IMAGES: FREDRIK LARSSON; C. DUCRUET; ERVIN BEHEIM


UNEXPECTED LOCATIONS


G L AC IE R HIK ING IN F R ANC E Head to Saint Martin de Belleville to traverse the Glacier de Chavière and conquer not one, but three cols, or mountain paths, at altitudes of around 10,000ſt. Set off at dawn, aſter learning how to use an ice axe and crampons, to begin an energetic climb attached by a rope to an expert guide. Enjoy incredible views of snow-covered ridges, steep couloirs and rock towers, but take care where you place your feet as some narrow paths come dangerously close to crevices with sheer drops. Aſter reaching the three cols — Col de Thorens, Col Pierre Lory and Col du Bouchet — return to Val Thorens in the early aſternoon for a leisurely lunch. guides-belleville.com WHERE TO STAY: The renovated four-star Hotel Lodji at the base of Saint Martin with cosy bar, restaurant, sunny terrace and spa. Rooms from €150 (£129) a night.lodji.fr/en


PA R AG L IDING IN S LOV E NI A Soar like a bird over the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj on a 90-minute tandem flight from Mount Vogel with sweeping views of imposing limestone peaks and the country’s highest mountain, Triglav (9,396ſt). Glide above its crystal-clear waters where people swim, sail and kayak, or fly past the magnificent Savica waterfall before making a gentle landing on the lake’s shores. Acrobatic flights with spirals and wingovers are also available for those who want a more sensational flight. Paragliding from April to November, with prices from €110-€180 (£94-£154). iskrasport.com WHERE TO STAY: For stunning views of the lake and mountain stay at Hotel Bohinj, with 69 spacious rooms reflecting the Alpine location. A restaurant serves tasty locally sourced food, while a serene spa and landscaped gardens with firepit are the ideal setting to relax and admire the scenery. hotelbohinj.si


K AYAKING IN G RE ENLAND Greenland’s UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Iceford is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the largest and most active glaciers in the world. Glide quietly over the waters of the Iceford following an expert guide who will lead you from Ilulissat, towards the mouth of the ford where it’s possible to spot humpback whales. Or paddle under the light of the midnight sun to see the icebergs change from white and blue to shades of orange and red. The range of three-hour tours (from DKK1,250/£144) include kayaking to a nearby island to see the authentic settlement Oqaatsut before hiking to a waterfall. End the day with a scenic sauna session while you watch icebergs driſt by. ilulissatadventure.com† WHERE TO STAY: The four-star Hotel Arctic on the shores of the Ilulissat Iceford. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and five-star conference centre. Double rooms from DKK 1,876.25 (£219) per night in summer. hotelarctic.com


10 nationalgeographic.co.uk/collection


HOR S E RIDING IN MAC E DONI A Macedonia is peppered with magnificent lakes, national parks, churches and sheep farms, best seen on a horseback tour, staying in a different location every night. Start at the pretty village Glaichnik, tasting cheese and wine before riding the Bistra Mountain trail to Stogovo with views of the country’s highest mountain, Korab, before continuing to Mavrovo lake. Learn about Macedonia’s history spanning from Alexander the Great to present times, experiencing the local culture and riding well-trained Balkan mountain horses western style five to nine hours a day. WHERE TO STAY: The seven-night Miyak Tribe Trail costs from E1,134 (£972) with six days’ riding five to nine hours a day (May to October). Price includes English-speaking guide, accommodation, all meals and transfers (excludes international flights). inthesaddle.com/rides/miyak-tribe-trail


S K Y DI V ING IN NORWAY A small Alpine town made famous by its spring water, Voss is also Norway’s extreme sport capital with ideal conditions to sky dive from late April to mid-September when the endless clear skies give the best views of Norway’s epic mountain scenery. Take the jump and you’ll have plenty of glorious hangtime to spot tumbling waterfalls, glassy glacial fathomless fords, lush verdant valleys and snow-dusted mountains. To ensure you get the confidence and training, as well as a helpful nudge when you’re on the edge, the town has several reputable operators, including the largest skydiving club in Norway, Skydive Voss. Tandem dives from 4890 NOK (£400) student/military (£320). en.skydivevoss.no/tandem-skydive.html WHERE TO STAY: Bunk in a shared dorm at Skydive Voss for around NOK290 (£24) or stay at the Park Hotell Vossevangen where rooms start from around NOK1695 (£140) per night. parkvoss.no/nb


KI T E S U R F ING IN THE SWI S S A L P S It’s a picturesque train journey from Zurich to reach Switzerland’s Engadine valley that takes just under four hours. While the region may be best known for its mountains and winter sports, it’s also home to the shimmering Lake Silvaplana and the reliable Maloja thermal wind that locals say springs up in the valley with the precision of a Swiss watch from June to September. The Swiss Kitesurf school offers beginner courses from CHF200 (£165) or simply rent a board and kite and go solo. With the wind slowly building momentum to around 20-25 knots by late aſternoon, mornings can be spent swimming or paddleboarding. kitesailing.ch WHERE TO STAY: There are several campsites on the lake or book the Kulm Hotel St Moritz from CHF655 (£540) for two sharing a double room on a half-board basis including unlimited access to the spa and mountain railways. kulm.com


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Preparing to go heli-biking in New Zealand; hiking along a glacier in France; tandem skydiving in Norway


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