de-lans in Summer – Mountain kart
Discover the best things to do in Villard-de-Lans that do not lack originality. Without a motor, you will take a seat in a three-wheeled kart and embark on the descent. A track of 4 kilometers long and 500 meters of altitude difference awaits you for maximum pleasure.
Whether for a quiet walk in the middle of nature or racing with friends, the feeling of freedom will be at the rendezvous.
