FOUR TO TRY FUN AWAY FROM THE SKI RUNS

Let the dogs out

Professional dog sledder Fabrizio Lovati introduces guests to the Alaskan husky before riding sessions riding sessions where you learn to control three or four dogs at exhilarating speed along a forested snow track in Val Veny: an experience few forget. dogsledman.com

Up up and away

Heli-skiing isn’t just for experts; guides in Courmayeur can tailor descents for strong intermediates. And with heli-ski banned in France, this is a discerning choice for those seeking Mont Blanc thrills. Adrenaline kicks in during the safety briefing, increasing as the chopper engine fires up. By lift off, heli novices will hit the mind-blown zone. On landing, passengers scramble into the snow to huddle, mouths wide open as they take in the silent remoteness of a frozen world 13,000ft up on the Mont Blanc Massif. And then it’s out into the big, untouched beyond. heli-guides.com/en/destinations/ courmayeur-mont-blanc

Off-piste in Vallée Blanche

Guides give all skiers a harness, safety transceivers and probes to tackle this 13-mile-long, off-piste, bucket list descent. The vertical drop of 8,200ft is strewn with crevasses often concealed by snow bridges. Mountain guides are essential. The cross border, return trip to Chamonix, including Skyway to Punta Helbronner, descent via Mer du Glace, plus taxi back from France via Mont Blanc tunnel, takes around six hours. The route is accessible for strong intermediate skiers. Remember to pack your passport. guidecourmayeur.com

Soothe in thermal springs

Natural thermal waters sourced from the belly of surrounding mountains have soothed body, mind and spirit in Pré St Didier since Roman times. A €30 (£28) taxi ride to QC Terme is the perfect antidote to the rigours of skiing where thermal facilities, aromatherapy and mud pools, along with hydromassage tubs, work magic on achy joints. There are saunas, waterfalls, heated pools both indoors and outside, and relaxation rooms with magnificent views of Monte Bianco. Little wonder skiers and non-skiers flock here from all Aostan resorts including nearby

Pila and La Thuile. qcterme.com