The cross-country skiing guide in France: where to ski this winter?

The cross-country skiing guide in France: where to ski this winter?

Cross-country skiing is the call of the great outdoors, an escape into pristine landscapes, the rhythm of gliding steps on the snow. It is a practice where effort and contemplation intertwine, where one traverses silent forests and sunlit plateaus. 

For those looking to rediscover the mountains in a different way, here is a guide to the best spots to hit the Nordic slopes in France. 

The high plateaus and snowy forests: a total immersion in nature

1. The Jura massif: the Nordic spirit in its purest form

With over 1,000 km of marked trails, the Jura is a land of Nordic skiing par excellence. The vast expanses of the Haut-Jura offer routes that wind through fir forests and panoramic ridges. Notably, you can find:

• Prémanon – Les Rousses, an emblematic station where seasoned athletes and long-distance enthusiasts meet.

• La Chapelle-des-Bois, one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing sites in France, with its open valleys and varied routes.

• the crossing of the Jura by ski, an adventure for those who want to cover dozens of kilometers independently.

2. The Vercors: a grand and wild setting

A true fortress of nature, the Vercors is home to one of the most beautiful cross-country ski networks in France. Here you will find:

• Autrans – Méaudre, a reference for skiers, with 200 km of slopes and an authentic Nordic atmosphere.

• Font d’Urle – warm rabbit hutch, a less frequented but wild spot, perfect for total immersion.

3. the Beille plateau: the Scandinavia of the Pyrenees

This plateau, perched at an altitude of 1,800 meters, often compared to the landscapes of the great north, is the largest Nordic area in the Pyrenees. With its 70 km of slopes, it offers an ideal terrain for all levels and a breathtaking view of the Pyrenean mountain range.

the alpine stations: when the Nordic meets the grandiose

1. The seizures: the exceptional Olympic site

An emblematic station of the Albertville 1992 Olympic Games, the slopes offer 120 km of pistes with a panoramic view of Mont Blanc. The site is ideal for skiers looking for a sporty atmosphere in an exceptional setting.

2. Bessans: Nordic excellence in high Maurienne

Nestled at an altitude of 1,750 meters, Bessans is a popular destination for cross-country skiing. Its exceptional snow cover and 130 km of trails make it an ideal playground for sliding enthusiasts and competitors.

3. Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz: the art of combining tradition and performance

These two neighboring resorts offer an excellent Nordic area with varied routes through forests, clearings, and alpine panoramas. A perfect spot to combine cross-country skiing and the discovery of Savoyard heritage.

Cross-country skiing and immersion: unique places for a unique experience

1. Le Queyras: a preserved gem

With its 200 km of trails, Queyras offers Nordic skiing in the heart of preserved landscapes. The routes allow you to explore typical villages such as Saint-Véran and Ceillac, while gliding through wild and protected nature.

2. La Bresse in the Vosges: authenticity and accessibility

In an enchanting forest setting, the trails of La Bresse offer accessible and family-friendly Nordic skiing, with varied routes between rolling landscapes and dense forests.

What type of cross-country skiing to choose? classic or skating?

• Classic skiing, closer to Nordic walking, is ideal for beginners and those seeking a contemplative experience.

• Skating, more dynamic and physically demanding, is for those who love gliding and sustained effort.

How to equip yourself well?

To fully enjoy cross-country skiing, it is essential to equip yourself with suitable clothing:

• Light and breathable jackets, providing good insulation while allowing for ease of movement.

• Thermal underlayers, to stay warm without overheating.

• Technical gloves and hats, essential for facing the cold.

Clothing designed for mobility and the outdoors, like those offered by Pièce Paris, is suitable for facing the cold while maintaining great freedom of movement.

cross-country skiing, an accessible and rejuvenating adventure, whether you seek physical effort or silent contemplation, cross-country skiing is an invitation to rediscover winter in a different way. France offers an incredible diversity of Nordic sites, each with its own character and unique panoramas. So, where will you glide this winter?