Mountain and winter sports France

It is the resort of the 4 seasons and the first multi-activity outdoor experience area in the Pyrenees. Puigmal Pyrenees-Cerdagne, a natural setting for environmentally friendly tourism, offers an ideal terrain for the practice of outdoor sports with routes dedicated to trail, ski touring, Nordic walking and mountain biking / EV. In the heart of the Pyrenees-Cerdagne, between 1100 m and 2921 m of altitude, this massif is an emblematic site and a long-standing popular destination on the Catalan and French side. The former ski resort has been successfully converted.

The ski resort of Gerardmer will delight lovers of snow and thrills while adapting to all levels. It has no less than 20 tracks linked by 40 km (one of 3,200 m, the longest in the Vosges), including 20 ski lifts and a snow. Night skiing at lit and sound system 17:00 slopes at 22:00 Tuesday and saturday. Gerardmer train station is classified by Ski France "Club of the Small Mountain Dwellers". This is why it is possible to children to evolve with parents on a sector beginners. Free ski lifts for children under 5 years old.

Above Les Cabannes, on the Beille plateau, lies the first cross-country skiing area in the Pyrenees, also the first snow stadium on a national level. The altitude guarantees one of the best snow conditions. The natural area is preserved and gives off a real breath of pure and invigorating air. A 19 km track runs in a training loop at the end of the plateau. The resort is for all ages. 70 km of Nordic ski trails: 1 green, 4 blue, 5 red, 2 black. 40 km of snowshoeing trails; sledging area. Access from Toulouse by A66 and Foix tunnel.

From Les Carroz 1200, you can choose to ski either on the Les Carroz domain with a "vill4ges" ski pass also giving access to the Morillon-Samoëns, Sixt slopes: 75 runs and 38 lifts; or on the Les Carroz and Flaine domain, in the so-called "Grand Massif" version (the other linked Grand Massif resorts are Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) opening up 139 runs and 5 ski resorts. Direct access to the Grand Massif domains is from Les Carroz 1500 via the Tête des Saix chairlift in just a few minutes, or via the traditional Kédeuse gondola at 1200. Return via the blue Combe or the red Timalets. For fun experiences, Le Grand Massif has got it covered, with 18 specially-designed zones accessible to all, including the Woops on the Coin Coin green run for younger skiers to get their first bumps in complete safety, and the Corbalanche freeride zone for more experienced skiers. Picnic tables, ski lockers with boot warmers... The comfort of skiers first and foremost. Other white activities: 35 km of cross-country trails at Centre Nordique d'Agy (11 km from Les Carroz - free shuttle service) and 17 km at Col de Pierre Carré in Flaine. Telemark and snowpark. For over 10 years, the resort has held the "Famille Plus" label, thanks to its appreciable amenities. What's more, the resort facilitates access to winter sports for people with motor disabilities. Futé loves it!

Put on your lifejacket and let's go! To supervise you: a team of enthusiasts, including Stephan the manager, a true child of water skiing, are waiting to share their love of water sports with you. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to indulge in the joys of parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and towed buoys. There's something for every taste, level and age, from 4 years upwards. Book online

While the resort is renowned for its glacier at 3,600 m, winter offers skiing at all levels, with 2,300 m of vertical drop. Les Deux-Alpes is a ski area with 410 hectares of marked runs for all levels, but the resort's DNA is extreme skiing, with sensations and vertical drops that are unique in the world. The resort is also renowned for its exceptional Freestyle Land and the major events it hosts. The extent of the ski area also allows for off-piste skiing, but always with caution.

Take part in a small-group or family canyoning adventure, exploring Corsica's most picturesque canyons with a certified local guide. A photo/video service is included, allowing you to immortalize your best moments on digital media (USB key, SD card, external hard drive). Choose from the Vacca, Purcaraccia and Polischellu rivers in the Bavella massif, or explore more remote destinations on request, such as the Baracci or Richiusa, for magical moments to suit everyone.

Expénature is the region's most comprehensive leisure facility! It offers a wide range of activities for beginners, as well as half-day, full-day, weekend or longer courses for sports vacations supervised by a state-qualified guide, and rentals for water sports activities. Disciplines on offer: Mountain biking, sea kayaking, paddling, climbing, canyoning, caving, trekking, snorkeling. The must : a weekend of kayaking with an overnight stay aboard a sailboat. Expénature raises environmental awareness.

Oriented towards river and sea activities, the team organizes canyoning, sea kayaking, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and spring sports sports. The supply of the equipment is included. The activities are supervised by professional state-run professionals and the stay is entirely built in the form of multi-week, multi-monthly full-pension activities on all Corsica.

50 kilometres of marked snowshoe trails for all levels await you at the alpine domain as well as at the Nordic domain of Gérardmer. A topo-guide to snowshoeing tours is available at the tourist office, in the Nordic area and in the Alpine area. A great way to discover the area other than skiing. A beautiful moment to share with others, in front of a nature soothed by the snow. On the way, you can stop at an inn to taste a local speciality. A beautiful day in the fresh air guaranteed.

Inaugurated in 1966, the Avoriaz resort innovates by its functional aspect around sports practices with priority given to skiing, families and children who have their village in the centre of the resort. A ski area in the centre of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil. Avoriaz is at the centre of a vast area, linked to Super Morzine, Châtel (from Les Lindarets) and Champéry in Switzerland (via Mosette). It includes 50 runs, 4 snowparks and 4 snowcrosses and benefits from exceptional snow cover from December to April. Avoriaz claims to be a paradise for family skiing on its wide valleys, and for new snow sports with trails through the fir trees. The Stash (created by snowboarder Jake Burton in 2008) is the first 100% natural snowpark in Europe where two types of snowboarding can be found in the same area: free ride and freestyle. A must-see! Cross-country skiing is also possible on 23 km of marked trails through plateaus and forests of conifers and spruces. For non-skiers (or for those who wish to diversify their interests) the off-piste activities are varied: snowshoeing (or walking), dog sledding or horse riding, snow scooters, and even mountain biking on snow... but also paragliding, tobogganing (at night), ski-joëring (pulled by a team), speed riding (skiing with a paraglider) or even heliskiing and skydiving!

Do you want to become a pilot? In the exceptional setting of the ice circuit created in the center of the Alpe d'Huez resort, Evodriver is a driving school offering two activities open to individuals and professionals: ice buggy and car. With the buggy, share a fun and playful moment. In car, two courses with different objectives: on one hand safety, on the other hand sliding on board of cars prepared for the discipline. And to prolong the pleasure, everyone meets in a comfortable chalet at the edge of the circuit.

The ski area of Les Houches/Saint-Gervais is one of the ski areas of the Chamonix Valley. Below 2,000 meters, it's mainly forest terrain, but it's also a technical area where our national teams come to train and where major international competitions are held (notably on the famous "Verte des Houches", a World Cup downhill). Whether you're a family or a fun-loving skier, you'll enjoy the thrills and spills of the Mont-Blanc Massif in this superb area.

Ceillac is an authentic village resort that doesn't try to compete with the big Alpine resorts by remaining "Ceillacool". However, you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports on slopes bordering the highest peaks in the Queyras. The ski area comprises 6 lifts, including 1 chairlift. Good snow cover is guaranteed from the plateau at 1,700 m, with exceptional panoramic views from the summit at 2,500 m. The Nordic ski area is not to be outdone, with 37 km of runs. Nearly 40 km of hiking and snowshoeing trails through the valley.

La Colmiane has a remarkable Via Ferrata, the Baus de la Frema. With a length of 1,600 m and a difference in altitude of 446 m, the route is extremely challenging. The aerial ramps allow you to observe the landscape, and it's not unusual to take breaks to enjoy these moments of communion with nature. It takes around 4h30 to complete the entire route, with varying degrees of difficulty in different parts, including two monkey bridges.

Located 7 km from Gap, at an altitude of 1,250 m, on the RN85 or "Route Napoleon", the Bayard plateau is a major sports and tourist attraction. In winter, 50 km of Nordic trails allow you to skate and classic ski all over the plateau. In the summer, two health courses of 3.5 km and 6 km surround the 18-hole golf course - par 72 of 6,025 m - which offers a real relaxing setting between forests and pastures. Catering and accommodation on site all year round.

Don't resist the call of the slopes! For downhill skiing, Vars is linked to Risoul by the Forêt Blanche ski area. Specialized in speed skiing and strong sensations, this natural resort is made for you. Vars is known for its speed skiing or KL with its Chabrières slope with many records. As part of the new snow sports movement, Vars is recognized as one of the best freeride spots with the mythical couloirs of the Eyssina chain.

A true Canadian northern setting, a wooden building in the middle of the forest: welcome to the Huskies' Farm. And when it snows, it becomes magical! Stéphane Belletier has made his childhood dream of living with his dogs come true here in the Cantal. Each sled can accommodate four people and make 2 to 3 rotations per half-day. Behind 8 to 12 magnificent huskies or alaskan dogs, you will be exhilarated by the speed and the landscapes. Let yourself be tempted by the introductory courses to driving a sled!

Climb to new heights in one of the 30 Climb Up gyms, but especially in the emblematic Gerland gym. Vertical sensations in one of France's largest climbing gyms! Numbers to make you dizzy: 2,500^m2 of climbing space for grades³ to ⁸, 14 m of roof height, 120 rope lines, 200 routes up to 13 m high secured by a rope, 120 boulders for all levels. A gym on a human scale, where beginners and experts share the pleasure of climbing. Children's area, indoor adventure course, fitness area, sauna, on-site catering (picnics accepted)... A real place to live for independent climbers and beginners alike. A benchmark.

Nestled at the foot of the Ecrins National Park, this resort is renowned for its sunshine and the diversity of its ski area. The Serre-Chevalier Nordic ski area crosses all the villages in the valley, offering the chance to discover magnificent runs, 10 km of which are dedicated to skating. During the summer season, Serre-Chevalier offers a variety of activities including a horse riding club, swimming pool, snowmobile excursions and hiking.

The resort covers 4 communes, Les Rousses, Lamouran, Prémanon and Bois d'Amont. People come here primarily for the cross-country skiing area (220 km through enchanted forests), but it should not be forgotten that in the land of the Transjurassienne, people also ski downhill! To begin, park at Les Jouvencelles and discover a ski area that is easy enough for all levels of skiers. For children, a play area at Bois d'Amont allows them to learn the basics: slalom, direct tracks, bumps. Great sensations in prospect!

One of the first French ski lift companies, created in Chamonix, manages 5 sites and high altitude ski areas: 4 in the Chamonix valley and one in the Megève valley. The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc Group has set up a foundation to support development projects on the sites and projects of general interest, and has created a subsidiary: Mont-Blanc Natural Resort, which directly manages lift reservations for all 5 sites. Ski passes on the Mont-Blanc Natural Resort website.

Only a 30-hour drive from Toulouse, the Beille resort offers a total change of scenery. In addition to its stunning view of the Pyrennées, it would appear that the station has a similar fauna and flora to Scandinavia! And the best way to check it is probably a snowshoe trip in the station. Numerous pedestrian routes and snowshoes are marked, from 2,5 km (L'Shaded) to 12 km (L'Bears), at the level of varying difficulty.

Tariff: from 6 € the Pass Day.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: the choice.

A team of guides who organize training courses or day trips to discover the high mountain or ice falls. Introductory and advanced courses will allow you to learn about this activity. With the right training and the right equipment, you will be able to climb icefalls from the very first day. The guides also organise snowshoeing trips, cross-country skiing courses, off-piste alpine skiing trips, ski touring - a trendy activity - and Nordic skiing.

For some years now, global warming has been making itself felt, and the Croix de Bauzon ski area has been having a little trouble keeping the snow cover conducive to winter activities. Of course, the Ardèche mountains are not trying to compare themselves to the Alps or the Pyrenees. But with 9 downhill ski runs, plus a Nordic area between the Croix de Bauzon and the Col de Meyrand, this is a pleasant winter sports resort with modern facilities and magnificent views of the Cévennes. Great hiking in summer.

Cairo in the Alpes-de Haute-Provence also has its impressive vertiginous and aerial monument which is worth the detour, but it is not a large pyramid... No, here it is especially its via ferrata which is worth the detour, not to be missed under any circumstances for thrill-seekers.

Sporty friends, don't hesitate to go on the Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire. Spread out on a 250 m high limestone wall, it includes a 60 m long footbridge. The access is autonomous for the most experienced. For beginners, accompanied by a guide, they can also discover this hike of vertigo. It is necessary to have a strong heart, but the adventure is worth it. Beware! It is dangerous to embark on the via ferrata without suitable alpine equipment and without perfect knowledge of its use. All the necessary equipment can be rented on the spot, by reservation and at very reasonable prices as for the access, taking into account the essential maintenance costs of the site.

Victim of its success, in busy periods, waiting times for equipment are possible. Respect the direction of the itinerary and do not leave it. For reservations and a list of available guides and climbing instructors, contact the Maison du tourisme, which manages this beautiful via ferrata on site. For those who have never been there, don't hesitate to discover it on its particularly well done and detailed website.

A successful mountain vacation starts with the right equipment! In a resort where the mountains are king, here are 5 sports stores to help you live every emotion to the full. A huge sales area with an ever-expanding choice. Sales and rentals: in winter, all ski and snowboard equipment, snowshoes, mountaineering, climbing and telemark equipment; in summer, downhill mountain bikes, via ferrata and hiking equipment. Genuine specialists, ready to listen to your needs and desires, so you can set off to conquer the mountains.

Experience the thrill of the DéVal'cable in the Val d'Azun valley, the largest Nordic area in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This giant zip-line offers a 300-meter descent and is open to people weighing over 25 kg. Offering a magnificent view of the mountains, this experience is guaranteed to provide unforgettable sensations! Even the little ones aren't left out, as children weighing less than 25 kg can enjoy a free mini-cable. The site also offers activities on electric scooters.

Discover the snowy forests of the Vosges under the guidance of professional musher Morgan Bachmann. Various formulas are proposed to you. Initiation visit, 1/2 hour baptism, 1 hour or 1/2 day excursion. You will learn how the musher prepares his team and will share unforgettable moments in the company of superb dogs in the magical setting of a winter nature majestically draped in its great white coat. The rest of the year, Morgan swaps his sled for a kart specially adapted to his team of Nordic dogs.

Don't miss this sensational course proposed by the resort of Lioran. This is a nice (and quick) way to discover the pine forest along the ski slopes. After a 250-metre climb, it's up to you to race down the 400-metre descent! The sleds are attached to the rails in mini roller coasters. Some of the turns are thrilling, so you can have fun with your family and enjoy other activities nearby. The Déval'luge also operates during the winter holidays.

After the acrobatic courses in the trees or on walls, here is the Accropont which will suspend you at 72 m high! Held by your harness, you are not in the trees but hanging under the big viaduct of Villards-d'Héria with a breathtaking view of the valley. Three possibilities are available to you: the Toddlers course with a zip line accessible from 4 years old, the Emotions course, 7 zip lines from 100 to 150 m long, from 2 to 27 m high, and the Grands Frissons course, 10 zip lines from 100 to 300 m long, from 8 to... 72 m high.

Get ready for an extraordinary experience as you glide down a track set in the heart of an exceptionally beautiful natural valley. Enjoy all the sensations of a toboggan run in Savoie, on over 6 kilometers of pure pleasure, accessible to everyone from the age of 5. This recreational outing will take you down tight bends and varied slopes, providing immense satisfaction for tobogganing enthusiasts. So, are you ready for an extraordinary 45-minute adventure full of thrills and spills?

Aboard a sled, you'll discover the wilderness of the Combe de Prénovel harnessed by dogs. A one-of-a-kind adventure that respects animals and nature. Join us as a family (2 adults and 2 children) for a guided tour led by a musher who will share his knowledge of the area and his passion for Nordic dogs. In summer, Terre et Neige offers self-guided or donkey-guided walks along hiking trails through forests and rivers.

Do you know the ski resort of Prabouré? It is located in the Forez mountains, more exactly on the Forez ridges, only 30 km from Ambert. With a departure at the foot of the slopes at an altitude of 1,285 meters, visitors will find pleasure in traversing the wooded landscapes on cross-country skis or snowshoes (40 km, 6.5 of which are marked out for snowshoes), while downhill enthusiasts will take one of the 8 downhill ski slopes and one of the 2 lifts. A toboggan run and facilities are available for the youngest. The resort offers a wide range of activities for the whole family to have fun and spend time together, whatever the season and at any age. The youngest will be able to discover the secrets of nature on the Barefoot Trail, play treasure hunter and have fun on the inflatable structures. The Parc des Filets Enchantés, accessible from 3 years old, allows an unusual and playful walk in the middle of the trees. After the Devalkart, older children can now race down the slopes in a Mountain-Kart, the Formula 1 of the mountains. Also on the program: a little tour on a downhill scooter to discover the slopes in a different way and to experience new sensations on the way down, a tour on the giant zip line (the highest in the Massif Central!), a Rando-Ferrata (500 m of secure course in the Ronzier rocks), an orienteering course and a visit to the Prabourix cave to play speleologist... A day full of activities and sensations!

This charming mountain village transforms itself into a haven of winter bliss, where the ski slopes become the ideal playground for family adventures in the heart of the magnificent Parc de la Vanoise. In summer, it's a nature-lover's paradise, where you can hike, climb majestic peaks, hurtle down mountain bike trails or simply take a leisurely stroll. Families are sure to love the fun activities on offer.

Val Thorens is much more than a destination, it's a true state of mind, a fusion of attitude and altitude. This resort embodies the perfect blend of quality skiing and a very pleasant atmosphere. In a relaxed, lively and gourmet atmosphere, you're free to follow your desires at your own pace. You can multiply your experiences while sharing convivial moments. The ultimate goal is to live every moment to the full!

If you love climbing and nature, this is the activity for you! Come and climb the boulders of Fontainebleau in total freedom. The forest is full of climbing points, divided into circuits of varying levels of difficulty. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, you'll find what you're looking for and be able to venture from boulder to boulder, enjoying both nature and the benefits of physical activity. An outing that's both sporty and fun!

A via ferrata is a climbing route with iron ladders... Enough to get thrills in complete safety. It is accessible from the city centre and the experience is unique in France! It is hung on the cliffs of the Saint-Jacques hill with a 360° view from the Ventoux and passes through the Luberon and the Alpilles. On the technical side, the experts say it's a good route to get back on your feet! In any case, on paper, the via Natura is more suitable for families.

Ad'Hoc is a real reference agency for leisure and mountain sports. It offers an incredible number of activities to practice in the Pyrenean mountains. With the Louron valley and Saint-Lary-Soulan as playgrounds, the range of activities offered will leave no one indifferent, in summer and winter alike. From spring onwards, white water sports take over with hot-dogging or rafting, among others, and we love scooter and mountain bike activities! All year round, hikes are on the program, either classic or themed, such as the brand new ones focused on photography or fishing. Paragliding, adventure courses, canyoning, climbing, caving... the list is not exhaustive. For via ferrata and climbing, Ad'hoc does not hesitate to take you to Spain in order to multiply the horizons and the possibilities. When the snow covers the summits, you can go skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ski lessons, overnight stays in a refuge, mountaineering, climbing summits, ice climbing, snow scooter or dog sled rides... So many unforgettable days designed for all levels of sports. Children's or teenagers' multisport courses are also offered with discovery programs specially designed for them. They can learn all about the birds of prey that soar over the valleys and take part in a falconry course. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or a gentleman, Ad'Hoc has something for you.

A dynamic and professional team of climbing instructors offers many outdoor activities: via ferrata, climbing, adventure course. Moreover, this association also has mobile equipment that allows it to set up, for example, a climbing wall or a tree course where requested. It is also possible to organize hikes. The activities take place on several sites of the department. A sportsman's and adventurer's dream? New courses since May 2021. To your harnesses!

Artouste is a wilderness resort par excellence, distinguished both by its slopes winding through fir trees and its magical setting facing the Pyrenees National Park. This authentic, unspoilt setting offers majestic views of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. The resort is open from late December to mid-March, depending on snow conditions. It is advisable to enquire a few days beforehand about snow conditions and available runs. The ski area offers 18 runs spread over 150 hectares, including 1 black run, 5 red runs, 9 blue runs and 3 green runs. There are also 11 lifts, including a gondola, 3 chairlifts and 6 drag lifts. A freestyle area with snowpark, halfpipe and snowcross track is available, as is a high-altitude restaurant. The Séous lift extends the ski area to 2 red runs, Gypaète and Génépi. In the Soussouéou sector, a blue run, La Raillère, offers a descent with a vertical drop of 300 meters and a length of over 600 meters. In addition, the downhill run for snowboarders and skiers offers impressive speeds. The beginners' area is equipped with a carpet for all skiers, offering a breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Access is by gondola ticket, and a toboggan run is also accessible via this carpet. Ski instructors are available for beginners or those wishing to progress with a guide.

Opened since October 2018, the largest indoor climbing gym in Lorraine offers 1,150 m² of climbing surface, 350 m² of boulders with walls up to 13 m high! Rope wall, training area, acrobatic course and other areas are accessible to all from 3 to 99 years. Little climbers, beginners and initiated will find their happiness with new itineraries renewed every month. This large climbing hall is the only one in France to be equipped for physically and mentally handicapped people of all ages.

Linking Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morillon and Sixt, the Grand Massif ski area extends to an altitude of 2,500 meters with 139 trails and 62 lifts. Skiers will enjoy the pristine spaces of the Combe du Gers and landscape lovers will enjoy the mythical blue run of the Cascades. The Grand Massif offers a wide range of skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and many other activities: dog sledding, snowshoeing or walking, snowmobiling, cinema, skating rink, bowling, cultural center, shows and events...

In this grandiose yet human-scale setting, 25 runs for all levels await you, including the longest green run in the Pyrenees, stretching over 6 kilometers. The setting is prestigious, with breathtaking views: you're skiing in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite the lack of accommodation at the foot of the slopes, free shuttles ensure access to the resort. An unspoilt gem of an authentic, family-friendly mountain.

A mountain peak between 1,500 and 1,700 m with 360-degree panoramic views. Easily accessible by car or public transport in season, just 20 minutes from the center of Annecy, the Semnoz resort offers a privileged natural setting for skiers and hikers. This medium-altitude resort boasts a varied, affordable ski area with 18 alpine runs, 1 freestyle snowpark and 35 km of cross-country ski trails in 3 sectors (forest, petit plateau, grand plateau). Signposted walks and other activities in summer and winter.

Mountain guide Martin Herdewyn offers mountain bike and e-bike tours, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Alps, with small groups in France, Switzerland and Italy. Whether in summer or winter, these adventures offer an exceptional experience, from bivouacs at altitudes of over 2,000 meters to technically challenging routes. These stays, lasting from three to eight days, are supervised by mountain professionals.