7 places to scuba diving in the Alps

This winter, you stay in the Alps? Why not try an experience that comes out of the ordinary? Here are the best places to scuba diving in the Alps!

What better to enjoy winter than a stay in the Alps? The emblematic mountain range is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts: cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoes, sledge, etc. But do you know the ice diving? This unusual activity occurs in frozen lakes. Playing on our most primitive fears, it is a real challenge for those who want to overcome themselves. But she's not just that! Indeed, diving under the ice is above all a pure moment of poetry. Discover this unknown world, dyed with blue and green and pierced with rays of light. This experience lives as a moment out of time, completely apart from the rest of your vacation.

Would you like to immerse yourself in the glacial waters of the alpine lakes? Here are the 7 best places to scuba diving in the Alps!

1. Lake of Lou

Lake Lou is located in Savoie, at 2,000 metres above sea level. It is just 10 kilometers from Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. Surrounded by a typical alpine landscape, it is perfect for ice diving! You can book the activity on the internet (Ski School Evolution 2) or directly from Val Thorens. The adventure begins snowshoes on the feet. You will have to devalue a gentle slope for 45 minutes to reach Lake Lou. A walk that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of alpine scenery. Once on site, you finally find out what's hidden under the ice. For 15 to 20 minutes, it is a real sound and light show that defies your eyes! If you want to make the experience even more unreal, you have the opportunity to dive at night.

2. Lake Tignes

Do you remember these images taken under the ice in the film "Le Grand Bleu"? It was at Lake Tignes that they were filmed! The good news is that this fairytale decor is not reserved for filmmakers or diving professionals. You can also pass on the other side of the mirror! Accompanied and equipped, you are safe. Relax and let magic work: under the ice, everything is still and quiet. Only games of bubbles and light will come to tremble before your eyes. In Tignes too, you can choose to dive at night. Don't worry, you won't be immersed in the dark. Indeed, the moon rays manage to cross the diaphanous ice. For the rest, the winter resort of Tignes is renowned and promises an unforgettable holiday.

3. Lac de Montriond

Lake Montriond, nicknamed the green lake, is the third largest lake in Haute-Savoie, after the Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva. In the summer, it is a privileged place to refresh, between walking and swimming. But in winter, it turns into one of the best places to scuba diving in the Alps! Indeed, a thick layer of ice is formed. The lake, now white, tends to be confused with the winter landscape around it. Even the army goes there to train on ice diving! If you also wish to try the experience, you can contact the Aquaventure diving school. Moreover, you may not be alone under the ice. Indeed, the waters of the lake are known to be very fishy!

4. Lake Sollières

Visit Val Cenis en Savoie, a winter sports resort composed of three ski areas. If you want to find a spot where to scuba diving in the Alps, you are in the right place! Val Cenis’s aqualidal base proposes to initiate this extraordinary activity. In particular, it is the Vanoise Sensations diving school that supervises you. The adventure takes place at the very pretty lake of Sollières, located between 1300 and 1400 meters above sea level. Two choices are offered to you: dive day or dive night. If you’re looking at the second option, you should know that you can take a special formula. Indeed, you have the opportunity to conclude the experience with a delicious fondue! What's better to warm up after immersing in ice water? Unlike most diving centers, Sensations Vanoise imposes a relatively low age limit. The activity is accessible from only 12 years!

5. Robert Lakes

If you stay in Chamrousse, 30 kilometers away Grenoble , know that this is one of the best places to scuba diving in the Alps. Indeed, not far from this family ski resort, are the Robert Lakes. This set of three lakes is located almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Therefore, their surfaces freeze the coming winter. Nestled in a natural circus, Robert Lakes enjoy a privileged environment, inhabited by rich fauna and flora. The horizon is occupied by the alpine chain: a grandiose panorama! The Dive Xtrême diving school frames you during the ice diving. An opportunity to live this beautiful setting through an unusual experience. In Robert Lakes, you evolve under a layer of ice up to two meters thick!

6. Lake Lioson

Cross the border to discover other places to scuba diving in the Alps. For that, direction Switzerland ! Lake Lioson is a glacial lake of origin that attracts many visitors. It is nicknamed, and that is right, the "stone of alpine lakes". It is a great place to go for a walk and to fish, as it houses many fish species. But it is also a high place of ice diving! In winter, when its waters freeze, many people come to experience it. To get there, however, you will have to climb. Indeed, Lake Lioson is more than 1,800 metres above sea level! It is a landscape of an immaculate whiteness that awaits you. Once on site, it is difficult to imagine that you will explore the lake... Different diving centers can accompany you: Different Div, Subsport, etc.

7. Lake Weissensee

Visit Austria on the banks of Weissensee Lake. The landscape is a little different since the lake is less than 1,000 metres above sea level. In the summer, the Weissensee turns into a seaside resort and welcomes holidaymakers wishing to refresh themselves. But in winter, the water passes to zero degrees on the surface and freezes. In fact, this is the largest frozen surface in Europe! You can dive into the ice water and enjoy a fabulous kaleidoscope of colors and light. Small feature: when it freezes, the lake also hosts ice skaters and walkers. It is a very singular feeling to observe them evolve over your head. Would you like to try the experience? Contact the Karnten Center. However, beware. The activity is very requested and it will be necessary to book about ten months in advance!

Rates & practical information

Rates

What are the rates for ice diving? You can count between 80 euros and 100 euros for 15 to 20 minutes dive. In general, night ice diving prices are a little higher.

Practical information

Here are some practical information to know before booking:

• the equipment is always provided by the diving centers, but you will need to plan replacement underwear and well-hot socks;
• the water temperature is generally between two and four degrees;
• Are you afraid to lose yourself under the ice? Don’t worry, it’s impossible. You will be attached to a rope, which is called "Brian wire";
• at the end of the activity, the diving centers offer a small snack. What to warm after the effort;
• Ice diving is not a dangerous activity. Let yourself be worn to enjoy!