All winter long, you dreamed of summer while shivering under your blanket. Now that it’s here, you find it’s a little too hot for your liking… Life sure is tough for those who only feel comfortable at exactly 23°C! Lack of energy, no desire to do anything, that unpleasant feeling of wasting your days cooped up inside with the shutters closed… Trust us, we have the solution: a three-part action plan to bring the temperature down. Goodbye to the stifling heat of the city and the unpleasant smell of scorching asphalt; hello to the cool, refreshing vibe of a vacation in La Plagne!
Strategy #1: Seek refuge in the shade of the forests
Close your eyes and imagine you’re walking along a trail that leads you into the woods. Just a few more steps—there you are. In the shade of the trees, your skin cools down, your eyes rest, sheltered from the sun’s harsh rays, and the gurgling of the streams sounds like a caress to your ears.
The forest acts like a giant parasol! Here, sun protection comes naturally. Fewer worries, just exploration, play (and a healthy dose of forest therapy while you’re at it).
💡 3 ideas for forest walks: the Bois de la Follie trail (in Montchavin-les-Coches, easy), the Bois des Fornettes trail (in Montalbert, easy), and the Gorges de la Pontille ( in Champagny-en-Vanoise, intermediate).
Strategy #2: Head for Higher Ground
Did you know that the air temperature drops by about 1°C for every 100 m? That makes you want to head up high, doesn’t it? Here are two ideas for spending your days in the cool air:
- Quick option: Take the Roche de Mio gondola, then the Glaciers gondola to reach Live 3000, a scenic overlook located just below the summit of Bellecôte, at an elevation of 3,080 meters.
Once you’re up there, take your time! Admire the panoramic view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise glaciers, treat yourself to a sweet or savory delicacy at Le Sixième Ciel restaurant… or warm your hands with a nice cup of hot chocolate (a rare treat in the middle of summer!). - For a leisurely hike: opt for any hiking trail that leads to high-altitude passes. Not only will it be cool there, but you’ll also enjoy the breeze that often blows strongly in these exposed areas.
💡 3 hiking ideas leading to high-altitude mountain passes: the Col de la Chiaupe (advanced level, starting from Champagny-en-Vanoise), the ascent to Mont Jovet (intermediate level, starting from Plagne Centre), and the Sentier des Cimes (intermediate level, starting from Montalbert).
🗺️ Check out the maps of hiking trails around La Plagne.
Strategy #3: We live on love… but mostly on cool water!
Desperate times call for desperate measures: for an instant cool-down, take the plunge! And not just any water: the waters of the Isère River, flowing directly from the Vanoise glaciers (the Isère originates in Val d’Isère, at the aptly named Glacier des Sources de l’Isère, beneath the Grande Aiguille Rousse). An ice-cold sensation is guaranteed, even when you’re protected from head to toe by your thick wetsuit designed for whitewater swimming (or hydrospeed)…
Another refreshing idea that will appeal to adventurers at heart: canyoning. Here , there are no rapids, but steep, winding gorges with a river flowing at the bottom that you explore by walking, swimming, and jumping… Among the fun, natural “obstacles” you’ll face: slides and rappelling descents! It’s sure to give you a real thrill—both literally and figuratively.
👉 Practical info: whitewater swimming is accessible to everyone, even beginners and children (introductory sessions for ages 10–12 and up). Canyoning, on the other hand, is available for ages 8 and up. All you need to know is how to swim… and to listen carefully to your guide’s advice!
👀 Also read the article “3 Swimsuits to Pack in Your Suitcase This Summer (+ 1 to Leave Behind…)”
👀 Also read the article “Thrill Seekers: Refreshing Activities”
🌿Tackling heat stress at the source: best practices for vacations that are kinder to the planet
The fight against global warming doesn’t stop when vacation begins. For a more sustainable trip:
- Choose eco-friendly transportation (train, public transit, etc.) to get to your vacation rental
- Choose newer or renovated accommodations with good energy efficiency
- Keep up the good habits you already practice at home: sort your trash, avoid buying overpackaged products, opt for local and seasonal foods at mealtimes, don’t take excessively long showers, choose to rent (or buy secondhand) instead of buying whenever possible, etc.
👀 See also: 5 Tips for Leaving No Trace (while hiking, skiing, etc.)
La Plagne awaits you to share all its freshness!
