Nordic Areas in Midi-Pyrénées

It may seem odd to head south in search of Nordic sensations, however the Midi-Pyrénées region boasts twelve "Espaces Nordiques", kind of mini-Canadas, right in the heart of south-west France, offering winter sports such as cross-country skiing and tobogganing. Serenity reigns here, far from the busy slopes of alpine ski resorts. Perfect for recharging your batteries and ideal for family holidays!

Sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, tobogganing, biathlon and husky-drawn sledging are offered here.

Far from the alpine ski resorts with their great numbers of athletes racing down the slopes, the twelve "Espaces Nordiques" of Midi-Pyrénées offer calmer sports on less abrupt slopes with less people. Most are located at moderate altitudes in the Pyrénées (Beille, Campan-Payolle, Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne, Étang de Lers, Hautacam, Le Chioula, Mijanès-Donezan, Nistos, Val d’Azun) and in the Massif Central part of the Aveyron (Aubrac, Brameloup, Laguiole).

Traditional winter sports can be enjoyed here, with cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, snowshoe hiking and even tobogganing. But that’s not all! Some of these places also allow you to try your hand in biathlon with laser rifles (Beille, Val d’Azun), to build igloos (Beille, Campan-Payolle, Nistos) or go husky-drawn sledging (Beille, Campan-Payolle, Le Chioula) and horse-drawn sledging (Hautacam, Val d’Azun)… Activities that will delight all members of the family!

Naturewise: snow plains, frozen lakes, pine forests, wild animals…

With the moderate pace of sports activities in the Espaces Nordiques, you will have time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In Nistos, enjoy a panoramic view over the great Pyrenean peaks: the Pic du Midi, Aneto, Arbizon and Maladetta. In Val d’Azun, observe birds of prey and passerine along the bird-watching discovery trails. Each Espace Nordique boasts a well-preserved natural environment alternating frozen lakes, primeval forests and immaculate snow… A real white paradise for lovers of nature!

Practical information:

For further information about the Espaces Nordiques in the Pyrenees, please look on the Confédération Pyrénéenne du Tourisme website: www.lespyrenees.net

For further information about the Espaces Nordiques in Aveyron, please look on the Comité départemental du Tourisme de l’Aveyron website, under "Sports and Leisure activities" then "Skiing and snowshoe hiking": www.tourisme-aveyron.com/uk/sports/terre/hiver_ski_aveyron.php