As part of our Ski Travel Guide, we’re exploring ski-adjacent activities to add some zest to your holiday. Snowtubing is a downhill activity for the whole family. Growing in popularity, it’s now offered in numerous ski areas in France. Feel the wind whipping through your hair as you gain speed in your inner tube, surrounded by family and friends!
What is Snow tubing?
Snow tubing is a great non-ski activity, accessible to participants of all ages and skill levels. Simply jump into an inflatable snow tube, at the top of a smooth slope, allow gravity to do its thing, and enjoy the ride!
Ski areas have special pistes just for snow tubing, adapted to participants of different ages. Even the littlest kids can participate—there’s a piste just for them! The best part is that, unlike skiing, there are no special skills required. After a basic safety briefing, anyone can hop into a snow tube and go. The fact that you’ll have little control over the inner tube is part of the fun. Laughter and silliness is guaranteed!
What can I expect on the piste?
No need to resign yourself to snow tubing ‘just for the kids’—adults can attain speeds of up to 40km per hour, so it’s sure to be a thrilling experience for you, too. Twists and turns are often part of the piste, so you can expect the unexpected.
If you enjoy the experience (and we think you will!), slopes are equipped with moving walkways that allow you to get back to the top and hop your next ride without delay. Your second ride can be even more thrilling than your first. Now that you’re familiar with the piste, you can devise a strategy to reach the finish line the faster. Why not go with a group and challenge your fellow tubers to a race?
Where to Go Snowtubing in France
Most major ski areas in the Alps and Pyrénées offer basic snowtubing, but we’ve chosen a few of our favourite places. Our choice slopes all have something unique about them—from extended hours to human bowling—it’s all in good fun for families and groups alike!
Val Cenis
Val Cenis offers Big Air Bag snowtubing. Snow tubers can bounce off a springboard and onto an airbag! Or for groups who are more into communing with nature, they’ve got a run at 2500m above sea level, in a calm forested place.
Tignes
Tignes’ snow tubing during the day is fun, but have you tried it at dusk? Tignes' slopes are open until 8:00pm, so it’s never too late to book a run! Or opt for ‘human bowling’ and see how many pins your group can knock over on your way down the slope.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens' centre has recently added snow tubing to its roster of activities. While most snowtubing is limited to one person per snowtube, Val Thorens has giant snowtubes that hold up to four people at once!
What do I need for Snowtubing?
As with other ski-adjacent outdoor activities, there are two main things to consider: clothing and equipment. If you’re on a ski holiday, you’ll already have all the necessary outer wear. Snowtubes can usually be rented at the centre, but if you have a favourite, you could bring your own.
Clothing for Snowtubing
Recommended clothing is essentially what you would wear skiing, minus the ski boots and skis, of course. Consider wearing a fleece under your ski jacket for extra warmth. A ski suit is ideal because falls are not uncommon. After all, you will be slipping and sliding, and snowtubes aren't equipped with breaks. So, it's good to have a waterproof outer layer. Wear gloves! You may need to use your hands as brakes, and putting bare hands into the snow at high speeds can cause friction burns. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a good sun cream!
A quick recap of the clothing you’ll need:
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A ski suit
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Warm socks
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Snow boots
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A fleece jacket
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Sunglasses or ski goggles
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Waterproof gloves
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A wool hat and a helmet
Don’t know what to pack for your ski holiday? Check out our guide: What to Wear Skiing.
Snowtubes and helmets
Snowtubes and helmets are available for rental when you book, so there’s no need to buy any equipment. Helmets are standard, but different kinds of snowtubes may be on offer. Two main models exist: those with a donut hole and those with hard plastic bottoms so that you’re not being dragged through the snow. It comes down to personal preference.
All snow tubes are made of puncture-resistant material to protect you from any twigs and rocks that you may encounter along the way. They are designed for your comfort and maximum durability. Some have handles or grips and others don’t. If you decide to rent a snow tube at the centre, you’ll have to adapt to what they have on offer that day.
Practical Information about Snowtubing
Snow tubing is among the most affordable and accessible activities that ski areas offer. You don’t need a lot of time or a large budget to get started. So, if you’re looking for something new and different that won’t break the bank, why not give it a try?
The Cost of Snowtubing
If you’re lucky, snow tubing may even be free as part of your holiday package. So, do ask! Otherwise, prices vary based on either the length of the session or the number of runs you do. There isn’t much difference between rates for adults and for children—about 10 to 15 euros per person for a 30-minute session. Day-long sessions may also be available, and most slopes are open all season long.
A Typical Snowtubing session
A session will start with equipment rental and a safety briefing, so arrive a few minutes early. Then, you’re largely on your own! Go with a large group of people if you can—it’s fun to challenge other riders or to ride together in tandem. Some slopes are open late: opt for a fun downhill experience at by lamplight!
Some ski areas have minimum age or height requirements. Make sure to check before you book.
