Top 10 French Resorts Opening Ski Touring Areas
Ski Touring Accessible to Everyone!
Ski touring has been gaining popularity recently, yet it is a historic discipline with a rich legacy of adventure. Also known as alpine touring or mountain skiing, it combines the thrill of effort and gliding. For mountain enthusiasts, it’s a return to nature—a balance of exertion and serenity, far from ski lifts.
One thing is certain: 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 developed dedicated, secure areas. These take the form of rando-parks, ski fitness zones, or marked routes, offering all outdoor lovers the full ski touring experience.
AYAQ has selected the TOP 10 French ski resorts with dedicated ski touring areas:
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 offer circuits for all levels. Beginners can try the “Blue Track,” improve on the “Red Track,” or challenge themselves on the “Pro Track.” Make your own tracks!
TOP 4: La Chartreuse
Chartreuse was one of the first to offer marked and secure ski touring routes. The Scia route is popular and suitable for all levels, featuring 4 secondary trails. Caution is advised not to leave the marked path during ascent due to nearby rock faces.
The route starts at the ski touring area in the Raidlight-Vertical building and finishes 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 trails feature long forest traverses and expansive open spaces with breathtaking views over Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Chabrières Needles.
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 combine detox time with pure nature. Try the beginner-friendly Rosset or the altitude route 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 the pistes. Multiple exit options suit different goals. Descents are on ski runs.
TOP 8: Puy Saint Vincent
Puy Saint Vincent offers the “Rando Ski de Pré Rouge” route to discover and initiate ski touring. The trail passes through forest and along a ridge with stunning views. Beginners are advised to stop around 2000m altitude, as the final section to Rocher Noir summit is more technical, with nearly 1000m of positive elevation gain.
TOP 9: Les Arcs
This Savoie 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 ski touring enthusiasts for challenges, introductions, and free demos.
TOP 10: Serre Chevalier
We can’t finish without mentioning Serre Chevalier, which 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 work of these resorts, you can enjoy all the sensations of ski touring on marked, secure trails. Note that in France, ski touring outside designated routes is prohibited.
Remember to always check weather and snow conditions before heading out. Proper equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
We hope this TOP 10 guide inspires your next mountain outings and ski touring adventures!
