France: Diving under ice in the heart of the Alps
February 14, 2024 - As the snow continues to fall, nothing beats the excitement of whizzing down the pistes or skating on the frozen lakes. But have you ever considered what the world is like under the ice? Take a deep breath and let’s go.
In the village below Six Senses Residences Courchevel, and at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the Lac du Praz stands below the Olympic ski jumps. It is also where you will need to take your own Olympian leap of faith as you dive under the lake’s frozen layers to embark on an incredible underwater adventure.
Don’t worry, this is not a solo Wim Hof in the Wilds expedition. Our Experience Team will connect you with instructors at Courchevel Aventure, including Jean-Marc: with more than 20 years of experience, he hasn’t lost anyone yet! He’ll equip you with everything you need for the dive, including a dry suit, fins, mask, and oxygen tank, and guide you from start to finish. You do not need to be a competent diver or even swimmer, as you are held throughout.
As Jean-Marc explains, “It is a hostile but fascinating environment. As you look up, you can see the light refracting through the ice above you, which is quite mesmerizing. As the bubbles of air rise, they play with the rays coming down from the holes, and as people’s eyes adjust, I see them fill with wonder.”
Feel the fear and do it anyway
Not everyone taking up the challenge is a thrill seeker. Jean-Marc also helps people who want to address a fear such as aquaphobia or claustrophobia. At first, some are a little apprehensive, but once your breathing regulates, the effect is calming. Life is still and silent under the water and maybe a little slower too.
“Since I’ve been doing this, I have had a lot of feedback where people say they feel disconnected when they dive. I think it’s more a case that they are reconnecting with themselves and then with nature. When they come up to the surface at the end, it takes them a little while to actually come back down to earth.”
After a warm drink in the heated chalet, you’ll be whisked back to Six Senses Residences Courchevel where you can sample more outdoor adventures or head to the spa.
New wellness programs for 2024
Six Senses Spa Courchevel tailors specific treatments to outdoor activities and snow sports. For example, you can combine a restorative deep tissue massage with Normatec leg compression therapy to enhance blood flow and lymphatic fluid removal. To counteract the effects of sun and wind on the face, a 30-minute skin booster facial turns down the glow before heading out for dinner.
Many of our biohacking tools will be available in your residence (subject to availability), with Kloris CBD oils and balms also available to take your recovery to the next level.
For more targeted recovery, Spa Manager Nikos Papoutsakis and his team are on hand to smooth you out from top to toe through Kinesiology, physiotherapy, and movement rehabilitation.
Ski like a yogi
Skiing and yoga are a match made in the mountains. Practicing yoga as part of an active vacation will improve your flexibility, particularly in the hamstrings and calves, helping you to move more easily and reduce the risk of injury. The focus required for skiing and mindfulness involved in yoga can help clear your mind and reduce worries so start each day with an energy boost and end it in serenity.
In addition to private and group yoga classes, the Discover Yoga program runs from three, five, or seven nights and includes private sessions of hatha yoga, guided meditation, and breathing exercises with signature massages and energy treatments.
Sleep With Six Senses
To support active family holidays, our fully serviced residences are meticulously designed to prioritize sleep, including a handmade mattress and pillow menu.
If you’d like to dig a little deeper into your zzz’s, our sleep program has been developed with experts and combines a range of resources, including sleep tracking and analysis, yoga nidra and meditation, relaxing treatments and amenities, nutrition advice, and more. Choose from three, five, or seven nights.
Detox
Of course, Six Senses Residences Courchevel puts you right in the heart of the action for gourmet food. Courchevel 1850 holds the trophy for the ski resort with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. However, if you’re looking for a welcome antidote to the traditional fondue and raclette, why not try a detox program for part of your stay?
Giving your digestive system a break helps clear your skin, shake off fatigue, speed up your metabolism, and improve your va-va-voom on the slopes. Available for three, five, or seven nights, it also includes a range of mind-body practices, low-intensity training, detoxifying therapies, and cutting-edge biohacking tools.
With so much to do in Courchevel 1850, why not plan a host of adventures during an Extended Stay? Enjoy up to 10 percent off our Best Flexible Rate when you stay 10 nights or more.