Why not take advantage of this particular winter to practice ski touring? Despite Coronavirus, skis and sealskins are just waiting for you! Of course, you won’t have access to the ski lifts, but the snow is there! Ski touring is one of the best alternatives to downhill skiing. Of course, we remind you that caution is always required when practicing activities such as this one. A disaster can happen quite quickly in the mountains, and you have to keep in mind that safety is the watchword. Be sure to ask a specialized guide before you set off. Here are our top 10 of the best ski touring resorts in France.
Le Sauze, an ideal family resort for ski touring
In the heart of the Ubaye Valley, a small family ski resort awaits you to discover a luxurious and preserved nature. The Sauze ski resort offers you three ski touring itineraries. The trails are marked out, and different circuits and slopes are possible depending on the level. The slopes are never very far, which will reassure beginners. The duration of the itineraries varies between 2 and 3 hours. A breathtaking view of the domain will be your reward on arrival.
La Plagne, discovering Savoie
La Plagne is a paradise for ski lovers. Usually, the famous Savoyard resort provides users of its domain with 7 marked itineraries. They range from easy for beginners to difficult for experienced skiers. For downhill, you have the choice between the off-piste or the beautifully groomed slopes (when the domain is open). With Covid-19, the resort specifies that marked itineraries are closed as long as the ski area is also closed. It’s up to you to take responsibility if you want to venture into the magnificent territory of La Plagne for ski touring.
La Rosière, the right plan for beginners
The resort of La Rosière awaits you for an unforgettable Savoyard stay. It offers you 3 trail for ski touring. They are for beginners as well as more experienced skiers. You will have the choice between :
- The Ermine course: 754m of elevation gain ;
- Serge’s course: 488m of elevation gain;
- The Roc course: 483m of elevation gain for the sportiest who will reach the top of the Roc Noir.
Outings supervised by a qualified instructor are also possible every Tuesday to learn ski touring. You will end this discovery outing with a good Savoyard picnic.
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Val Thorens, a paradise for skiers
Come and discover ski touring in the highest resort in Europe! Surrounded by six glaciers, you will enjoy two options adapted to everyone. The “cardio” version promises you a sporty outing on an open and secure slope every day. To practice this ski fitness, take light equipment and a watch, the rest will happen on your legs and cardio! Every Tuesday, a free initiation is offered to beginners.
The second version is the “contemplative”, a walk at nightfall with pioneers of the station. The ascension lasts one hour, it is accompanied by explanations on the history of Val Thorens. At the top, a mulled wine and a good onion soup are waiting for you, before going down under a starry sky.
Combloux, a multitude of itineraries for ski touring
The resort of Combloux and the “Portes du Mont-Blanc” domain offer mountain lovers 12 marked and secure ski touring itineraries! Whether you want to perform, admire nature or stay in shape, you will find your happiness in this dream spot of ski touring! Calm and plenitude are at your fingertips in this haven of peace dedicated to mountain activities.
Réallon, a spot with a view on the lake of Serre-Ponçon
In the Hautes-Alpes, Réallon welcomes you near Gap to help you discover the joys of ski touring. Go down the snowy slopes and climb the summits, you will make unforgettable memories. You can enjoy them for a day or a morning. This accessible resort offers a breathtaking panorama on the lake of Serre-Ponçon and Chabrières’ needles.
Don’t hesitate to ask about the weather and snow conditions before putting on your skis. In Réallon, there are 4 itineraries available, something to delight the whole family whatever their level.
Puigmal Pyrenees Cerdanya, trail for all levels
The site of Puigmal is a beautiful place in the Pyrenees. No less than 5 marked itineraries are waiting for you! You can choose between :
- The Quiet (2.4 km): for beginners, it will allow you to learn how to practice ski touring in the middle of the forest;
- The Way of Wisdom (4.8 km): a round trip with a gentle slope for intermediate levels, which will take you up to 2212 m of altitude and a view of the Carlit massif ;
- The Forest with no pitfalls (7 km): also for intermediate levels, without any particular technical difficulty, this itinerary will allow you to go down by the old blue track of the resort ;
- The Steep (5,9 km): reserved for the most experienced hikers; the trail requires skills and a higher physical level than the other itineraries ;
- Steep training (20 min) for confirmed hikers: this loop allows the most athletic to train for their races and improve their technical movements.
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Gavarnie Valleys, the perfect place for ski touring enthusiasts
The Gavarnie Valleys are an incredible spot for all ski touring lovers! 10 marked out itineraries are at your disposal to make you discover the Pyrenees as you have never seen them before. The itineraries are spread over the 5 ski areas :
- 2 secured and marked trail at the Grand Tourmalet ;
- 1 secured and marked trail in the Pyrenean resort of Luz Ardiden ;
- 3 trails in Gavarnie-Gèdre, a site renowned for its magnificent circus;
- 3 trails in the Hautacam village resort ;
- 1 trail in the Cauterets resort.
Also read: How to Enjoy the Mountain without Skiing | 12 Activity Ideas
The Chartreuse Massif, the spot for a change of scenery vacations
In the Chartreuse massif, on the border between Isère and Savoie, ski touring is in the spotlight. Itineraries marked out by professionals are accessible and provide you with moments of sport and contemplation. The length of the 4 possible trails varies between 1.2 km and 6.6 km. They start either at Saint Pierre de Chartreuse or at the Col de Porte and take you to the top of La Scia (1789 m) or Chamechaude (2082 m). Enough to spend a relaxing and resourcing vacation in the middle of nature.
The Valley of Munster, a haven of peace in the Vosges Mountains
It is in the heart of the Vosges mountains that you can discover the Valley of Munster. The large snowy spaces welcome you for unique moments of ski touring and other winter activities. In the heart of the Gaschney resort, two marked trails will allow you to practice this relaxing winter sport. The first one is about 1 hour long and starts from Gaschney’s snow line to reach the summit of the Petit Hohneck after 2.8 km. The second begins at the same spot but leads you to the top of the Hohneck; it is more technical.
Ski touring is not lacking in our magnificent French massifs. Beginner or experienced, you will be delighted to take a breath of fresh air in the middle of nature. You and your family can enjoy the pleasures of the snow. If you are looking for other spots to practice unusual activities, download Bobee Spot! The application geolocates you and gives you, in a few seconds, the most incredible spots around you. The Spotters community is waiting for you!