2 Best things to see & do in Val d’Isere

The solitude and surreal, stark beauty of the world beneath the ice is one few ever get to experience. Now here’s your chance.

Ice diving may sound extreme, but the operation on the lake at Tignes makes it very safe and accessible. Participants, with an instructor, enter the water through a hole in the ice and are attached to a rope. Beneath the surface, magical light patterns whirl across the ice as bubbles rise through the water. Bravehearts can also dive at night.

Usually, skidding a car around on ice is a hazard of winter to be avoided at all costs, but here in Tignes, petrol heads can swap skis for wheels and race around a special 800m long ice driving circuit. Workshops are led by certified instructors and participants can choose from a quad bike, a buggy or a sports car.

You don’t even need to hold a driving licence – just need to be able to drive, start and stop a car and be over 18.

You either get 10 laps or 20 minutes depending on the vehicle – plenty of time to skid and slide to your heart’s content. Thrills guaranteed.