Hotel Le Samovar
Val d'Isere, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Traditional, comfortable and ultra-friendly Savoyard skiers’ hotel, perfectly positioned to maximise time on the slopes.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Rally driving on ice, Tignes
Last updated: 03 June, 2023
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.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £75
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour
Getting there & doing it
The track is in Tignes Les Brevieres. You can get there by car, on foot (descend from Tignes 1800 using the Brevieres gondola) or by ski (remember to bring shoes suitable for driving).
Helmets are provided, but wear warm clothing and ensure you’re travel insurance will cover it.
When to do it
The track is usually open from mid-December to the end of February subject to weather conditions.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Avenue Lodge
Val d'Isere, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Located right in the heart of Val, Avenue Lodge has a chic, contemporary feel that combines Alpine style with innovative design. The underground spa, with pool, steam bath and sauna, is perfect apres skiing.
Official star rating:
Hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours
Val d'Isere, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Probably the most sought-after hotel in Val d’Isere, combining innovative design flair with an atmosphere of rustic charm.
Official star rating:
Le Refuge de Solaise
Val d'Isere, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
The highest hotel in France, La Refuge is a chic, luxurious and fun bolthole, in the heart of the Val d’Isere domain.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Chamonix
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Some of the best off-piste skiing in the world, buzzing nightlife and fantastic scenery – this charming resort has been enchanting mountain lovers for 150 years.
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Courchevel 1850
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Extraordinary ski terrain, exclusive hotels, enticing restaurants – this is the high end of skiing.
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Val d’Isere
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
With sublime slopes, world-class off-piste and a lively, attractive village, ‘Val’ is one of the world’s great ski resorts.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Ice diving at Tignes
Tignes, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
A rare opportunity to discover the beauty of a frozen, sub-aqua world on a guided ice-diving experience on the lake at Tignes.
Best for ages: 15+ | £85 | 1 hour
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Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
Chamonix, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
One of the world’s most spectacular cable car rides – and the highest in Europe – taking you 2,700m from the centre of Chamonix to a height of 3,842m under the shoulder of Mont Blanc.
Best for ages: 8+ | £65 | 2 hours