It’s the latest trendy activity for hurtling down the slopes of Peyragudes (Haute-Garonne) with the family! The Pyrenean resort offers both skiers and non-skiers the opportunity to test the Snooc, a strange hybrid machine between sledding and skiing. Inspired by the Paret, a small wooden sled with a runner from Haute-Savoie, the machine, manufactured by a French company, has been modernized to allow its user to be half-seated on a board with one foot on each side , and thus descend the slope using its center of gravity to steer.
“We launched this activity a few years ago, but we are intensifying it this season, because it allows us to diversify the offer with new experiences and best respond to our Familles Plus label,” explains Laurent Garcia, director of Peyragudes . “It’s a time to combine classic skiing and fun activities like Snooc, which gives good sliding sensations. »
Free introductory sessions
Unlike sledding, the Snooc user sits very low and plays with his pelvis to make small turns by acting on the quarter of the ski and skid. Accessible from eight years old, the activity is popular with families and groups of friends, especially after skiing. “It’s similar to sledding, but with the sensations of skiing, even for those who are non-skiers, because you take few risks being low, close to the ground,” assures Mathilde Dorilleau, responsible for activities and events at Peyragudes. “It is easy to handle, even if there is a notion of balance. We offer free initiations two to three times a week, at the foot of the slope. It is also possible to rent one of the 25 Snoocs for an hour in the Peyresourde beginner area, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., for 10 euros. »
For snow sports enthusiasts who are comfortable in Snooc, it is even possible, this season, for 25 euros, to complete 600 meters of altitude difference on one of the two slopes of the resort, supervised by ski instructors. ‘ESF and once the ski lifts are closed.