Rock Climbing in the Dolomites ()
No matter what the season, you will find Europe teaming with outdoor enthusiasts. Here are six options that will take you beyond the hiking trail and into the world of extreme sports. When trying a new sport, going on a guided tour can help alleviate any safety concerns and give you a solid introduction to the gear and techniques.
Ski Touring the Haute Route
If your idea of perfection is fresh powder and miles of empty backcountry, then ski touring might be your next adventure. Using specially designed skis and bindings to allow for both slogging uphill and bombing downhill, ski touring often avoids using (and paying for) ski resorts. The Haute Route between Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland has become the iconic alpine ski touring trek. It is 180 km of glacial terrain and incredible peaks which typically takes seven days, with overnight stays in mountain huts along the way.
Honorable mention: Take three days to loop around the less-touristed high peaks of Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy.
Kitesurfing in Tarifa
The southernmost point of Spain has wind blowing across the Strait of Gibraltar from two directions making it windy 340 days of the year. These ideal kitesurfing conditions have made Tarifa one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations. In fact, most kitesurfing schools offer money-back wind guarantees. Kiteboarding involves strapping your feet to a kiteboard and wearing a harness attached by flying lines to a parachute-like power kite. With the aid of the ever-blowing wind, you can then freeride directly from the beaches around scenic Tarifa.
Honorable mention: Try smooth-water kitesurfing at the Lagoon of Marsala in Sicily, Italy before heading to the south side of the island for waves and big air.
Mountaineering up the Matterhorn
Combining ice climbing skills, rock climbing know-how and difficult hiking, mountaineering is a sport that requires specialized equipment and intimate knowledge of the mountains. For many mountaineers, ascending the Matterhorn is a transformative achievement. It is considered the most difficult of the classic alpine peaks with all four routes being extremely rocky and covered in snow or ice year-round. At 4,478 meters, this iconic pyramid-shaped summit is a beast and best done with a mountain guide.
Honorable mention: While scaling the tallest mountain in the U.K. is not a technical route, the extreme weather and optional Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête make Ben Nevis a great climb.
Whitewater rafting the Sjoa River
Tackle the wilds of Norway from a raft! The Sjoa River is the outlet for meltwater from Jotunheim National Park. Named for the mythical land of the giants, this harsh and mountainous area in central Norway has narrow canyons and miles of glacially-fed whitewater. Rapids range from mild class II to difficult class IV. Attack the rapids past jagged cliffs, murky forests and ethereal waterfalls on a guided trip. Numerous outfitters in the Sjoa area provide all the equipment necessary, including helmets and wetsuits.
Honorable mention: For a much warmer adventure, take a rafting trip down the blue-green waters of the Soča River in Bovec, Slovenia.
Rock Climbing in the Dolomites
Strap on your harness, clip on the cams and get ready to belay your partner up some of the best rock climbing in the world. The limestone Dolomites are a classic rock-climbing destination, with hundreds of “trad” routes, a speckling of bolted sport lines and lots of multi-pitch options. Plus, you can’t beat the views of alpine meadows and craggy peaks. While there are some big wall options, most of the climbing is ideal for day trips from the bucolic Italian villages east of Bolzano.
Honorable mention: Try the thousands of bolted sport routes in the limestone cliffs of the Frankenjura upland of Germany.
Paragliding in Interlaken
Take to the skies between snow-capped alpine peaks into one of the most scenic of Switzerland’s valleys. Paragliding is initially done in tandem with an instructor, whose harness is attached behind yours. The wing above is similar to a parachute but more maneuverable, allowing you to catch thermals to loftier heights. Launching is often done by running down a sloping hill until the canopy opens. A flight from the popular launch in Beatenburg offers stunning views of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks.
Honorable mention: Head to the birthplace of paragliding in Annecy, France where thermals over the lake and surrounding mountains make for ideal conditions.
