{"id":46289,"date":"2025-07-25T15:30:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/the-top-10-outdoor-activities\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T16:31:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T14:31:06","slug":"the-top-10-outdoor-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/en\/the-top-10-outdoor-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Home<\/a><\/span> The Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Home<\/a><\/span> The Top 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

Activities for<\/em> Every Taste<\/h2><\/div>\n\n

Discover our \u201cTop 10 Summer and Winter Outdoor Activities\u201d in the heart of the Pays des \u00c9crins, 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\u2019t want to miss them! <\/p>\n\n

hike<\/h2><\/div>\n\n

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 \u00c9crins is a sensory experience in tune with nature and history.The Pays des \u00c9crins, the true gateway to the \u00c9crins 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 \u201cTour du Pays des \u00c9crins\u201d backpacking trip to day hikes (the Lakes Loop, the Ailefroide Loop, Dormillouse\u2026), each route invites you to discover the region\u2019s 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\u2019ll hike alongside streams, cliffs, and larch forests, and admire glaciers and peaks such as the Barre des \u00c9crins. <\/p>\n\n

HIKING<\/a><\/div>\n\n
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rock climbing<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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Rogier VANRIJN<\/div><\/div>

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Perched at an elevation of 1,500\u202fm, the hamlet of Ailefroide in the Vallouise Valley is recognized as France\u2019s 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\u202fm, and bouldering areas in a preserved natural setting at the foot of Mont Pelvoux.But the climbing adventure doesn\u2019t stop there: other remarkable cliffs, such as the limestone formations of Fournel and Ponteil, offer varied, technical, and panoramic routes\u2014ideal for improving your skills or discovering multi-pitch climbing in a high-altitude setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLIMBING<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Mountain bike<\/h2><\/div>\n\n

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\u2014ranging from the green trail to the black \u201cTamarack\u201d trail\u2014accessible via the resort\u2019s ski lifts (elevation 1,400\u20131,600 m) throughout the summer season. <\/p>\n\n

Mountain Biking<\/a><\/div>\n\n
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whitewater<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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From spring to fall, the Pays des \u00c9crins 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 \u00c9crins promise a concentrated dose of nature and adrenaline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHITE WATER<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

PARAGLIDING<\/h2><\/div>\n\n

Imagine this: you take off from the heights of Vallouise or the Pelvoux-Vallouise resort, and suddenly you\u2019re flying over the \u00c9crins Massif and its glaciers at an altitude of over 4,000 meters\u2026 An aerial experience you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/p>\n\n

PARAGLIDING<\/a><\/div>\n\n
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Introduction to<\/em> Glacier Hiking<\/em> <\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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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\u2014an experience not to be missed in the Pays des \u00c9crins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION TO GLACIER HIKING<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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SKI<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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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 \u00c9crins National Park, offering tranquility, authenticity, and direct access to the high mountains\u2014perfect for families or those seeking a natural skiing experience away from the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SKI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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snowshoes<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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When the trails disappear beneath the snow, the valleys of the Pays des \u00c9crins reveal themselves in a whole new light\u2014with snowshoes on your feet. Whether in the Vallouise forest, on the ridges of Puy Saint Vincent, or in the hidden valleys of Freissini\u00e8res or Le Fournel, a leisurely hike becomes an enchanting experience. With every step, you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNOWSHOES<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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ICE FALL<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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Climb icy formations sculpted by winter, accompanied by a high-mountain guide: a spectacular and unique vertical adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sled Dogs<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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In the heart of winter, the Pays des \u00c9crins invites you to experience a timeless adventure on a dog sled. In Puy Saint Vincent, Pelvoux-Vallouise, or the unspoiled Freissini\u00e8res 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\u2026 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SLEIGH DOGS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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