Cauterets without skiing ? Night-time igloo, thermal baths, ice rink, Marcadau refuge… 14 off-piste activities for a memorable winter ! Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or simply a change of scenery, discover the off-piste activities that will make your stay unforgettable, far from the hustle and bustle of the ski lifts.
Discover our selection of activities to fill your schedule when you’re not skiing in the Cauterets valley.
get active in cauterets without skiing
Sledging on the slopes of Cauterets
What if you could do what skiers do, but at a gentler pace? Whizz down the slopes surrounded by timeless landscapes. Sharp turns guaranteed, skiing thrills included, without the difficulty !
If you want to have fun sliding down slopes without having to wear all the ski gear, sledging is your best bet. Put on your warmest clothes and head to the dedicated slopes at the Lys or Pont d’Espagne resorts !
What are the advantages of Cirque du Lys? The ski lift is a conveyor belt, and the area is reserved for sledgers for safety reasons. You can hire your own sledge directly from the village shops.
Good to know : A pedestrian pass is available on N’PY, allowing you to enjoy the resort according to your main activity.
Lunch at Le 3600 restaurant with panoramic views
After a dozen or so slides down the slopes, your stomach will be rumbling. Settle into a comfortable seat and enjoy a tasty meal while taking in the view of the snow-capped peaks. After a dozen or so slides down the slopes, your stomach will be rumbling.
Le 3600 welcomes you with breathtaking views of the Cirque du Lys and the Pic du Midi.
On the menu, a selection of dishes that will appeal to everyone, for all tastes: garbure soup, salads, tartiflette, burgers, etc.
A pedestrian + meal at Le 3600 is available to fully enjoy the on-site facilities: a meal, a cold drink and the spectacle of beginners’ exploits on the slopes.
The pedestrian pass + meal offer is only available at the ticket office.
Cauterets is not just a ski resort. It is also a valley full of secrets and adventures for everyone, even without putting on skis.
Explore the valley with original off-piste activities
DINNER UNDER THE STARS IN AN IGLOO
At dusk, equip yourself with warm clothing, snowshoes and a headlamp. A guide will then take you on a journey of discovery through the snow-capped mountains. Come and stroll among the trees and listen to nature reclaiming its rights. At the end of the walk, a 100% Pyrenean meal of local charcuterie and cheeses awaits you in an authentic igloo.
An unforgettable immersion punctuated with anecdotes about the fauna, flora and constellations that light up the night sky. Far from any noise or light pollution, this escape into the heart of nature offers you a timeless experience.
Set off on an adventure at the Marcadau mountain refuge
Whether alone or accompanied, now is the time to escape into nature for a timeless night. Head to the Marcadau refuge, an adventure without skis that is accessible to most people. The starting point is Pont d’Espagne, and the walk takes about 2 and a half hours on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The Marcadau valley is challenging, but the beauty of the setting and the comfort of the refuge once you arrive are well worth the effort.
When you arrive, you will find yourself at the foot of one of the largest mountain refuges in the Pyrenees, tucked away in the mountains yet at the crossroads of all the trails. The Marcadau refuge is the only trail in Pont d’Espagne open in winter, accessible with equipment that you can hire from shops in Cauterets.
Accessible hikes: Pauze Vieux and La reine Hortense
From the village, you can walk along the paths that trace the origins of Cauterets, built around the first thermal springs. The Thermes de Pauze Vieux offer breathtaking views of the village, ideal for taking a break before setting off on other hiking trails, notably the Reine Hortense trail.
La Reine Hortense, renowned for its views and generous cuisine, offers a walk along a well-maintained path that is not particularly difficult. At the end of the walk, you will discover a magnificent view of the entire village, Le Péguère and the slopes of Le Mamelon Vert, before stopping to enjoy a delicious meal around a convivial table. Everything you need for a busy day in the heart of nature, far from the slopes.
After all these sporting and culinary activities, it’s time to relax and digest before getting back to work.
Relaxation: treat yourself in Cauterets
Relax at Les Bains du Rocher
As Cauterets is a spa town, it also appeals to non-skiers seeking wellness. If you don’t like the cold, you can stay warm while enjoying the mountain air and, with a bit of luck, the snowflakes falling on the town in baths heated to 34°C. This is the experience that Les Bains du Rocher wants you to enjoy: the view and the cold while staying comfortably warm.
The indoor swimming pool retains its charm with its jade wall and bright glass roof. It is the ideal environment for maximum relaxation, with massage services also available to give your muscles some well-deserved relief. A sauna and steam room are also available for complete relaxation.
Discover the heritage and take the time to observe
Pyrenees national park center
The Pyrenees National Park visitor centre, a three-storey museum (accessible by lift), allows you to discover the flora and fauna of our beautiful mountains. The tour covers the history and journey of the town’s emblematic animal, the Izard, and its herd, the result of three decades of scientific work in the valley. Water, the town’s founding element, is also given special attention.
Temporary exhibitions are organised throughout the year and screenings about the national park and natural heritage are available on request.
wandering through the village streets and discovering its heritage
Still on the theme of local heritage, a stroll through the streets of Cauterets allows you to discover its fascinating history.
Explore the village by following the Reading Trail, which offers a unique tour of the valley’s key sites and their histories. You will discover that Cauterets is an exceptional place that has attracted many famous figures over the years thanks to its various attractions.
This loop can be done alone or accompanied by Brigitte Bellocq, available on Tuesdays. She knows how to capture your attention with her in-depth knowledge of the valley and the stories she tells.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the tourist office.
Local culture and flavours: Culinary delights in Cauterets
After a busy day of off-piste activities, head to the entertainment district in the city centre.
Fun activities for children and adults of all ages
Put on your skates for a fun indoor skating session, ideal for challenging your family or friends while staying warm. Don’t miss the hockey games in February if you’re looking for excitement and adrenaline !
On a completely different note, the town centre also offers its share of sporting challenges.
The mini golf course in the centre of the village awaits you for lively games in a family atmosphere.
Tip: located right next to the carousel, it’s the perfect place to entertain young and old alike. While the children ride the wooden horses, you can work on your golf technique!
All these activities will whet your appetite. Cauterets also offers delicacies and flavours from the Pyrenees as part of its non-skiing activities.
Gastronomic tour: Market halls, cheese shops and berlingots
For a treat for your taste buds, head to Les Halles de Cauterets, where food lovers come to feast. We invite you to browse the shops and fill your nostrils with delicious aromas ! Between the artisan cheese shop, the charcuterie and the caterers ready to prepare your evening meal, you’ll have no trouble filling your stomach.
To finish on a sweet note, don’t forget to visit the shops selling berlingots, the legendary sweets of Cauterets, where you can learn about how they are made locally and their history.
movie night at the Esplanade des Œufs
Fancy a cosy evening ? Head to the cinema ! The latest releases are showing at the Esplanade des Oeufs cinema. What better way to end a day full of discoveries!
Funny story, this cinema is located on the site of the village’s former casino. If you look closely, you can still see the remains of some of the machines.
Thematics
