Top 8 mountain activities where you don’t need skis | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

Wake up your hidden Inuit!

Have an original discovery day with a mountain leader and nature lover. In the resorts of Montclar, Chabanon and Grand Puy, set off in search of wild animals by following their tracks on an immersive treasure hunt. You’ll be told all about avalanches, and you’ll put yourself in the shoes of a rescuer to learn about the search tools which help to save lives. Or just like an Inuit, learn how to build an igloo properly. First of all, you have to cut the snow into bricks, pile them up in a circle, fashion a dome, cut an opening and make your bunk to keep warm and snug: it’s a real art!

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Une publication partagée par Blanche Serre-Ponçon PureAlpes (@blanche_serre_poncon)

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Climb up to the peaks to spend the night under a star-filled sky

In the Vallée de Freissinières, right in the middle of the Écrins National Park, head for the little hamlet of Dormillouse for a day’s snowshoeing under the beautiful blue sky of the Hautes Alpes. With an expert guide, you’ll be following fox and squirrel tracks and watching chamois and ibex frolicking in the mountains. See some lovely animals before a delicious dinner based on local and organic food, followed by a charming night at 1,728 metres in the gîte refuge de l’École. Back to your roots and well-being!

A maiden ride on a dog sled

Set off on an unusual ride with the dog sledding team in the resort of Isola 2000 or in Auron. The huskies and malamutes are ready to go! Whatever you choose, half an hour’s maiden ride or an hour’s circuit, be ready to go like the wind! The eight really sweet harnessed dogs are led through the forest by the musher so that you can discover the mountains of the South. And there’s another option in La Colmiane, where you can discover the charm of the resort in the winter season on a ride in a horse-drawn carriage rhythmed by the sound of the horses’ hooves.

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Discover how snow grooming works

Climb aboard this huge snow grooming machine that guarantees perfect skiing in the resort of Val d’Allos – La Foux. There are several unforgettable experiences with professional groomers who maintain the runs, and you can try the Bully Explo outing for a bumpy ride to discover Alpine panoramas differently. For night owls, the Bully Découverte promises a magical night dive with keen master snow groomers. And last but not least, Bully Sunset takes you off to clink glasses as you watch the sun go down, escorted by a snow groomer and with a lovely view of the snow-covered peaks.

Follow wild animals’ tracks

Get your snowshoes on in the Queyras and go with an expert guide who can’t wait to teach you more about the Alpine wildlife and its gems. On the programme, the best views of the border mountains, animals and plants living in harmony, and of course, a real breath of fresh air! Don’t forget to take your binoculars so that you can see the chamois as they hunt for food. Among the larch forests and the Alpine pastures, the landscapes look like something out of a Christmas story.

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Cocktails while you watch the Alpine sunset!

End your day with a friendly and delicious escapade with the Guides Tinée Mercantour. Nordic walk or snowshoe to the sunset on the snow-covered mountains of the French Southern Alps, in the last rays of the sun. And the highlight of the outing will be eating delicious local products in front of the red-tinted peaks. The apéro gourmand has local charcuterie, cheese and hot drinks to keep warm! And it’s back to the simple pleasures of life (and with your headlamp!) and as an added bonus the animal tracks along the itinerary.

Aim for the top of an icefall

Get out your crampons, harnesses and pickaxes in the Vallée de l’Ubaye Serre-Ponçon. Your goal: a safe climb of one of the ice falls of the Alpes de Haute Provence. With a high mountain guide, the landscapes will change and reveal the wonders of nature as you climb with a high mountain guide. With its many frozen waterfalls, the Barcelonnette Valley is also the ideal playground for an introduction to the sport. Make the most of it to learn climbing techniques with a professional, it’s a good way to get up high and get an adrenaline boost!

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Une publication partagée par PRA LOUP (@pra_loup)

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Une publication partagée par Guides Tinée Mercantour (@guidestinee)

Go for “Raquette Raclette” in the open air

Sport and food go well together in the French Southern Alps! You’ve been dreaming of eating your best winter raclette by candlelight and now, after a lovely walk to charge your batteries, you’ll get it. All along the itinerary on your way to your much-awaited lunch, your guide shares anecdotes and unusual encounters with the animals of the mountains. Keep your eyes skinned, you might get a glimpse of a chamois or an ibex in the distance! Now, sit down as the clock strikes midday in your winter “dining room”, in the middle of nowhere, and eat a 100% local raclette.