Mise à jour le
26.11
2024
Mountain activities
Each sport has its own favourite spots! When it comes to cross-country skiing, there's no shortage of emblematic sites in the French mountains. Whether you're looking for a high-profile venue or the birthplace of champions, whether you're looking for a small, up-and-coming resort or a confidential one, the possibilities are endless. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the many benefits of Nordic skiing.
Cross-country skiing highlights
Jura Mountains - Lake Lamoura: start of the Transjurassienne race
The legendary cross-country ski race in the Jura Mountains needs no introduction. Every year, 2,000 cross-country skiers set off on the 68 km Transju cross-country race, skating or alternating. No wonder so many cross-country ski enthusiasts flock to this legendary venue in the forests of the Jura!
Les Confins Nordic ski area in La Clusaz, Haute Savoie
On the Aravis plateau in Haute-Savoie, the site is adored by skiers and snowboarders alike, but is nonetheless an exceptional place for all profiles, from beginner to expert. Haute-Savoie's most popular Nordic ski area, its 63 km of trails have hosted World Cup events for many years. It also has a 7 km link with the neighboring Grand-Bornand Nordic area.
La Clusaz © David Machet
Also in Haute-Savoie: the Contamines Nordic ski area. 25 km of pistes await you in the exceptional setting of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Biathlon stadium, night run, family runs - it's all here. More and more clubs and pros are training on this Nordic site. What's more? In summer, Nordic activity doesn't stop, with a wheel-ski run for practice on tarmac!
Les Saisies in Savoie
Home of the Nordic disciplines for the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games, the Nordic ski area boasts an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc. With 120 km of Nordic trails, there's something for every level. Contemplative skiers will be delighted by the scenery, while sports enthusiasts will find a playground to match their desires. It's also one of the highest Nordic areas in the area, which means it enjoys top-quality snow cover.
Les Saisies © B.Bernaert
But also in Savoie: Savoie Grand Revard, one of the most popular sites in France, with its 3 gateways that enable it to reach all skiers and snowboarders from Chambéry to Aix-les-Bains (La Féclaz, Le Revard, St François de Sales).
Villard-de-Lans/Corrençon in Isère
On the Vercors mountain in Isère, the Villard de Lans/Corrençon Nordic ski area needs no introduction. With 155 km of trails, sometimes in the forest in trapper mode, sometimes on the high plateaus with exceptional views of the Moucherolle, you're sure to feel like you're in the Great White North. It's not for nothing that Martin Fourcade has settled here.
Villard-de-Lans/Corrençon © Stéphanie Charles
Also: the Nordic Park at L'Arselle in Chamrousse, with 9 cross-country ski trails and a Nordic boardercross course. It's original!
Font-Romeu in Pyrenees
Home to champion Martin Fourcade, Font Romeu is a benchmark resort for cross-country skiing. Its Nordic site offers 103 km of trails with 22 loops for all levels of skiers and cross-country skiers.
The Sancy in the Massif Central
With its 9 gateways to the Massif Central, the Sancy is one of France's top 10 Nordic sites. There are 250 km of trails to be enjoyed in the forests, plateaus and ancient volcanoes. Spread over two slopes, starting points include Super Besse and Mont Dore. Whether skating or alternating, nature is waiting to welcome you.
Lac Blanc in the Vosges
67 km of slopes in the magnificent Vosges forests - what more could you ask for? This is one of the most dynamic resorts in the Grand Est region, with exceptional panoramic views over the crests.
© OT Station Lac Blanc
There's also the La Bresse Nordic ski area, which is highly regarded by beginners.
A few confidential Nordic nuggets not to be missed
The real thing: Champsaur Valgaudemar in the Hautes-Alpes
With its many authentic little villages deep in the valley, lovers of nature and cross-country skiing will not be disappointed. With 130 km of trails in 4 areas, you'll feel like you're at the end of the world in this exceptional setting.
The unusual: Nâves in Savoie
For a more intimate atmosphere, but still surrounded by magnificent scenery, head for Nâves, nestled in a secluded valley... From here, a veritable playground is available to seasoned cross-country skiers and novices alike, in an enchanting Savoy setting. What's more, the highest slope rises to 2085m for a breathtaking panorama of the Lauzière, Beaufortain and Vanoise mountains.
The dynamic: Bellevaux les Mouilles in Haute-Savoie
This small resort in the Lake Geneva Alps has a reputation for conviviality. And with good reason! In addition to the weekly evening events, Martine, who is in charge of the cross-country clubhouse, offers crêpes and waffles for cross-country skiers, and organizes numerous events to keep skiers happy.
The most... Nordic: Hauteville in Ain
In addition to being the site of champion Simon Desthieux, the 53 km of slopes offer a true Far North welcome, with a wellness area featuring Swedish baths and saunas.
