Nordic ski resorts
Are you looking for a Nordic ski resort and don't know which one to choose? Every year, cross-country skiing attracts new enthusiasts: the joy of gliding, physical exercise, reconnecting with nature and affordable passes… All reasons that explain the growing enthusiasm for Nordic ski areas. Now all you need to do is find the Nordic ski resort that suits you!
1- Iconic resorts
There are obviously those Nordic ski resorts where you simply must have skied at least once in your life. These are the legendary resorts. The ones that have made history in cross-country skiing or that, due to their location, give you access to those unmissable plateaus beloved by Nordic skiing enthusiasts.
• Les Saisies (Savoie): This is a famous resort, as it hosted the cross-country skiing and biathlon events of the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. The bonus? The incredible view of Mont Blanc from the cross-country ski trails will leave you in awe.
• Sancy (Massif central) : Discover the volcanoes of Auvergne in the largest Nordic ski area in the Massif Central, with its 250 km of trails. The resort is located just 50 minutes by car from Clermont-Ferrand.
2- Perfect resorts for beginners in cross-country skiing
When you're starting out, before tackling the most challenging runs, it can be wise to learn at a resort suited to your level. Here are two technically easy resorts that will be perfect for beginners, introducing friends to the sport or bringing children along
• La Féclaz (Savoie) : This is certainly one of the most technically accessible Nordic ski areas. The forest trails will let you savour the charms of Nordic skiing: the quiet and reconnecting with nature. The blue run La Cavale, which is 6.5 km long, is perfect for gently learning to skate.
• La Clusaz & Grand-Bornand ski resorts (Haute-Savoie) : If La Clusaz is known for families, its Nordic ski area is no exception. It is a friendly resort with a reputation for quality trails. This area is connected to that of Grand-Bornand, which offers many activities to complement your cross-country skiing day.
• Villard-de-Lans/Corrençon (Isère) : This is the ideal resort to discover the Vercors highlands. It is very well laid out but little known, its trails take you from refuge to refuge (Malaterre, Herbouilly...), a well-deserved rest stop before getting back on your skis.
3- Resorts for those seeking a sporting challenge
You're no longer a cross-country skiing newcomer and you'd like to take on a small sporting challenge? While all resorts have long and difficult trails, one trail in particular caught our attention:
• La Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ), 180 km long, links Villers-le-Lac in the Doubs to Giron in the Ain. An unforgettable week-long (or more) adventure along the GTJ. To cross the different resorts on the route, you will need to purchase a weekly "Pass nordique Montagnes du Jura", valid for several days.
4- Resorts close to major cities
Proximity to a major city is also a major asset for those who want to ski after work or not drive too many kilometres before reaching the slopes.
• Autrans-Méaudre (Isère) : 115 km of trails, 45 minutes by car from Grenoble.
• Plateau de Retord (Ain) : a great way to escape into nature less than 1 hour from Lyon.
• Le plateau des Glières (Haute-Savoie) : a paradise for cross-country skiing, 30 minutes from Annecy.
5. The best resorts for trying biathlon
Biathlon is a discipline that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. A complete sport that requires both endurance and concentration. While many Nordic ski resorts have a biathlon shooting range, three in particular caught our attention.
• Lac Blanc (Vosges) : The Nordic Park at this resort lets you try biathlon (on days when the weather permits).
• Font-Romeu (Pyrénées) : Follow in the footsteps of local champion Martin Fourcade on the eponymous biathlon stadium — introductory sessions are available to book!
• Autrans-Méaudre (Isère) : Passe Montagne is a partner of Altitude Biathlon. Nicolas and his team offer private lessons, seminars and stays to experience Biathlon like never before! Special offer available on the Passe Montagne mobile app.
