Climbing in Val Thorens

A 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. 

You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. Different companies will have their policies on age limits, but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. Several adventure companies offer guided descents down the local waterways.

Like most of the Alps, Val Thorens is a great place to go rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountainside rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners, there are several adventure companies and mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the techniques and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained guide. Climbing is 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, other than hitting the slopes, you could try ice climbing. If you are a beginner and have never climbed before, then a mountain guide will teach you how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice waterfalls. With a professional mountain guide on hand to help you learn how to ice climb, you will be making your way up the icy waterfalls in no time. You can also tackle the ice waterfall as an experienced climber as there are many different falls with varying levels of difficulty. 

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.

You can hire all the essential equipment, including helmet, harness and "cows tails" at most sports shops in resort. If you're a beginner, you should also book a mountain guide or instructor.