In previous blog articles, we shared several winter ideas for those who prefer indoor activities. This time, the focus shifts outdoors. The Neuchâtel region currently offers a range of accessible outdoor experiences — from sledging and skating to guided evening walks. Activities that can be enjoyed alone, as a couple or with the family, and that make the most of winter in the open air.
If you’re staying in Neuchâtel, Hôtel Beaulac is a convenient starting point: close to transport, comfortable when you return, and with dining available on site.
Online bookings: beaulac.ch
Phone: +41 32 723 11 11
1. Treasure Hunt & Chocolate Fondue – La Brévine
In La Brévine, a winter walking trail is combined with an outdoor game marked by clues and signs. Once the route is completed, participants receive a small reward and a chocolate fondue served in a local restaurant.
Location: La Brévine
Recommended duration: approx. 2 hours
Price: CHF 13.– per person
Languages: FR / DE
Booking: at least 24 hours in advance via the Hôtel de Ville de La Brévine
📌 Good to know: The activity is only available if the winter trail “La Brévine – Lac des Taillères” is groomed. Checking the snow report is essential.
📞 +41 32 938 20 00
✉️ info@labrevinehoteldeville.ch
2. Sledging in La Robella – Buttes
For a simple and lively outing, the sledging run at La Robella is a good option. A chairlift takes you to the top without effort, and the descent drops 452 metres down to Buttes. Suitable for beginners as well as those who prefer a faster pace.
Location: La Robella – Val-de-Travers
Length: 5 km
Duration: approx. 45 minutes
Sledge rental: CHF 12.– / day
📌 A helmet is recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
📞 +41 32 862 22 22
🌐 robella.ch
3. Outdoor Ice Skating – Savagnier
In the Val-de-Ruz, the open-air ice rink in Savagnier provides a simple, friendly setting. Surrounded by trees, it’s suitable for daytime or evening skating. Entry is very affordable, and skate rental is free.
Location: Savagnier
Price: CHF 2.– adults / CHF 1.– children, students, seniors
Skate rental: free
On-site services: snacks, toilets, parking, equipment hire
✉️ secretariat@patinoire-savagnier.ch
🌐 patinoire-savagnier.ch
4. Night Snowshoe Walk with a Guide – Val-de-Travers (Couvet)
For those who want to enjoy winter in the evening, a guided snowshoe walk departs from Couvet. It begins with a small snack at Hôtel de l’Aigle before the group travels to the chosen site, depending on snow conditions. The route covers around 4 km, with regional tastings and local anecdotes along the way.
Meeting point: Hôtel de l’Aigle, 2108 Couvet
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Price: CHF 46.– (snowshoe rental + CHF 20.–)
Options: fondue or mountain dish (+CHF 25.–)
📌 Warm clothing and a headlamp required.
📞 +41 32 864 90 50
5. Skating on the Lac des Taillères – La Brévine
During very cold periods, the Lac des Taillères becomes a natural ice rink. It’s possible to skate, walk or play hockey in a quiet, open landscape — one of the most characteristic winter experiences in the valley.
Location: Lac des Taillères
Skate rental (max 1h): CHF 5.–
⚠ Important: The thickness of the ice is not monitored. Visitors skate entirely at their own risk. Checking conditions is essential.
A Practical Stay at Hôtel Beaulac
Located on the lakeside in Neuchâtel, Hôtel Beaulac is well placed for reaching winter activities across the region. After a day outdoors:
Dinner at the Lake Side Restaurant,
A drink at the Waves Rooftop Bar,
Or a quiet evening in a comfortable room.
📍 Easy access by train from Zurich, Geneva, Lyon or Paris
🚆 Regional connections to many activity sites
🍽️ Local cuisine within walking distance
👉 Bookings: beaulac.ch or +41 32 723 11 11
This is only a small selection. The official Jura–Trois-Lacs (J3L) website lists many more options: cross-country skiing, winter hiking, family activities, seasonal events and more. All information: www.j3l.ch/fr
