There is a growing realisation among European ski resorts that keeping visitors happy means offering more than just well-groomed pistes and fast lifts.
Whether it’s a family looking for something to entertain the children, a non-skier wanting to join in the fun, or an adventurous holidaymaker keen to try something a little different, resorts are increasingly finding imaginative ways to keep everyone occupied.
The 2026/27 winter season is no exception, with several well-known Alpine destinations introducing new or improved experiences designed to add an extra dimension to the traditional ski holiday. Here we look at some of the new attractions in popular French resorts.
Courchevel
A magical forest adventure
Courchevel is adding a little fairy-tale magic to its popular tobogganing experience with the introduction of Fera Lumia, an illuminated forest adventure along the descent between Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel Village.
The new experience uses lighting to transform the surrounding woodland into a winter wonderland, around the twists and turns of the toboggan run.
There is also a new 300m² panoramic wooden terrace at the top of Chenus, providing skiers and snowboarders with somewhere to stop to take in the mountain views.
Val Thorens
Everest without the oxygen
Fancy climbing Mount Everest but don’t have the time, inclination or oxygen supply for the real thing? Val Thorens has come up with an alternative.
The Caron 3200 mountain virtual reality experience takes visitors on an immersive expedition to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. Using VR headsets, you experience the different stages of an Everest ascent, taking in the spectacular Himalayan scenery and some of the challenges faced by mountaineers along the way.
Caron 3200 has already established itself as a mountain-top attraction offering more than just somewhere to admire the views. Previous virtual reality experiences have included journeys around the Colosseum and an exploration of the Titanic.
Latest additions also include wellness facilities, with a sauna, hammam and sensory shower providing opportunities to relax and unwind.
Meribel
Discovering the history behind the mountains
Méribel is introducing L’Écho, a new cultural centre in the village of Les Allues.
L’Écho will explore the history and heritage of the Méribel valley, taking visitors on a journey from its agricultural beginnings to its transformation into one of the world’s best-known ski destinations.
Modern Méribel is a relatively young ski resort. It was founded in the 1930s by British entrepreneur Peter Lindsay and his vison has seen a collection of traditional Alpine communities transformed into a top winter sports area which is part of the Three Valleys.
Les Menuires
Making life easier for beginners
Learning to ski can be a daunting experience, particularly when the first few lessons involve trying to master snowplough turns while avoiding everyone else on the nursery slope.
Les Menuires is aiming to make the experience for those taking to the slopes for the first time a little more enjoyable with the creation of a new dedicated beginners’ area at the top of the Roc 1 gondola.
The facility will include a free-access conveyor belt, helping first-timers up to the top of the piste to practise their turns and build confidence in a safe, controlled environment before venturing further into the extensive Three Valleys ski area.
Peisey-Vallandry
Woodland adventure
Peisey-Vallandry is giving young visitors extra encouragement this winter with the opening of the Forest of Méléza, a woodland adventure on the resort’s existing Pitchouns beginner trail.
Set at the top of the Vallandry gondola, skiers and snowboarders will find the gentle green run has been converted into an enchanted forest, where children can encounter Méléza, the woodland’s guardian fairy. There are also giant pine-cone-shaped cabins, a totem and a picnic area where families can enjoy refreshments.
Access to the attraction itself is free, although a lift pass or other lift transport is required to get there. The Forest of Méléza opens for the 2026/27 season on December 12, with plans to extend the experience into a treetop adventure course during summer 2027.
For more information on the resorts mentioned above, and the vast choice of packages, flights and accommodation available through Ski Line, talk to the experts using the contact details below, or the online chat facility. You will find these contact details on the Ski Line website.
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