Ski touring accessible to all
Ski touring is a historic sport with a long history of adventure. Ski touring, also known as ski mountaineering or ski mountaineering, combines the pleasure of effort and gliding. For mountain lovers, it's a return to their roots, in harmony with Mother Nature, a balance between effort and fulfillment, far from the ski lifts.
One thing is certain, this activity requires a minimum of knowledge of the mountains and sometimes limits some athletes from going on an adventure.
That's why, to meet the growing demand of ski touring enthusiasts, many French ski resorts have stepped up and opened dedicated areas to the public for safe skiing. These spaces take the form of ski touring parks, ski fitness, or marked trails to offer all lovers of the great outdoors the thrills of ski touring.
AYAQ has selected its TOP 10 French ski resorts that are opening ski touring areas:
TOP 1: The Rosière
The La Rosière ski area has offered three permanent ski touring trails since 2015: the Hermine, Roc, and Serge trails. These three marked routes allow beginners to discover the activity safely. Introductory courses are available from Evolution 2 or the ESF.
TOP 2: La Plagne
Located in the Tarentaise Valley, this resort offers the most marked and secure trails for ski touring. Seven routes range from beginner to advanced: three easy, two intermediate, and two difficult. The bonus? Forest trails, breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, and descents both on and off-piste.
TOP 3: Arêches-Beaufort
The Arêches-Beauford resort is a must-see, as it hosts the most iconic ski mountaineering race in the world: La Pierra Menta!
It's also one of the first resorts to have dedicated trails for all levels. You'll enjoy learning ski touring with the "La Trace Bleue" route, perfecting your skills with "La Trace Rouge," or pushing your limits with "La Trace Pro." It's up to you to make your own tracks.
TOP 4: The Chartreuse
The Chartreuse ski area was one of the first to offer marked and secure ski touring trails. The Scia is a very popular route and suitable for all levels, as it contains four secondary trails. Be careful, however, not to leave the trail during the ascent, as there are rocky ledges in the surrounding area.
The ski touring area starts at the Raidlight-Vertical building and finishes at the top of the resort. The descent is possible on blue, red, or black runs.
TOP 5: The Reallons
This is the resort of multiple world ski mountaineering champion Laetitia Roux! The Réallons resort offers 4 marked ski touring routes. The trails 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 of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières .
TOP 6: Pralognan La Vanoise
La Vanoise National Park is also a must-see and a superb training ground for ski touring. With these two marked trails close to the slopes, you can combine a detox moment with nature. Check out the introductory trail at Le Rosset or the high-altitude access trail at Le Moriond.
TOP 7: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The iconic Chamonix Valley attracts skiers of all nationalities. Well-known for its ski slopes, it now boasts four safe ski touring routes: Les Houches, Les Grands Montets, the Charamillon tour, and Les Posettes. The most popular route is Les Houches, with an ideal route for beginning the activity without straying too far from the slopes. Several escape routes are possible depending on each individual's goals. The descent is via the ski slopes.
TOP 8: Puy Saint Vincent
The Puy Saint Vincent resort offers a route called "Rando Ski de Pré Rouge" to discover and learn the pleasures of ski touring. The route progresses both in the forest and along a ridge line with breathtaking views. Note that for those taking an introductory route, it is recommended to stop around 2000m above sea level. Indeed, the rest of the route includes a more technical section to reach the summit of Rocher Noir, which also marks the end of the climb. In total, there is almost 1000m of elevation gain.
TOP 9: Les Arcs
This Savoyard resort offers 3 trails specifically dedicated to discovering ski touring: La Trace (Arc 1600), Les Tétras (Arc 1800) and Les Verdaches - Peisey-Vallandry. Also check out the event: the Big Up&Down which brings together all lovers of this activity around challenges, initiations and free demonstrations.
TOP 10: Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is obviously in the top 10. The resort hosted the first World Ski Mountaineering Championships in 2002. The resort offers one free marked trail and many others with guides.
Overview of ski touring and the necessary equipment in La Plagne
Thanks to the work of the resorts, you'll experience all the thrills of ski touring while staying on a marked and safe trail. For your information, it is illegal in France to practice ski touring outside of designated trails.
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 your trip takes place in perfect conditions.
We hope you enjoyed this TOP 10 and that it will guide you for your next mountain outings and ski touring excursions!