Ski touring accessible to all!
Ski touring is a popular activity these days. However, this practice is historical and leaves behind a long story of adventure. Ski touring, also known as ski mountaineering or mountain skiing, combines the pleasure of effort and gliding. For mountain lovers, it is a return to the roots, in symbiosis with Mother Nature, a balance between effort and fullness, far from the ski lifts.
One thing is sure, this activity requires a minimum knowledge of the mountain and sometimes limits some sportsmen to go on an adventure.
This is why, to meet the growing needs of ski touring enthusiasts, many French ski resorts have mobilized and opened to the public dedicated areas to practice in complete safety. These areas take the form of ski-park, ski fitness or marked trails to offer all lovers of wide open spaces, the sensations of ski touring.
AYAQ has selected for you the TOP 10 French ski resorts that open ski touring areas :
TOP 1: La Rosière
The ski area of La Rosière offers 3 permanent ski touring courses since 2015. The course at l'Hermine, du Roc or at Serge. These 3 marked itineraries allow beginners to discover the activity in complete safety. The possibility to do initiation courses is proposed by Evolution 2 or ESF.
TOP 2: La Plagne
Situated in the Tarentaise valley, it is the resort that offers the most marked and safe routes for ski touring. 7 itineraries from beginners to experienced skiers: 3 easy, 2 intermediate and 2 difficult. Bonus ? Trails in the forest, a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc, descents both on and off-piste.
TOP 3: Arêches-Beauford
The resort of Arêches-Beauford is a must, since it organizes the most emblematic ski mountaineering race in the world: La Pierra Menta!
It is also one of the first stations to have dedicated circuits for all levels. You will enjoy learning to ski touring with the itinerary of "La Trace Bleue", to improve your skills with "La Trace Rouge" or to go beyond your limits with "La Trace Pro". It's up to you to make your own tracks!
TOP 4: La Chartreuse
The resort of la Chartreuse was one of the first to offer marked and safe ski touring routes. La Scia is a very often used itinerary adapted to all levels since it contains 4 secondary courses. Be careful however not to leave the trail during the ascent as there are rocky bars in the surrounding area.
The departure is from the ski-de-rando area located in the Raidlight-Vertical building and the arrival at the top of the resort. The descent can be done on blue, red or black runs.
TOP 5: Les Reallons
Here is the resort of the multiple world champion of ski mountaineering: Laetitia Roux ! The resort of Les Reallons, offers 4 marked ski touring itineraries. The routes have all the characteristics that a ski touring enthusiast is looking for: Long crossings in the forest as well as wide open spaces with breathtaking views over the lake of Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières..
TOP 6: Pralognan La Vanoise
La Vanoise Park is also a must-see place and a superb training ground for ski touring. With these 2 marked trails close to the slopes, you will be able to combine detox and nature. Find the initiation course of Rosset or the access altitude with the Moriond!
TOP 7: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Iconic, the Chamonix valley attracts all skiers and all nationalities. Very well known for its ski slopes, it now has 4 secure itineraries for ski touring: les Houches, les Grands Montets, le tour Charamillon or les Posettes. The most popular itinerary is that of Les Houches with an ideal route to start the activity without going too far from the slopes. Several escape routes are possible depending on the objectives of each person. The descent is via the ski slopes.
TOP 8: Puy Saint Vincent
The Puy Saint Vincent resort offers an itinerary called "Rando Ski de Pré Rouge" to discover and learn about the pleasures of ski touring. The itinerary can be done in the forest as well as on a ridge line with a breathtaking view. Please note that for people doing an initiation course, it is recommended to stop around 2000m of altitude. Indeed, a more technical part of the route is reserved to reach the summit of the Rocher Noir, which also marks the end of the ascent. In the end, it is almost 1000m of positive difference in altitude.
TOP 9: Les Arcs
This Savoyard resort offers you 3 routes specially dedicated to the discovery of ski touring: La Trace (Arc 1600), Les Tétras (Arc 1800) and les Verdaches - Peisey-Vallandry. You will also find the Big Up&Down event which gathers all the lovers of this activity around challenges, initiations and free demonstrations.
TOP 10: Serre Chevalier
We can't finish this top without telling you about Serre Chevalier, the resort that hosted the first ski mountaineering world championships in 2002. The resort offers you 1 free marked itinerary and many others with a guide.
Overview of ski touring and the necessary equipment in La Plagne
Thanks to the work of the resorts, you will have all the sensations of ski touring while being on a marked trail and in safety. For information, it is forbidden in France to practice ski touring off the trails designed for this activity.
Remember that for each outing, it is essential to be well informed about the weather and snow conditions. It is also important to be properly equipped to ensure that your trip takes place in perfect conditions.
We hope you liked this TOP 10 and that it will guide you for your next mountain and ski touring trips!