Picture yourself soaring beneath snowy mountaintops under a paragliding wing, or thundering down pine-scented trails on a mountain bike. For adrenaline seekers, there are few places that offer adventure like Europe.
Yes, North America’s Rocky Mountains have their expansive ski resorts, and California boasts glassy waves — but neither have the charm that Europe does. Think chocolate-box chalets, centuries-old bars, and mouthwateringly good food options for refueling after a day in the Great Outdoors. French croissants and real Italian pizza trump hot dogs and Coca-Cola any day.
Plus — unlike the USA — it’s quick to cross Europe by train, thanks to the well-connected railway network that’ll whisk you from the Italian Dolomites to France’s Atlantic Coast in a few hours.
Ready for that dopamine hit? Here’s a quick guide to Europe’s hottest action sports destinations, all accessible by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Christoph Wagner. Image Location: Dolomites, Italy
Which European countries are the best for extreme sports?
France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland boast some of the best terrain in Europe for extreme sports.
France and Spain share the same stretch of Atlantic coastline, churning out Europe’s finest surf spots — from legendary Hossegor to gnarly Mundaka — while southern Spain is regularly buffeted by strong winds ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Venture deeper into mainland Europe and you’ll find the Alps, spanning across France, Switzerland, and Italy. In winter, heavy snowfall transforms alpine towns like Tignes, Verbier, and Cervinia into paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
Come summertime, the rugged landscape thaws revealing granite rock faces and lush valleys primed for rock climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding.
France: surfing and skiing
From Lacanau right down to the Basque Country, France’s southwestern coast is a wave-pummeled playground for surfers of all abilities. Several World Surf League events have been held at the fast-barreling waves of Hossegor, whilst Biscarrosse Beach is a favorite with beginners. Direct trains will take you straight from Paris to Biarritz in just over four hours.
In the winter, travel east to the French Alps. Skiers and snowboarders flock here to explore some of the best ski resorts in the world. Les Arcs offers excellent snow conditions throughout the season, thanks to its high altitude. Plus, it’s linked to neighboring ski resort La Plagne, which means there are over 260 miles of pistes to discover. Just hop on a train to Bourg Saint Maurice, board the funicular, and you’ll be in Les Arcs in under ten minutes.
Spain: kitesurfing and skydiving
Year-round sunshine makes Spain one of the top places to go skydiving in Europe. Journey south to Seville where clear skies and a Mediterranean climate promise the best chance of a successful jump. Climb aboard a plane up to 15,000ft for a tandem jump or spend a week on an Accelerated Freefall course to obtain your skydiving license.
Rather hit the water? Take a train from Seville to Tarifa on the south coast. Consistent winds make this beach town one of the world’s finest kitesurfing spots. Book a lesson or just watch the experts charge up and down the shoreline. Stop for a beer afterwards in Tumbao, one of many laidback chiringuitos (beach bars) dotted along the silky sands.
Image Credit: Getty Images, MAGorman. Image Location: Empuriabrava, Spain
Italy: climbing and mountain biking
Jagged mountains cover the northerly regions of Italy, making them a mecca for rock climbers. The Dolomites — which border Austria — feature dozens of classic routes for all abilities. The soaring Cinque Torri is a great place for beginners, while advanced climbers might prefer to summit Marmolada — the tallest mountain in the Dolomites.
Alternatively, mountain biking is hugely popular in Italy. Head to Bardonecchia (an easy train ride from Milan) for over 240 miles of marked routes for both novices and pro-level riders. Fancy watching the world’s best in action? The Dolomiti Superbike event, held every July in Niederdorf-Villabassa, promises to be a good show.
Switzerland: paragliding
The Swiss Alps are undeniably impressive. Snow-topped mountains rise vertically for thousands of feet punctuated by thundering waterfalls and icy-blue glacial lakes.
Paragliding is one of the best ways to appreciate this impossibly beautiful landscape. Whether you’re a novice or training for your pilot’s license, Interlaken is a popular place to fly from. But how safe is paragliding in Switzerland? The answer is: very safe. While all extreme sports come with an element of risk, the Swiss are particularly hot on maintaining gear and making sure pilots are properly licensed.
And, if you’re wondering how much it costs to paraglide in Switzerland, it’s not cheap. A tandem flight ranges from $200-$350 USD per person, but it’s totally worth it for the sensational views alone.
Ready to book your extreme sport adventure in Europe? Download the Trainline app today to secure the best deal on train tickets using our best fare finder.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Bachalpsee lake, Switzerland
