Ski touring accessible to all
Ski touring has a long and storied history. Ski touring, also known as ski mountaineering or mountain skiing, combines the pleasures of effort and gliding. For mountain lovers, it's a return to basics, in symbiosis with Mother Nature, a balance between effort and plenitude, far from ski lifts.
One thing's for sure: this activity requires a minimum of knowledge of the mountains, and sometimes restricts some sportsmen and women from setting off on an adventure.
That's why, in response to the growing demand for ski touring, many French ski resorts have opened up dedicated areas for the public to practice in complete safety. These spaces take the form of rando-parks, ski fitness areas or marked trails to offer all lovers of wide-open spaces the sensations of ski touring.
AYAQ has selected its TOP 10 French ski resorts that are opening ski touring areas:
TOP 1 :Visit Rose
La Rosière ski area has been offering 3 permanent ski touring routes since 2015. The Hermine, Roc and Serge routes. These 3 marked itineraries enable beginners to discover the activity in complete safety. Introductory courses are offered by Evolution 2 or ESF.
TOP 2 :La Plagne
Situated in the Tarentaise valley, this is the resort with the most marked, safe ski touring trails. 7 itineraries from beginner to experienced level: 3 easy, 2 intermediate and 2 difficult. Bonus? Forest trails, breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, downhill runs both on and off-piste.
TOP 3 :Arêches-Beaufort
The resort of Arêches-Beauford is a must, as it hosts the world's most emblematic ski mountaineering race: La Pierra Menta!
It's also one of the first resorts to have dedicated circuits for all levels. You'll enjoy learning to ski-tour with the "La Trace Bleue" itinerary, perfecting your technique with "La Trace Rouge" or pushing your limits with "La Trace Pro". It's up to you to make your own tracks.
TOP 4 :La Chartreuse
The Chartreuse ski area was one of the first to offer safe, signposted ski touring routes. La Scia is a very popular itinerary, suitable for all levels, with 4 secondary routes. Be careful, however, not to leave the trail on the way up, as there are rocky bars in the vicinity.
Departure is from the ski-de-rando area in the Raidlight-Vertical building, and arrival is at the top of the resort. The descent can be made on blue, red or black runs.
TOP 5 :Les Reallons
This is the resort of multiple world ski mountaineering champion Laetitia Roux! The Réallons resort offers 4 marked ski touring itineraries. The routes have all the characteristics that a ski touring enthusiast is looking for: long traverses through the forest and wide-open spaces with breathtaking views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières..
TOP 6 : Pralognan La Vanoise
The Parc de La Vanoise is also a must-see and a superb training ground for ski touring. With these 2 marked trails close to the slopes, you can combine a moment of detox with the great outdoors. Discover the Rosset beginners' trail or the Moriond high-altitude trail.
TOP 7 :Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The iconic Chamonix valley attracts skiers of all nationalities. Well-known for its ski slopes, it now boasts 4 secure ski touring itineraries: Les Houches, Les Grands Montets, Tour Charamillon and Les Posettes. The most popular itinerary is Les Houches, with a route that's ideal for getting started without straying too far from the slopes. Several escape routes are available, depending on your objectives. The descent is via the ski slopes.
TOP 8 :Puy Saint Vincent
The Puy Saint Vincent resort offers a "Rando Ski de Pré Rouge" itinerary to discover and learn about the pleasures of ski touring. The itinerary evolves both in the forest and on a ridgeline with breathtaking views. It's worth noting that for those taking an introductory course, it's advisable to stop at around 2000m altitude. The rest of the route is more technical, leading to the summit of Rocher Noir, which also marks the end of the ascent. All in all, almost 1000m of ascent.
TOP 9 :Les Arcs
This Savoyard resort offers 3 trails specially dedicated to the discovery of ski touring: La Trace (Arc 1600), Les Tétras (Arc 1800) and Les Verdaches - Peisey-Vallandry. There's also the Big Up&Down event, which brings together all ski touring enthusiasts for challenges, initiations and free demonstrations.
TOP 10 :Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is obviously in the top 10. In 2002, the resort hosted the first World Ski Mountaineering Championships. The resort offers 1 free signposted itinerary and many others with guides.
Ski touring overview and equipment at La Plagne
Thanks to the work carried out by our resorts, you can enjoy all the sensations of ski touring while staying on a marked trail in complete safety. For your information, it is forbidden in France to practice ski touring outside the trails designed for this activity.
Remember that for every outing, it's essential to be well informed about the weather and snow conditions. It's also important to be properly equipped to ensure that your outing takes place in perfect conditions.
We hope you've enjoyed this TOP 10 and that it will guide you on your next mountain outings and ski touring excursions!