The 11 best outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon

This is an exceptional setting between sea and mountain. Discover the outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon the most iconic and unforgettable!

Located in the heart of the South Alps, Serre-Ponçon Lake is a not to be missed destination for leisure and water sports enthusiasts. Wild coves, landscaped beaches, its mountain environment with 80 kilometers of shore is an incredible natural environment.

Did you know that it is the richness of minerals and sediments of the lake that give it its unique colours? The biggest artificial lake France and the second largest dam in Western Europe, with its 2,800 hectares the lake leave you a lot of possibilities.

Also, the region’s exceptional sunshine rate will allow you to enjoy maximum outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon. Discover our selection of the best adventures to live on the lake!

Summer

1. Rafting

Lake Serre-Ponçon is powered by powerful torrential rivers such as Durance and Ubaye. As a result, it is not surprising that one of the favourite activities of holidaymakers on the lake is rafting. This inflatable boat allows you to experience strong sensations.

Very friendly, you board between four to twelve people with you. The descent is sporty, but above all very fun. It is an outdoor activity to do in Serre-Ponçon and practice in a group or family.

2. Hydrospeed

This is an amazing activity that provides a few climbs of adrenaline! L’ hydrospeed also called live water swimming is a sporting activity to practice in the middle of nature and river. You will be equipped with palms, a reinforced combination and a float to split the river’s rapids.

Just tell you that you're going to take a whip of the current and live speed at the same body. Moreover, it is often necessary to provide a proof that you can swim on 25 meters and immerse yourself in practice.

3. Air balloon flight

Fly over 780 metres above Serre-Ponçon Lake. At this altitude, you will have in sight the Southern Alps with the Massif des Écrins, the Po plain, the Mont-Blanc , but also the chapel of Saint-Michel and the magnificent dam of Serre-Ponçon.

You can participate in all stages, starting with the preparation of the balloon. An activity to be practised at least once in its life in an unusual natural setting.

4. Cano-raft

The cano-raft is an ideal mix between rafting and kayaking. This hybrid boat is perfect for two or three people generally. Try this activity via a descent of the Durance and full of sensations.

5. Kayak

Which says river necessarily says kayaking. Experience to practice from April on the lake, it is difficult to imagine a better setting to practice. Bright water lovers will be delighted with the many rapids of the lake classified to category III. The navigation is therefore rather sporty, with more than 60 speeds and 52 kilometers of course.

6. Stand Up Paddle

If the Ubaye river that feeds the lake is rather energetic and creates the famous rapids of the lake, the other river, the Durance is much quieter. In this way, water lovers, without too strong sensations, will also enjoy the freshness of the lake’s water thanks to this outdoor activity to be done in Serre-Ponçon.

The paddle is practiced standing or kneeling according to your facilities. You will slide on the water without abruptcy, and enjoy the environment around you.

7. Electric mountain bike

This is the great cyclist trend of the moment. Are you afraid not to be up to a bike ride? Forget this fear and test the electric mountain bike. Thanks to the electric support, the circuits become accessible to everyone whether you are amateur in enduro or not.

Thus, walk through the lake of Serre-Ponçon between mountain and lake, with exceptional landscapes.

8. Paragliding Baptism

What if you fly over the lake directly, thanks to one of the best outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon? This is in any case what a paragliding flight offers. You choose the flight time according to your convenience. It may be 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour. You will be about 1,400 meters above sea level to make the full of strong sensations.

Note that this activity is also available in winter. At this season, you will be entitled to a different face of the lake.

Winter

9. Rackets

Lake Serre-Ponçon is in the heart of a vast territory between the massif of the Ecrins and the Parpaillon Mountain. To discover this incredible nature, covered with its white coat, go for a snowshoe hike.

Some routes will give you the chance to have a 360° panorama on the lake. These snowshoe hikes are a must-have outdoor activity in Serre-Ponçon, individually, family or even group. You can do it half day, day or even in private.

10. Ski and snowboard out-of-piste

Who has never dreamed of taking the powder first? No one has passed before you and you will be able to devaluate the mountain outskirts all around Lake Serre-Ponçon. This outdoor activity around Serre-Ponçon is for all nature lovers and hiking skiers with a level on average track.

Here, no ski lifts. You will pass through the forest outside the trails by taking crossroads or wild routes. You will be helped with your suitable hiking equipment.

11. Ice cascade

Feel like in Game of Thrones And climb the ice wall. Piolets and crampons with a certified guide on the wall. Several ice cascades are suitable for beginners around Serre-Ponçon Lake.

There are no prerequisites or level to have. You'll start the day with a basic initiation to take over the ice equipment. Everything will be explained according to the specificities of the cascade to climb.

So, what outdoor activity in Serre-Ponçon are you going to crack?