Campan. Payolle will go without the Nordic region this winter

As the northern regions of the department gradually open their trails, cross-country skiers will once again have to lay off the Payolle this winter. A choice assumed by the municipality of Campan.

“Winter has gotten shorter in recent years and cross-country skiing activity has dropped dramatically. For such little use, we cannot afford to operate the Nordic area. Slope preparation and safety in the ski area require staff and this comes at a cost. Therefore, we leave the site free this winter and we will only guarantee Parking regulations with setting a penalty for high attendance days, weekends, during holidays”, explains the mayor of Campan, Alexandre Pogo. A situation that could nevertheless develop in the coming years, provided that snow cover is present. To the dismay of regulars, the setting attracts, with a view of the Pic du Midi and a variety of cliffs.

Choose “4 seasons”

While some hoped for a one-off grooming like they did a few years ago, the mayor doesn’t want a half-solution, and as a skate professional himself (he’s a skate coach and school principal). La Mongie), he knows what he’s talking about. “If we do it, we do it right,” he stated, specifying “we are not completely giving up cross-country skiing, we are putting it on standby. At the same time, we are focusing on developing 4 seasons.”, continues Alexandre Pogo.

Concretely, winter in Payolle will be limited to activities like tobogganing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, fat biking, etc.

“In consultation with the social professionals on site, if we have days without snow and with sun, we will carry out the activities offered in the summer such as tree climbing,” the mayor says.

Restaurants and merchants must be present to offer the best welcome to expected visitors in large numbers.

Note that access to Aspin Pass remains closed for the time being due to heavy snow accumulation.