What to do in winter sports in Béarn when you don't like skiing?

What to do in winter  ...

You can love the snow, the white landscapes and the pure mountain air in winter without enjoying skiing down kilometers of slopes. But then, what to do in winter sports in Béarn when you don't like skiing? Many things ! The stay will be too short to enjoy all the activities. Skiing is not obligatory in the resorts, you will see that you can have fun without having to practice it.


Read our article: Where to ski in Béarn

The Gourette ski resort

Young and old, get ready to experience a unique and exotic adventure at La Gourette, a ski resort in the Pyrenees that is overflowing with activities. Let's start with snowshoeing when hiking , an increasingly popular sport ideal when you don't like skiing, but love walking on snowy trails. Alone or accompanied by a guide, kilometers of itineraries allow you to discover the mountain and its magnificent landscapes. Do you like to play? Have fun on the Terra Aventura courses to find the famous Poï'z. Ride a fat bike, a mountain bike with huge tires to slide on the snow, run with the sled dogs or slide on the sled at the end of the day, you will be tired, but satisfied. The adventure doesn't stop there at La Gourette, experience thrills on the giant zip line, visit the resort on a snow groomer or try the Nordic bath in a wooden barrel. You don't have to like skiing to enjoy winter sports.

hiking with bear dog photo: Mathis Jrdl Unsplash
A snowshoe hike in good company

The Artouste station

The snowy landscapes encourage rest and relaxation. That's good, a wellness area is at your disposal at the foot of the slopes, accessible by cable car. Face the cold easily in a whirlpool bath in the heart of nature, an outdoor jacuzzi which allows you to be enveloped in a bubble of happiness, with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Enjoy this haven of peace before trying a new activity in the Pyrenees, moonbike. Halfway between a snowmobile and a scooter, slide, skid and rush across the snow during a 30-minute session at the controls of a fun machine. If you don't like skiing, perhaps you will be won over by snowboarding ? A practice to discover through 17 modules of the snowpark accessible to beginners and experienced alike.

Lake Artouste Photo: Hlne Adobestock
Lake Artouste in winter

The Nordic area of Somport

Put on your snowshoes for miles of hiking in the snow, alone or accompanied by a guide. When you don't like skiing, snowshoes are a good way to escape into the mountains, without risking slipping on your butt or losing a ski. The 5 km of trails are marked and secure for nature outings enjoyed with family or friends in the Pyrenees. Children will love the Nordic area of Somport where igloo construction is offered. Eskimos for the day, they also have the opportunity to have fun in the snowy play area dedicated to them. Meanwhile, why not relax in a sauna surrounded by nature? The hot water is bubbling and the setting is incredible all in white.

Nordic cross-country ski area

Issarbe ski resort

You don't need to like skiing to enjoy the activities offered by the Issarbe resort. On the ridges or in the snow-covered fir forest, 9 km of trails await you for a fun and sporty snowshoe route. Add a magical setting to your outing with the night hike accompanied by a guide, a unique and exceptional adventure in the heart of nature. Mountain biking is another way to discover the mountains, hoisted on a fat bike which glides easily on the snow with its large adapted tires. Want to impress your children? Build an igloo and play Eskimo while sleeping for a night under the stars in your frozen accommodation. The next day, a sled dog ride will be ideal to warm you up. Take advantage of being in the mountains to take a photography course and learn how to capture the bluish reflections of the white nature of winter. Even when you don't like skiing, you can have fun.

Camping Barétous Pyrénées

Camping Barétous Pyrénées
Camping Barétous Pyrénées

Calm and serene, in the shade of large oak trees, Barétous-Pyrénées**** is a family-run campsite on a human ...

2,3 km - Aramits

Kokoni

Kokoni
Kokoni

Kokoni, an unusual cabin rental with Nordic bath in Béarn It is in the heart of nature on the edge of the Arette ...

3,7 km - Arette

Camping les 4 Saisons - Village de Geronimo

Camping les 4 Saisons - Village de Geronimo
Camping les 4 Saisons - Village de Geronimo

Welcome to the village of Geronimo The teepees can hold 7 people. A small stream flows a few meters bordered by lime ...

12,0 km - Asasp-Arros

The Pierre Saint Martin ski resort

Set your alarm early in the morning, the day promises to be busy. When you don't like skiing, you look for other activities, but at the Pierre Saint Martin ski resort, the options are so varied that it's hard to decide. Fat biking on the snow, dog sledding or sledding on snowy slopes, that's a good start. You can then go hiking wearing snowshoes in search of the Poï'z on the Terra Aventura trails. Fun and interactive, they allow you to discover the mountains without seeing time pass. Remember to look up to admire the magnificent panoramas of ridges and forests. Unless you prefer to dive head first into the snow, lying face down on an airboard. This inflatable sled is ideal for thrills and instant refreshment. Come back to your senses, many activities await you to end the day. Igloo construction, family trapper workshop or giant wooden games, children will no longer like skiing either.

The ski resorts offer so many activities in Béarn that it is possible to keep busy at any time of the day, even if you don't like skiing. Scarves, gloves, hats and furry boots are all you need to have fun. Book your snow vacation now !


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