The 14 best outdoor activities to do in Puy-Saint-Vincent

On holiday in the Alps? Discover the best outdoor activities in Puy-Saint-Vincent.

With 90 hectares of ski area, more than half of the slopes above the 2,000 meters above sea level and many areas for tourists, Puy-Saint-Vincent is the paradise for all winter sports enthusiasts.

In the summer also, the site will delight nature enthusiasts through its hiking trails and outdoor activities. If you plan a holiday in the Hautes-Alpes discover the best outdoor activities to do in Puy-Saint-Vincent.

Winter activities

Sled dog

If you've come to the Alps with your whole family, take a sled dog ride to enjoy the little ones and the big ones. This outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent combines large spaces and animal contact.

Before you start the walk, you will encounter the pack that will accompany you to discover the snowy plains of the Pays des Écrins. The musher professional prepares the convoy and explains the operation of this activity.

Then, the herd starts and fills down the descents and climbs with a disconcerting ease. Meanwhile, you only have to open your eyes and contemplate the panorama around you.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing allows you to move into the snow without sinking into the powder. This outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent is ideal for taking a bowl of fresh air away from the ski slopes.

Whether you are athletic or not, snowshoeing is accessible to all. You advance at your pace while admiring the landscape around you. While walking in the National Park of Writers, you may have the chance to observe chamois or losers.

If you want to experience an unprecedented adventure, snowshoeing can also take place at nightfall. Lost in the middle of the mountain, you only have to lift your eyes to the sky to admire the thousands of stars.

Ice cascade

Ski resorts are covered with snow, but also ice. To enjoy this unique environment, don’t hesitate to innovate with the ice cascade. Don’t wait for the summer to climb the walls of the mountains!

Although it seems very technical, this outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent is accessible to all, provided it is accompanied by a professional guide. It takes you to another world where waterfalls have turned into a real ice cascade.

In addition to contemplating a unique panorama, you can observe stalactites and other wonders of nature. Among the best sites in the Pays des Écrins to climb the ice, go to the Fournel or Freissinières valleys.

Alpine skiing

Unmissable outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent, alpine skiing is the ideal sport for children and adults. Thanks to your skates, you let yourself slide on the mountain descents slaloming between the obstacles.

For seasoned athletes, devalue the high-speed black tracks for maximum sensations. And for novices, the resort of Puy-Saint-Vincent offers blue or green slopes to help you take confidence in your skis.

If you never do, we advise you to take courses to master Alpine skiing techniques.

Cross-country skiing

If you want to cross-country skiing, Puy-Saint-Vincent is definitely the right place. With a ski area of more than 2,700 metres above sea level, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama to take your descents.

In the backdrop, the Massif des Écrins and the Crête de Dormillouse stand before you. This is the perfect place for both amateurs and professionals.

In addition to offering you a dream setting, the estate of Puy-Saint-Vincent extends over 28 kilometers of tracks to adapt to all levels.

Snowboard

Just like skiing, snowboarding is one of the flagship sports of the winter season. To practice this outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent, go to the snowpark.

This space, mainly dedicated to freestyle, will delight amateurs as experts. To get there, take the Lauze chairlift and climb to over 2,000 meters above sea level.

If you want to try snowboarding, but you have never practiced this activity, there are several courses offered by schools in the Pays des Écrins. In group or in individual, you will learn to make curves or to achieve jumps.

Snowmobile

After your day skiing or snowboarding, you are probably tired. Instead of throwing you directly on the raclette, why not prolong the pleasure of large spaces by making a snowmobile ride.

At the close of the tracks, these machines explore the mountains of the Pays des Écrins for the greatest pleasure of passengers. In addition to being able to observe exceptional landscapes, you will feel like you are alone in the world.

You have the possibility to drive the snowmobile yourself or let yourself be carried by a pilot. Even if the vehicle does not advance very quickly (between 30 to 60 km/h), the speed sensations are felt.

Snake-glisse

Visit the Bergerie chairlift for an outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent that will satisfy the whole family; the snake-glisse. On 500 meters of height, you devaluate the slopes comfortably installed on your sled.

But be careful, your sled is hung on your loved ones. All together, you slide on the slopes of the mountains for a maximum of sensations and fun.

Before you start, a monitor explains the safety instructions. As soon as the signal is launched, the sleds can start and you enjoy the descent.

Activities

Escalade

With 750 tracks and blocks, Puy-Saint-Vincent is a playground for climbers. Experienced climbers can go directly to Ailefroide, the second climbing site in France.

Lost in the middle of nature, you are alone facing the mountain, gradually climbing the summit and admiring the exceptional landscape.

Every summer, the Pays des Écrins organizes “All blocks”. This is an event combining competition and show around this outdoor activity.

Hiking

Looking for an outdoor activity to be done in Puy-Saint-Vincent accessible to all? Hiking in the National Park of the Writers. With family or friends, the trek is always a good idea for a total disconnection.

It falls well since the Alps region offers beginners or experts many trails with breathtaking landscapes:

• GR54 : the great athletes will leave about fifteen days to discover the most beautiful corners of the Parc des Écrins. Also called the Tower of Oisans, this path is quite technical and extends over 184 kilometres;
• Le Vallon de Celse Nière : this hike is ideal for families as small and large will have no difficulty following. On the way, you will pass through Clapouse's boss or the source of May ;
• Lake Tuckett Take a walk along this lake at the foot of the white glacier. In the end, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Pelvoux.

Paragliding

If you don’t have vertigo, paragliding is an excellent idea of outdoor activity to be done in Puy-Saint-Vincent. Visit the Puy Aillaud site to take off in the air.

Once there, you admire the tops of the region and, in particular, the Ecrins bar. For your paragliding baptism, a monitor accompanies you and guides you to the best spots in the region.

And if you want to fly solo, internships are also available to initiate you to this practice.

Trampoline

You know the trampoline? Puy-Saint-Vincent offers this outdoor activity in its trampoline park. Here, jump on the carpets and make more elaborate pirouettes.

The park is perfectly secured so that you can perfect your saltos without any risk. Particularly appreciated by children, this outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent will also have the greatest fun.

ATV

Natural territory par excellence, the Pays des Écrins is an ideal place to practice a wide variety of sports. Among the must-sees, there is the mountain bike.

To satisfy all cyclists, 235 kilometres of trails were labeled. During your walk you will explore the most beautiful corners of the region such as Vallouise-Pelvoux, the Roche de Rame or the valley of Freissinières.

And if you want dizzy descents, go to the bike park in Puy-Saint-Vincent. This space offers a wide variety of circuits for both large sportsmen and young children (ages 3 years).

Tyrolienne

For an unforgettable family holiday, spend a day on the sensation Forest circuit. This acrobatic path in the trees only awaits you to challenge the various obstacles.

On the programme, zip lines, monkey bridges and other lianas for guaranteed sensations. This outdoor activity in Puy-Saint-Vincent is perfect for fun children like adults.

The park offers twelve courses to adapt to all levels with a total of 25 zip lines.