Safety and health were the engines of last year. We were going to get accustomed to our new habits, and we were looking for ideas on how to spend a weekend outdoors for the benefit of mind and body. What about our new lifestyle this winter 2021?
Do something that you have never done before!
Last summer, we ran out from close gyms into the open air, explored the surrounding parks, we did gardening in the terrace, outdoor barbecues, we rented boats to avoid the busy beach, and we did hiking near Monaco: The Tête de Chien cliff and the Nietzsche tracking path to Eze Village.
What about our new lifestyle this winter 2021?
It is early to speak about the end of the pandemic, so the open-air activities are still the safest way to enjoy winter. And of course, when in an hour and a half drive from the sea, you find yourself in the forests of the Alpes Maritime, how not to jump into your cabriolet with winter tires and run for a snow adventure?
Even though ski stations are still closed, it is almost impossible to find available hotel rooms in the local ski resorts. Mountain hotels have adapted to the new reality and now offer breakfast and dinner in the rooms. Restaurants provide food delivery and ski shops have shifted to different mountain equipment.
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating and dog sledging are becoming fashionable this season.
Where exactly to make these snow dreams come true:
1. Walk on the snowshoes through the pine forest in Valberg, Auron, Isola 2000, Greolier-les-Neige.
Walking trails of varying difficulty can take 30 minutes to 4 hours and bring you through the spectacular mountain landscape. The smell of the pine trees, the flickering fluffy snow and its crunch under the feet awake our childish delight and connect us with nature. The unforgettable promenade is guaranteed!
2. Cross-country ski in Greolier-les-Neige, the Beuil-Les Launes next to Valberg, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage next to Auron.
This is a great cardio exercise, and the whole body will tone up. If you decide to try it after many years, as I did, then I advise you to bring along an extra set of clothes and a thermos with hot tea. After just two hours of active sport, you will need dry clothing and warm drinks.
3. Dog sledging in Isola 2000 and Auron.
Are you feeling like being in Lapland rushing to visit Santa Claus? Then jump on the sledge, and the Siberian Huskies will ride you through the magnificent snowscapes. You should arrange the event in advance, asking at the local tourist offices.
4. Ice skating in Monaco and Auron.
Monaco is full of unexpected transformations: the summer pool at the port Hercule turns into a winter ice rink overlooking the yachts and the sea. If, for example, you decide to combine ice skating with dog sledging on the same day, then come to Auron, where the ice rink is located in the centre of the village.
5. Sledging.
Last but not least, you always can have fun sledging down the hills with friends and remember your childhood feelings.
Enjoy the winter and stay safe!