How about exploring Grenoble and its moutains in the winter?
We've compiled our top 10 experiences for the beginning of the year, when the cold air and the snow are a chance for new, exciting experiences, on the themes of sport, food, culture and relaxation.
1 - Sunrise at the fort de la bastille
We'll begin with on of the more classic experiences : climbing up to the Fort de la Bastille. But have you ever tried combining this experience with sunrise at the top of the Chartreuse mountains? In the winter you can try this experience up to Lesdiguières fortress without having to get up in the middle of the night, and enjoy the fresh air as the sun slowly appears up over the Belledonne mountains. Here you'll find the route to take for the Bastille viewpoints!
2 - A DOG-SLEDDING EXPERIENCE IN AUTRANS
Calling all explorers, the voyage to the Far North begins right here in the Vercors! More specifically, come to the Autrans slopes to meet the dogs from Alpen Team and go for a dog-sledding experience as a family or get an introduction to the musher profession. We should warn you, the absolute highlight of this experience is meeting the dogs. The 20 Alaskan huskies are adorable (and very energetec) balls of fur that you're guaranteed to find endearing. Il'll be love at first sight!
3 - A SNOWSHOEING HIKE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE CHARTREUSE
The Chartreuse is magnificent in any season, but is a silent, muffled place in winter, where the only sound is the snow crunching under our feet. Explore the plateaus and meadows of the Chartreuse along the waymarked snowshoeing trails that wind around the unmissable places in these mountains. your efforts will be rewarded by the exceptional views along the way, and if you're really lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of deer or other residents of the Chartreuse forests.
4 - AN ICE HOCKEY MATCH FROM THE BRÛLEURS DE LOUPS
The Synerglace Ligue Magnus championship took place in France up util April, and our local ice hockey team did extremely well. If you come to watch a match from the Brûleurs de Loups, you can expect a spectacular experience and a fantastic atmosphere! A BLD match is a combination of sport, music and energy that is guaranteed to appeal to people of all ages.
5 - TREAT YOURSELVES AT A PASTRY-MAKING CLASS
The winter is most definitely the best time of year to satisfy your sweet tooth. Why not learn to make these mouth-watering pastries yourselves? There are several specialists offering workshops throughout the local areau, including The Cake Shop with colourful cakes, some gourmet classics with Camille Pâtisse, and a chance to learn the chef's techniques at Forêt Noire, amoug others. Get out your whisks and start baking!
6 - WILDLIFE OBSERVATION IN MEYLAN
The Domain de Rochasson, in the hills of Meylan is the perfect place to come and observe nature. Whether you come to see the domestic animals at the educational CINE (Introduction to Nature and the Environment Centre) or to observe wild animals on the forest trails, keep your eyes wide open ! If you're feeling sporty, don't hesitate to venture a bit further up and you'll come to a gushing waterfall at the foot of the Saint-Eynard .
7 - AN EXPLORATION OF THE Musée de Grenoble
The Musée de Grenoble is a vast playground for inquisitive visitors thanks to the fascinating collections, among the biggest in Europe. The permanent visitor's tour covers Antiquity to the 21st century, and the collections are a chance for new discoveries and amazement, including masterpieces and sometimes surprising contemporary works. If you're looking for a family afternoon out of the cold, this is the perfect place to come, and learn something new at the same time.
8 - LEARN AT THE COL de Porte
Many locals from Grenoble learnt to ski at the Col de Porte. The historic resort has a wide range of classes on offer thanks to the Ecole de Porte. Whether you're looking to perfect your skiing techniques, get an introduction to snowboarding or even biathlon, anything is possible! Even better, the Ecole de Porte organises Avalanche Transceiver training , to learn how to assess the risks and deal with emergency situations in the mountains.
9 - SLEDGING AT SUNSET IN CHAMROUSSE
The Olympic slopes of Chamrousse may be well-know for skiing, but have you ever been sledging down the runs there ? When the ski lifts have closed for the day, the professionals will take you on a sledging outing down three-kilometre runs at sunset. This is a thrilling activity, and the added bonus is that you can choose between a sledge and a yooner, a strange-looking contraption that is a combination of a sledge and a ski.
10 - A MAGICAL NIGHT IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY CHALET AT THE COL DE MARCIEU
Are you tired after those adventures ? We have found you the perfect, cosy place to stay, that is respectful of you and of the natural environment. For this getaway in the great outdoor, head to the Col de Marcieu . These eco-friendly chalets are built using Chartreuse wood, and you will be plunged into a natural experience, between the mountains and the forest. For the ultimate feeling of wellness, don't miss the Norwegian baths, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks!
