December outdoor weekend: 5 micro-adventures to do before Christmas

December often means a flurry of activity and pre-holiday stress. But what if, before diving into the whirlwind of the holidays, you treated yourself to a real nature break? A short but intense outdoor weekend to recharge your batteries. The weekends of December 14-15 and 21-22 are still available. It's the perfect time for a micro-adventure: those short but authentic getaways that transform 48 hours into unforgettable memories. At WildTactic, we know that the best stories are written when you choose adventure over routine. And a bonus for 2025: this winter is exceptionally mild! With temperatures of 10-12°C in the Vosges Mountains and only slightly lower in the High Fens, the conditions are ideal for getting outdoors... even for those who are sensitive to the cold!
Here are five ideas for accessible outdoor weekends, which can be tried before Christmas.

1. Hiking in the Vosges or High Fens (beginner friendly)

Duration: 1 day | Difficulty: Easy | Budget: €30-50

With current temperatures , December 2025 offers perfect hiking conditions: neither too hot nor too cold, and very few people on the trails. Forget snowshoes this year: the paths are suitable for regular hiking boots.

For Belgians and northern French residents: The High Fens also enjoy this mild climate, just a touch cooler. The wild plateau between Belgium and Germany remains mysterious with its peat bogs and heaths, but without the usual biting cold. Walks around the Signal de Botrange or along the boardwalks are particularly pleasant at this time of year.

Suggested routes:

• Vosges: Tour of the lakes (Longemer, Retournemer, Gérardmer) - 12 km, 3h30
• High Fens: Fens Walk (8 km, 2h30) or Vecquée Circuit (6 km, 2h)

Minimum equipment: Waterproof hiking boots (no snow expected, but wet terrain), windproof jacket, small scarf, light mid-layer, thermos and backpack.

Why now? Enjoy this unexpectedly mild winter before the real cold arrives (or not!). The landscapes remain wintry, but walking is a real pleasure.

2. Forest camping near you (even more accessible this year)

Duration: 1 night | Difficulty: Moderate | Budget: €0-30

With nighttime temperatures remaining above zero in most regions, it's the perfect opportunity to try winter bivouacking, without the usual extreme harshness.

Concept: Leave in the late afternoon (4:30 pm), find the best spot, set up camp, light a fire if permitted, cook on a camping stove, enjoy a mild winter evening, sleep comfortably and return Sunday morning.

Advantages: The mild conditions make this experience perfect for beginners. No risk of severe frost, no battle against extreme cold: just the essentials of a bivouac adventure.

Regulations: Bivouacking is generally tolerated in forests between 7pm and 9am. Golden rule: arrive at dusk, leave at dawn, leave no trace... in other words: respect for the environment!

Essential equipment: A 3-season tent will suffice this year, 0°C comfort sleeping bag (no need for -10°C!), standard mattress, stove, headlamp.

Take advantage of this mild winter to get started without the fear of the cold. It's the perfect year to begin.

3. A day of trail running in the Pyrenees (dream conditions)

Duration: 1 day | Difficulty: Moderate to intense | Budget: €80-120

There, the cold bites a little more, but remains largely bearable and above seasonal norms. The Pyrenees in December, with this mild winter, are a trail runner's paradise : clear trails, perfect running temperatures (8-12°C), unobstructed views, and no crowds.

Ideal spots: Cauterets, Pont d'Espagne, Lac de Gaube. Or Vallée d'Ossau for less technical routes.

Typical program: 8am start of trail run (12-18 km depending on level), 12pm picnic at altitude, 2pm leisurely descent, 3pm-6pm optional thermal baths (but so pleasant), 7pm mountain meal.

Why is this exceptional this year? Normally in December, some trails are snow-covered or icy. This year, they are passable without special equipment. A real boon!

4. A night in an unguarded mountain refuge (unexpected thermal comfort)

Duration: 1 night | Difficulty: Intermediate | Budget: €10-20

Unguarded mountain huts are small cabins open year-round. With the current mild weather, you can even enjoy them without lighting the stove too much (or just for the ambiance).

Where to find them? App "Refuges.info" or website "Chemineur.fr".

Important information: No warden = you are self-sufficient. Basic bedding is provided (usually camp beds) but of course, bring your own sleeping bag!

The experience: Hike to the refuge (2-4 hours), settle in, make a fire for ambiance, cook, listen to music, play cards, drink tea, and enjoy the peace and quiet. With mild temperatures, the experience is less strenuous but just as authentic.

5. Bushcraft weekend: perfect conditions for learning

Duration: 2 days | Difficulty: Beginner | Budget: €0-150

The mild winter is ideal for developing your bushcraft skills without suffering from extreme cold.

Option A - Discovery Course: Introductory courses on weekends (fire, shelters, orientation), subject to instructor and school availability. Current conditions make learning more enjoyable.

Option B - Personal training session: Find an authorized wood and practice: fire techniques (even with wet wood), shelter construction, initial understanding of map reading, knots, bushcraft cooking.

Why is this smart now? You face the challenges of winter (short days, humidity, wet wood) without the paralyzing cold. Optimal learning... and gentle, like the weather!

How to choose YOUR micro-adventure?

Complete beginner? → Hiking in the Vosges/Fagnes or bushcraft training
A little experience? → Bivouac nearby (perfect conditions this year!)
Already experienced? → Pyrenees trail or unguarded mountain refuge
With children? → Garden camping or shorter walks in the High Fens
Unpredictable weather? → Bushcraft training in a protected forest

The quick checklist

One week before: Weather (keep an eye on the mild temperatures!), equipment check, route
The day before: Pack your bag, your groceries, and check the actual temperatures. Remember, don't rely solely on the forecast temperatures; pay attention to the perceived temperature as well!
On site: Arrive before 4:30pm, dress appropriately (not too warm!),... and enjoy!

Why leave now?

Because this winter of 2025 is a rare opportunity . Mild conditions that make winter outdoor activities accessible to everyone, even those who are sensitive to the cold.

Because December remains underrated . Despite the mild weather, the trails are deserted: people still think it's too cold.

Because you deserve it . Before the Christmas rush, treat yourself to this moment of freedom.

At WildTactic, we equip those who seize opportunities. This mild winter is perfect for testing gear, developing skills, or simply enjoying nature without extreme constraints. So, this weekend, are you taking advantage of this exceptional winter weather? Happy adventures!