Ski Touring Accessible to All

Ski touring, also known as alpine or mountain skiing, has a rich history filled with adventure. It combines the thrill of physical effort with the joy of gliding. For mountain enthusiasts, it’s a return to nature—a balance of challenge and serenity, far from ski lifts.

However, this activity requires basic mountain knowledge, which can sometimes limit access for some athletes.

To meet the growing demand from ski touring enthusiasts, many French ski resorts have created dedicated, secure areas. These include rando-parks, ski fitness zones, and marked routes, offering all outdoor lovers the full ski touring experience.

AYAQ has selected its TOP 10 French ski resorts with dedicated ski touring areas:

TOP 1:  La Rosière

Since 2015, La Rosière ski area offers 3 permanent ski touring routes: L’Hermine, Le Roc, and Serge. These marked trails allow beginners to safely discover the sport. Introductory courses are available through Evolution 2 or ESF.

TOP 2:  La Plagne

Located in the Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne offers the most marked and secure ski touring routes. Seven itineraries range from beginner to expert: 3 easy, 2 intermediate, and 2 difficult. Highlights include forest trails, stunning Mont Blanc views, and descents on both pistes and off-piste.

TOP 3:  Arêches-Beaufort

Arêches-Beaufort is renowned for hosting the iconic Pierra Menta ski mountaineering race. It was also among the first resorts to dedicate circuits for all levels. Beginners can start on “La Trace Bleue,” improve on “La Trace Rouge,” or push limits on “La Trace Pro.” Make your own tracks.

TOP 4:  La Chartreuse

La Chartreuse was one of the first areas to offer marked and secure ski touring routes. The Scia trail is popular and suitable for all levels, featuring 4 secondary routes. Caution is advised not to leave the marked path during ascent due to nearby rock faces.

Start from the ski touring area in the Raidlight-Vertical building and finish at the resort summit. Descents can be made on blue, red, or black pistes.

TOP 5:  Les Reallons

Home to multiple ski mountaineering world champion Laetitia Roux, Les Reallons offers 4 marked ski touring routes. These feature long forest traverses and wide-open spaces with breathtaking views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières.

TOP 6:  Pralognan La Vanoise

The Vanoise Park is a prime training ground for ski touring. With 2 marked routes near the pistes, you can enjoy a detox in nature. Choose the beginner-friendly Rosset route or the altitude access via Moriond.

TOP 7:  Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Iconic Chamonix attracts skiers worldwide. Known for its pistes, it now offers 4 secure ski touring routes: Les Houches, Les Grands Montets, the Charamillon circuit, and Les Posettes. The most popular is Les Houches, ideal for beginners staying close to pistes. Multiple exit options suit different goals. Descents follow ski runs.

TOP 8:  Puy Saint Vincent

Puy Saint Vincent offers the “Rando Ski de Pré Rouge” route to discover and learn ski touring. The trail progresses through forest and along a ridge with panoramic views. Beginners are advised to stop around 2000m altitude, as the final section to Rocher Noir summit is more technical. The full ascent gains nearly 1000m elevation.

TOP 9:  Les Arcs

This Savoyard resort offers 3 routes dedicated to ski touring discovery: La Trace (Arc 1600), Les Tétras (Arc 1800), and Les Verdaches - Peisey-Vallandry. The Big Up&Down event gathers enthusiasts for challenges, introductions, and free demos.

TOP 10:  Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier ranks in the top 10, having hosted the first Ski Mountaineering World Championships in 2002. The resort offers one free marked route and many others with guides.

Overview of Ski Touring and Essential Gear at La Plagne

Thanks to the efforts of these resorts, you can experience all the thrills of ski touring on marked, secure trails. Note that in France, ski touring outside designated routes is prohibited.

Always check weather and snow conditions before heading out. Proper equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable outing.

We hope this TOP 10 guide inspires your next mountain ski touring adventures!