The Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities
The Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities
Activities for Every Taste
Discover our “Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities” in the heart of the Pays des Écrins, where every season is an unforgettable experience! From via ferrata to trail running, and from downhill skiing to ski touring, this article guides you to the must-try experiences that will push your limits and create unforgettable memories, no matter the season. Ready to explore the 10 hidden gems that define adventure all year round? You won’t want to miss them!
hike
Breathe in the invigorating air of the Alpine valleys, be captivated by breathtaking panoramic views, and hike through hamlets and high mountains: hiking in the Pays des Écrins is a sensory experience in tune with nature and history.
The Pays des Écrins, the true gateway to the Écrins National Park, offers 350 km of marked trails winding through authentic villages, secluded alpine pastures, glacial lakes, and iconic peaks. From the 3- or 6-day “Tour du Pays des Écrins” backpacking trip to day hikes (the Lakes Loop, the Ailefroide Loop, Dormillouse…), each route invites you to discover the region’s rugged and varied landscapes.
The trails, suitable for all skill levels, allow you to immerse yourself in the local natural and cultural heritage within a pristine mountain setting. You’ll hike alongside streams, cliffs, and larch forests, and admire glaciers and peaks such as the Barre des Écrins.
rock climbing
Perched at an elevation of 1,500 m, the hamlet of Ailefroide in the Vallouise Valley is recognized as France’s second-best destination for mountaineering and rock climbing, after Chamonix. It offers more than 800 routes ranging from 3a to 8a, large granite walls from 200 to 400 m, and bouldering areas in a preserved natural setting at the foot of Mont Pelvoux.
But the climbing adventure doesn’t stop there: other remarkable cliffs, such as the limestone formations of Fournel and Ponteil, offer varied, technical, and panoramic routes—ideal for improving your skills or discovering multi-pitch climbing in a high-altitude setting.
Mountain bike
The region offers more than 236 km of FFC-certified mountain bike trails spread across all the municipalities, with a variety of routes ranging from cross-country to challenging trails, whether ridden with instructors or on your own. Mountains, forests, alpine meadows, and glacial panoramas unfold with every turn of the pedals. In addition, at the Puy Saint Vincent Bike Park, mountain bikers of all skill levels can enjoy 8 downhill trails—ranging from the green trail to the black “Tamarack” trail—accessible via the resort’s ski lifts (elevation 1,400–1,600 m) throughout the summer season.
whitewater
From spring to fall, the Pays des Écrins becomes a playground for whitewater enthusiasts. Rafting, kayaking, whitewater swimming, and canyoning are enjoyed throughout the region on the Durance, Gyronde, Onde, Gyr, and Biaysse rivers. From narrow gorges to towering waves, each river reveals its own unique character against a rugged, rocky backdrop. Amid turquoise splashes of water, sheer cliffs, and an alpine atmosphere, the rivers of the Écrins promise a concentrated dose of nature and adrenaline.
PARAGLIDING
Imagine this: you take off from the heights of Vallouise or the Pelvoux-Vallouise resort, and suddenly you’re flying over the Écrins Massif and its glaciers at an altitude of over 4,000 meters…
An aerial experience you won’t soon forget!
Introduction to Glacier Hiking
Immerse yourself in the heart of the high mountains: walk on a glacier, feel the contrast between the sharp ice and the mountain air, and explore a fragile and fascinating world. This accessible activity offers a gradual and captivating immersion into the world of glaciers. A sensory introduction that leaves a lasting impression—an experience not to be missed in the Pays des Écrins.
SKI
In Puy Saint Vincent, you can ski at altitudes ranging from 1,400 m to 2,700 m on 75 km of trails, with more than half of the ski area located above 2,000 m, guaranteeing plenty of natural snow and a ski area rich in activities in a family-friendly setting with panoramic views.
The Pelvoux-Vallouise resort, meanwhile, stands out for its 25 km of trails nestled between 1,230 m and 2,240 m, at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, offering tranquility, authenticity, and direct access to the high mountains—perfect for families or those seeking a natural skiing experience away from the crowds.
snowshoes
When the trails disappear beneath the snow, the valleys of the Pays des Écrins reveal themselves in a whole new light—with snowshoes on your feet. Whether in the Vallouise forest, on the ridges of Puy Saint Vincent, or in the hidden valleys of Freissinières or Le Fournel, a leisurely hike becomes an enchanting experience. With every step, you’re immersed in a hushed world, punctuated by the crunch of snow and the whisper of the wind. Amid chamois tracks, low-angled sunlight, and absolute silence, snowshoeing offers an intimate connection with winter, far from the hustle and bustle of the slopes.
ICE FALL
Climb icy formations sculpted by winter, accompanied by a high-mountain guide: a spectacular and unique vertical adventure!
Sled Dogs
In the heart of winter, the Pays des Écrins invites you to experience a timeless adventure on a dog sled. In Puy Saint Vincent, Pelvoux-Vallouise, or the unspoiled Freissinières Valley, let yourself glide along to the rhythm of the huskies, through silent forests and snow-covered landscapes. This unique sensory experience combines a bond with the dogs, immersion in nature, and total disconnection from the outside world. The squeak of the runners on the snow, the momentum of the pack, the cold breeze on your face… everything evokes the vast open spaces of the Far North, just a sled ride away. For all skill levels and ages: a winter dream you absolutely must experience!
