Winter sports are more than just skiing and snowboarding, even more adrenaline-pumping activities are available. They include ice diving, below near-metre thick frozen water in Lake Montriond; icefall climbing in Champagny with picks offered to people of all abilities; tandem paragliding across the Chamonix valley; huskie-muskhing on a high-octane adventures through the Alps; and watching the Outdoor Games in February 2009 on Mont Blanc where you can pick up tips from the pros.

Ice diving

Think you are tough enough? Book a hotel in Morizine in France on the banks of Lake Montriond between December and February to find out. From there you will be able to try this extreme sport.

Before you go, ice diving instructors will give you a dry suit and anti-freeze regulator to protect you from the cold – and it can get chilly. Under the ice temperatures are about two degrees C. No experience of diving is necessary for people who want to head down a rope, dropped through a hole in the ice, two metres by two metres, to the quiet depths below.

Underwater, the thick ice layer as dense as 90 centimetres allows sunlight through, providing a visibility of between ten to 15 metres. It's a different world with strange shaped air bubbles stuck to the ice ceiling.

Waterfall climbing

Go icefall climbing in Champangy. Anyone aged upwards from ten can take part in this amazing activity led by experienced guides using crampons, ice axes, harnesses and helmets.

Champangy has an artificial ice tower 22 metres high for practising. However, those that do the real thing will be able to scale cascades and glacial walls surrounded by stunning scenery. Book into a hotel in Champagny and ask your host for more information.

Tandem paragliding

For incredible views of Mont Blanc and a rush you will not forget, try tandem paragliding. Strapped to an instructor you are up, up and away from a suitable point from the side of the mountain above the Chamonix valley.

Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather as paragliding can only take place on a windy day. Book into a hotel in Chamonix Mont Blanc for your adrenaline fix.

Huskie musher

Take a team of dogs sledding in the Alps with some companies offering ten minute tasters before an hour at full pelt. There is the opportunity to learn more about the working dogs or mush with friends as some sleds are made for four plus. Tours can last for half-a-day for snow fans who want to explore.

Outdoor Games

For a focus to your extreme pursuits why not book a ticket to the Outdoor Games in Chamonix Mont Blanc on February 20th and 21st. Top adrenaline junkies go base-jumping, speed riding, snowboarding and paragliding. There are plenty of apres piste parties with DJs, tuition and workshops free for visitors.

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