There's nothing like a family holiday in the snow to bring the whole family together. This year, your choice is Peyragudes. Situated at an altitude of between 1600 and 2400 metres, it has a lot to offer and promises to be a destination you'll remember for years to come. You can't wait to introduce the little ones to skiing, share convivial moments and get some well-deserved rest. To help you organise an unforgettable stay, discover our selection of must-do activities in Peyragudes.
1. Traditional ski outings
What would a mountain holiday be without your traditional ski outings? Gliding over the snow and the problems you've left behind, that's what holidays are all about. You're an ace skier but... for your children, it's a bit more disparate. Your grown-ups have already got their snowflakes and the little ones are still just toddlers, so it's impossible to take them out on the red or blue runs. But don't worry, with its 51 pistes, Peyragudes is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike!
Peyragudes is known as a family resort. Did you know that it is one of our Top 15 family ski resorts where you can ski with children ?
2. Building an igloo: one of the must-do activities in Peyragudes
When you were younger, you tried your hand at making igloos several times. The problem was that they were never very beautiful and, above all, finished. As a result, you've buried your vocation as an igloo architect and the hope of making one one day. At Le Petit Futé, we've decided to help you make your childhood dream come true. Take part in an igloo-building workshop with your little ones, accompanied by an experienced instructor who will give you tips on how to build a successful igloo. There's no chance of missing out (yet again)!
Good to know the activity lasts around 2h30 and is accessible to children aged 4 and over.
Do you love doing activities like these, other than skiing, for a bit of variety but lack inspiration? We can help with our article: What to do in Les Deux Alpes when you're not skiing?
3. Relax at Balnéa after a busy day
Relax, yes, but even better in the warmth of an outdoor bath. Admire the white mantle the snow has laid over the landscape, feel the wind and fresh air on your face without fear of the cold: idyllic. The good news is that in Peyragudes you can go to Balnéa, which is no more and no less than the first thermal water relaxation complex in the French Pyrenees. In one of the many areas available, you and your pretty little ones can relax after a day on the slopes.
Did you know that ? The water used is heated by natural conditions and is rich in trace elements, giving it therapeutic and relaxing properties.
Have you overdone it on the Christmas presents and are a bit dry? Don't panic, you can still go skiing. Discover where to ski for less?
4. Explore the resort on snowshoes
Is there anything sweeter than sinking your feet into the snow and feeling it crunch? To leave your mark on this immaculate white layer and take the time to slow down? Certainly not. Snowshoeing is a way of combining all these little pleasures in a single activity, with the added bonus of spectacular scenery and the soothing calm of nature enveloping you. The Petit Futé team and I loved it, and we can't recommend it enough as a way of discovering the charms of the mountains.
This selection gives you plenty of ideas for activities, and you'll be delighted. If only it were as easy to rent accommodation in the mountains... Come on, we'll help, check out our articleski holidays: our tips for renting your accommodation
5. A ride in a snow groomer: one of the must-do activities in Peyragudes
Who are the magicians who, like little fairies, work hard after the slopes have closed to make them as beautiful as they are pleasant to ski on? A mystery... You can't yet tell your children that you were the tooth fairy, but in the meantime, you can introduce them to the job of a groomer. For one hour, you'll accompany a professional on his mission, on board a snow groomer. During this activity, you might just see a few snowflakes of happiness appear in your little ones' eyes, accompanied by a smile of wonder. There's no doubt that you'll be more than delighted to have shared this experience with them - there's no greater feeling than your children's happiness.
Did you know? Snow groomers generally work between 7pm and 4am.
You'll love this skiing atmosphere, which is never far from Christmas. Discover the 10 French ski resorts where you can spend Christmas!
6. Discover the resort by zip-line
Do you love snow, sliding and speed (in moderation, of course)? Then you'll love zip-lining in Peyragudes. With the Family + label and a length of more than 335 metres, you'll discover the resort from a slightly higher altitude as you zip along like a star. From the age of 10, as long as they are over 1.30 metres tall, your children will also be able to enjoy this fun and original experience.
It's not for nothing that Peyragudes is considered a family destination. Would you like to find out about other resorts in the same situation? Check out our Top 15 family ski resorts where you can ski with children.
7. Discover the job of a ski patroller: one of the must-do activities in Peyragudes
Do you know what a ski patroller does? No ? Well, they are essential to the smooth running of the resort. Every day, they open and close the pistes. Their job is to check the condition of the pistes, put up danger signs, inform skiers of the skiing conditions and intervene in the event of an accident to provide first aid. As you can see, they are real heroes in the shadows. By booking this activity, we were able to discover this rich and still little-known profession. We recommend it as a great way to spend some quality time in a magnificent setting, with the first (or last) light of day.
Did you know? If necessary, the ski patroller can trigger a preventive avalanche himself using explosive charges.
Before discovering the job of a ski patroller, you'll need to learn how to ski. This year you're going skiing for the first time, and you're a bit lost, to say the least. Starting with what equipment to get for your first... Don't panic, we've got you covered with our buying guide for the perfect skier.
8. Treat yourself to Peyragudes specialities
Dear gourmets and fine gourmets, at Le Petit Futé we've got you covered. Your guilty pleasure is discovering local specialities wherever you go on holiday, and in Peyragudes you won't be disappointed! Croustade du Couserans, gâteau à la broche, garbure and millasson... names as mysterious to you as they are delicious when you taste them. That's all we have to say about them, except that you're sure to love them and take your taste buds on a journey to delicious lands never before explored.
Read this articlewhere to ski for less? 15 resort ideas
9. Take a sleigh dog ride
Do you love animals and can you lose yourself for long periods contemplating the landscape? Then a dog sled ride could be just the thing for you. Pulled by adorable balls of fur, you'll make gentle progress through snow-covered landscapes. In this white paradise, somewhere between reality and dreams, you'll lose yourself, and at the end of this activity you'll be left with nothing but wonder.
Good to know dogs can sing together. Indeed, before a race, if they shake and howl, it's because they're excited!
What if you decided to go skiing... in spring? It may sound far-fetched, but in reality you might just love it. Discover Vaujany resort: 10 good reasons to go skiing in spring
10. Discover new ways to hit the slopes
Looking for a change? Tired of always skiing? We've got a few alternatives for you. For a good time with family and friends, we suggest a snake-glide. It's a collective sled: each person has an individual sled that can be assembled with the others to form a train. Watch out for spills and giggles, you could well have a great time. Another alternative to skiing is the Airboard, an inflatable sledge that can be ridden... lying on your stomach! Finally, you can also ride a Snooc, which is halfway between a snowscoot and a toboggan. The least we can say is that with these new ways to hit the slopes, there's no excuse not to have fun!
Good to know : Are you a chicken parent and would like your child to be accompanied in this activity? No problem, the resort regularly offers sessions supervised by instructors.
You love all those machines, funny things and gadgets. Find out more, check out 10 useful gadgets for skiing.
11. Paragliding: one of the must-do and unusual activities in Peyragudes
For you, holidays are all about soaring high. Say no more, we've taken you at your word with the last activity in this selection: paragliding. And yes, for the last in this selection of not-to-be-missed activities in Peyragudes, we've decided to pull out all the stops! In the middle of the clouds, floating in the sky, accompanied by an experienced instructor, you can admire the landscape. It's an unusual way to discover the resort from a different angle... let's say higher up!
Did you know? During your flight, if you have good eyes, you might spot little marmots emerging from their holes.
When you see these magnificent landscapes, you realise that it's vital to preserve them. Did you know that it's possible to ski in an environmentally-friendly way? We tell you all about it in our article: Eco-friendly skiing? We tell you all about it!
Where to stay in Peyragus?
- The best view
Located by the lake in the Louron valley, the Résidence Néméa La Soulane, bookable here, offers fully-equipped flats with panoramic views, in a typical Hautes-Pyrénées setting
- The quietest
Located in Germ, close to the Col de Peyresourde, the Résidence Les Adrets de Peyragudes offers fully-equipped self-catering accommodation, some with terrace or balcony, in a peaceful setting in the heart of the Pyrenees. Click here to book now.
- The best location
The Vacancéole - Les Jardins de Balnéa residence, book here, offers modern flats just 100 m from the Balnéa spa centre and the Génos-Loudenvielle lake, in an ideal setting for relaxing or enjoying outdoor activities.
