Cross-country ski resorts: the top Nordic sites

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI RESORTS: THE TOP NORDIC SITES

This winter, you want to share the joys of the snow with your family or friends. To get together! The cross-country ski resorts are ideal for practicing this discipline. Ski areas more particularly dedicated to this practice are spread over the mountain ranges including the Alps and the Pyrenees. They have even been awarded a certification: the Nordic France label. The top 10 Nordic ski areas selected by ski-republic are revealed to you.

1- SUPER BESSE

This resort in the Massif Central, in the Auvergne, is extending its domain around the Lac des Hermines. It holds the Family and Nordic France label. Super Besse brings together several communes in the Massif du Sancy. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the 250 km of trails on each side of the mountain.

2- LES ROUSSES

Located in the Jura, Les Rousses resort is renowned for its Nordic domain. It offers skiers and snowboarders over 200 km of groomed slopes with numerous ski passes so that you can enjoy the setting of the Jura natural park as much as you like. During your stay you will also have the opportunity to take a ride on the Swiss slopes with the Pass'Franco-Suisse.

3- LE GRAND-BORNAND

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you will appreciate the quality of the Grand-Bornand Nordic ski area in Savoie. The 80 km of tracks dedicated to cross-country skiing will give you the opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Aravis massif. On site, you will be able to follow courses to master other Nordic skiing techniques, such as skating or biathlon. It is here that Sylvie Becaert and Roddy Darragon train, who was the first Frenchman to win a medal at the Turin Olympic Games. Le Grand-Bornand hosts the biathlon world cup events.

4- LES SAISIES

Experience cross-country skiing intensely at Les Saisies. This cross-country ski resort is one of the highest in Europe. It culminates between 1650 and 1720 m and boasts no less than 120 kilometres of tracks between forests and breathtaking Mont-Blanc panoramas. You can ski from mid-November to April on these tracks where the events of the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games took place. Les Saisies is one of the most beautiful Nordic sites in France.

5- AVORIAZ

Avoriaz is one of the most popular cross-country ski resorts for snow sports fans. Skiing in Avoriaz allows you to take advantage of the gigantic Portes du Soleil ski area which offers 250 kilometres of slopes. Very well known for its downhill ski slopes, it also has 39 kilometres of cross-country ski runs with guaranteed snow cover from November onwards. The 8 runs are marked out according to their difficulty.

6- LA CLUSAZ

Sports Nordic skiing, ecological and within the reach of all those who want to indulge in winter sports in full communion with nature has its resort par excellence: La Clusaz in the Alps has one of the most beautiful cross-country ski areas in the region. On the spot, you can choose between skiing on the Beauregard site with a view of Mont Blanc and the Confins site. In total, there are 100 kilometres of trails, including the Tour du Danay trail to Le Grand-Bornand, another resort renowned for its Nordic skiing area.

7- BESSANS

The resort of Bessans with its 130 kilometres of cross-country ski trails is very popular with biathlon enthusiasts. The trails cover the high plateau of the Maurienne with grandiose spots on the glaciers. The village of Bessans is a paradise for lovers of alternative skiing and skating. Its exceptional snow cover allows you to enjoy the pleasures of skiing from November onwards.

8- PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE

A stay in the resort of Pralognan-la-Vanoise is an opportunity to visit the Tarentaise valley with its 27 kilometres of cross-country ski runs. You can discover this exceptional site on your own by following the marked trails or being accompanied by a guide. If it is not the most extensive ski area for hiking, it is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in France. It is impossible not to fall under the spell of these panoramas and come and visit them in the spring to admire them from a different perspective, taking advantage of the resort's facilities.

9- MEGÈVE

Fir forests as far as the eye can see and sunny landscapes, the very cosy resort of Megève offers 38 kilometres of ski slopes for you to walk around and take the trails with free access from the village or by taking a ski lift pass for those who want to explore the surroundings. Depending on your level, you can choose your own route for a pure moment of escape.

10- PUY-SAINT-VINCENT

The 25 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails in the Puy-Saint-Vincent area will allow you to discover, in particular, the Col de la Pousterle and the Pré Loubet or the Lauzet loop with splendid views over the Durance valley. The trails explore the site set between 1400m and 2044m. Make the most of your stay to try out all the activities offered by these resorts.