Grands Bains de Monêtier Spa
The pools in the Grands Bains de Monêtier Spa are fed by natural thermal springs that have been soothing tired limbs for some 2,000 years. Choose from naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools, as well as separate rooms with water temperatures ranging from 17° in the aptly named frigidarium, to a gloriously warm 40° in the caldarium.
Grand Bains de Monetier
There’s also a spa attached with a full range of relaxing treatments and massages – if you book treatments you can use the spa facilities. They also offer couples rooms.
The resort shuttle bus stops regularly right outside the spa and is free with your lift pass. There is also parking nearby. You can find out more here.
Nordic bathing experience
While the spa baths in Monetier Les Bains have been around for years, a more recent addition to the Serre Chevalier Valley are the Nordic Baths in Villeneuve.
This outdoor spa experience is unlike any other I have tried and is a fantastic way to spend an evening. You enter via a Yurt style tent where you can change into your swimwear and there are six traditional hot spa baths that can be booked for couples, or for a group of friends or family.
Nordic Baths, Serre Chevalier © Zoom
The baths are heated to 38 degrees using renewable energy. There are also no chemicals used at all. Now all you have to do is relax under the stars with a drink. Unlike most spas this one has a bar service and you can order from a selection of soft drinks, wine, beer and even champagne. After your bathing experience you are invited to finish your drinks around an outdoor fire. Make sure you book in advance!
The Nordic Baths are right at the foot of the slopes and open during the winter from 5pm to 9pm.
More information: www.bainnordique.fr
Le Snooc!
Le snooc was invented to give snow-shoers an easier way to come back down and must be one of the most fun things to do on piste. Even better, it’s quick and easy to learn even for non-skiers. You can rent snoocs and book a morning or afternoon of tuition from Ski Experience and then head up the mountain on the cable car. Then your instructor will construct your snoocs which are essentially plastic seats over a single ski. Then you simply steer down the mountain using your body. This is a great activity for everyone and it’s definitely worth taking time out from skiing to try it.
(note from MadDogSki: you can read more about snooc-ing here.)
