Top Of The World: 3 Amazing High-Altitude Holiday Activities

Climbing a mountain can mirror many of life’s challenges  ̶  from the Sisyphean struggle to the summit to the cathartic view from the top which puts your problems in a healthier perspective, it can be deeply therapeutic.

And taking to the skies by any other means is pretty special too, whether you’re in a plane, glider or any other mode of flight.

With that in mind, we’ve pulled together this terrific list of three amazing high-altitude holiday activities which will leave you feeling on top of the world.

1. Hiking in Jamaica

It’s fair to say that for most visitors, Jamaica is more readily associated with beaches than mountains.

But its lush interior is actually very vertiginous  ̶  the famous Blue Mountain peak is an impressive 2256m high. If you’re reasonably fit and wear the correct gear, the trek is manageable and there’s an eye-popping view around every twist and turn (although please focus on climbing safely, particularly on portions of narrow pathway near the edge).

The air is chilly at the top, there’s lots of interesting fauna and flora and on a clear day you’re rewarded by beautiful views down the rolling hills and valleys and across to the coastline of Cuba, which is a mere 90 miles away!

Tip: you can book an organised hike through the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.

2. Skiing in the French Alps

Skiing or snowboarding in the French Alps is definitely good for the soul  ̶  few things can top waking up on a bright morning, breathing in the icy-fresh air and heading out to carve up the slopes amidst amazing scenery on the roof of Europe.

In some of the resorts here you’ll find the freshest powder at incredible heights, for instance Avoriaz has a resort height of 1800m and a top elevation of 2466m, Alpe d’Huez sits at 1860m and its highest lift is 3330m, while the main ski village in Tignes sits at a lofty 2100m and has a highest lift at 3450m.

Combine on-piste exhilaration with après-ski socialising and you’ve got all the ingredients of a holiday packed with natural highs.

Tip: book a tailor-made ski holiday with Alpine travel specialist NUCO Travel.

3. Ballooning in Bristol

There’s something deeply life-affirming about gently taking to the skies in the basket of a hot air balloon and thanks to its amazing annual International Balloon Festival, Bristol is easily the best place in Britain to try out this brilliant bucket list activity.

Whether you’re flying solo (with a pilot in control!) or with a significant other while sipping a cool glass of champagne, you’ll enjoy beautiful bird’s eye views of iconic landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, plus you can also choose a daytime or sunset flight according to your preference.

Once you’ve been up in a hot air balloon once, you’ll definitely want a repeat performance.

Tip: book your maiden flight online with hot air flight gurus Bristol Balloons.

Choose any one of these high-altitude holidays and you’ll feel heathier and happier by the time you come back down to earth!