Mountain and winter sports France

The largest ski area in north-east France extends over 220 hectares in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Natural Park, offering a mountain of emotions to share with family and friends. Younger skiers can enjoy the new Opoualand play area, specially designed for children. What's more, the sliding experience is amplified with the Schlitte Mountain: a latest-generation toboggan inspired by amusement parks. Like a snow roller coaster, this toboggan on rails offers thrilling descents in both winter and summer.

There's no need to pack your climbing gear and head for the mountains to reach the summits: Casamur is located right in the center of town. The climbing gym is open to beginners and advanced climbers alike, and offers a wide range of climbing walls and routes. The 500 sq. m. climbing gym allows beginners to discover the joys of climbing in a fun environment. The other part introduces you to different types of difficulty. This is where affiliated clubs, schools and associations train. In complete safety, young and old alike can take part in training courses or customized lessons with professionals. Casamur also offers a birthday package.

It is in free access but classified difficult. One via ferrata that derives its name from the waterfall flowing through this place, fed by the torrent of the Glière. Starting from the Bieux area, then follow signs indicating "Cascade of the Fresh" and climbing school. It takes 1 hour to 1 hour 30 rise. A short walk, but it will pass through impressive stretches of road. Wonderful sensations and landscapes will be at the meeting. Partir is imperative.

At La Schlucht, what is the chill… We roll, we glide, we stop, we watch the brave for whom a track is reserved. If you're brave, you can walk back, it's cheaper. If not, you will return to the seat by the lift, for a new start.

Alpe-d'Huez is not Lapland, but you can live a Nordic adventure there by going on a dogsled ride. Your musher will take you on a hair-raising ride in the powder snow. Along the snow-covered footpaths, you will enjoy the speed and enchantment of the landscape to the rhythm of the eight dogsled race. You can also practice ski-jöering, pulled by a horse... An alchemy between mountain, snow and connivance with the animals.

ESI offers group and private lessons in alpine skiing and snowboarding for both children and adults. The instructors have several years of experience in major French winter sports resorts. For ten years, they have been combining their skills to pass on their passion for skiing. ESI favours proximity and exchange for learning: small groups, learning by playing and optimising skiing time for the student.

The mission of the French Alpine Club? To make the mountains accessible to all, through numerous activities, courses, outings, winter and summer, of skiing (alpine, nordic), climbing, mountaineering, trail, nordic walking, hiking, glacier hiking, snowshoeing, caving, mountain biking and trekking. On Sundays from December to March, the Bus des Neiges takes you to the snow-covered summits of the Vosges and from March to October, by RandoBus, hikes supervised by instructors within a radius of 150 to 200 km from Nancy.

Sleds attached to each other to form an articulated snake, a monitor in the first sled and at the controls... and off you go! The Snake Gliss is an ultra-playful activity, somewhere between bobsleigh and toboggan. Sensations guaranteed for young and old because the activity is open from 3 years old. Your pilot is Julien, a local child who will make you have a good time safely. Different formulas are proposed, even a night with a good meal or the discovery of the lake site of Les Camporells.

The discovery of sumptuous landscapes by snow scooter, a real nature adventure. The rental of snow scooters is offered for guided tours, for 1 or 2 people per machine. The ride is done in a part of the ski area (plains sector) for 30 minutes or 1 hour, with a view on the heights at sunset. For safety reasons, the first departure is at 5:30 pm, after the slopes have closed. Information and reservations are required depending on the weather conditions at the bottom of the Aiguille slope.

Just 18 km from Lanne-en-Barétous, the Issarbe ski area, with its 31 km of cross-country ski trails in superb wooded surroundings, is accessible either via the south entrance from the Pierre Saint-Martin, or via the welcome chalet from Lanne-en-Barétous, which is also open to snowshoers. From this roof of the world, the 360° view over the Béarn plain, the inland Basque country and the Barétous valley is astonishing. For further information, contact the welcome chalet, where you'll find tickets and equipment hire.

Jean-François Cassier is a sledding fanatic and has made it his profession. He has settled with his adorable pack - and his family - on the heights of Murat-le-Quaire. As the sled is only available when it snows, the rest of the time is devoted to wheeled sledding, cani-trotinnette or canirando. But above all, Jean-François prefers to spend time with the dogs, to get to know the Siberian huskies better and to learn how the pack works. In complete safety, the musher alternates experiences, between full gallop rides and very instructive discussions.

Small start to master the coupling and it's gone for more than 1 hours of unforgettable strolls. In the forest, the huskys offer you their dynamism, calm and docility. Upon reservation.

Explo, for exploration : sensations, landscapes, emotions, water, rocks... In a group, as a family (children from 7 years old), or individually, you have the choice of nature activities which will be supervised by professionals, in complete safety. On the menu: climbing in Casteljau, speleology in the numerous caves and cavities of the area, canyoning in the Chassezac, via corda in southern Ardèche, Explo course, canoeing and kayaking. The choice is varied and you are bound to find something you like and that suits you!

You can practice snowshoeing or learn to drive a dog team on the large snowy expanses of the mountain. You will meet the pack of samoyeds, huskies, malamutes and Greenland dogs... but not only! Also on the programme: river rafting, canyoning, hiking, canoeing, caving... You can also go canoeing or roller karting. Activities that are 100% nature sports in summer and winter. And from the age of 3, it is possible to enjoy a baptism with the musher.

The Sainte-Eulalie resort, whose location and climatic conditions limit development, had already organized downhill, cross-country and ski jumping competitions in... 1907! Today, it welcomes lovers of the great outdoors. Snow conditions are often good, and the free access to cross-country ski trails is much appreciated. Equipment rental (skis and snowshoes) available. The area also offers snowshoeing and dog sledding. In summer, there's hiking, climbing, mountain biking...

What better setting for a day's cross-country skiing than the Ardèche plateau, the sources of the Loire and Mont Gerbier de Jonc? The Sainte-Eulalie town council manages this Nordic area, which offers access to three trails from green to red (from 1.5 km to 5.6 km in a loop) for family-friendly skiing. There are also three snowshoe trails to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Information at the tourist office, where you'll find a warm welcome.

While the Ardèche is full of climbing sites in a variety of environments, few are as demanding as Coux, between Sainte-Eulalie and Sagnes-et-Goudoulet. Its 23 20-metre routes have been carved out of phonolite, a volcanic stone found only in the Ardèche, and used by the mountain's inhabitants to build their roofs. For beginners, the tourist office can provide you with the names of professionals who can accompany you. Don't hesitate to drop in and see them, as this is not a discipline that can be improvised.

Winter: at the gates of the Vercors highlands, the site of Herbouilly offers an ideal departure for lovers of pristine nature and large spaces. Cross-country skiing and easy access to the slopes of the Nordic area of Villard-de-Lans Corrençon, in all, close to 130 kilometres of marked slopes! A record form. Ski school at 04 76 95 19 00. Summer: in the summer sun, there are also many activities: Mountain biking, hiking…

In view of the success of the vias ferratas of Planfoy, the lovers of rock faces have created this vertical activity center in order to propose in the same place a wide range of activities for all publics. Thus, the vertical offer goes from the most assisted for the beginners to the free practice on more or less difficult walls. Two vias ferratas for children and adults, as well as more than 180 climbing routes (from 3a to 8a+). Do not hesitate to contact the guides and climbing instructors of the area to discover this vertical pole in complete safety.

When it snows on the Pilat, a play area is set up for children from 3 years old to learn how to ski. Please note that there is no equipment rental on site. You will have to come with your nordic or alpine skis. On the way down, there are obstacles to overcome, tunnels, bumps, to learn the basics of skiing. Important point: the ascent doesn't require the slightest effort thanks to the automatic "snow wire" system that allows you to admire the landscape in peace or to bombard your neighbor with snowballs.

Immerse yourself in all whitewater and mountain sports, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers. Navigate peaceful rivers and brave their rapids in rafting or canoeing, explore the underground world through caving in majestic caves, waters and chasms, descend gorges during canyoning sessions. Adventure isn't limited to climbing; in the mountains, you can also try your hand at via ferrata, via cordata or mountain biking.

For lovers of high sensations, we climb over the old castle of water. Introductory days, discovery courses.

Located in the Alsatian Jura, the Winkel Nordic ski area is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Here, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take center stage, offering an unforgettable snow experience. Once a discreet spot, it's now a popular destination for cross-country ski enthusiasts. Every year, a handful of volunteers carve out a dozen or so trails, allowing skiers to enjoy the great outdoors. Please note: the trails are not groomed!

At 15 km from Luchon, in a beautiful valley, the resort of Bourg d'Oueil awaits you, ready to reveal all its charms. Ideal for family walks thanks to its pristine fields, you can also enjoy alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and luge.

Intense moments in perspective. The tracks: 4 ski slopes, 3 ski lifts. 14 km of marked cross ski slopes. Station open only on weekends and during school holidays.

Ascou remains the resort "the nice resort close to Toulouse". Specialized in the reception of the youngest, the station reserves them its snow garden and a sledging area apart. But skiers of good level, among which snowboarders, should also find their happiness. Monoskiing, snowboarding, skating and snowshoeing are all techniques used to experience the snow. Nice : shuttle from Ax-les-Thermes on week-ends and during school vacations. Alpine ski slopes : 20 km of slopes, ski lifts, snow cannons.

Small but known as the longest ski run in the Vosges, the Schlumpf resort is acclaimed for its friendliness, mulled wine and simplicity. Very popular with thrill seekers, the resort (municipal management) is run by volunteers! Passionate, they spend their weekends maintaining the piste and the lifts, always taking care of the skiers. Another delight: the arrival at the top (1,012 m) is a great reward: the view is unforgettable.

A small ski resort in the wild nature of the Haute valley, the Frenz offers 32 km of snow-capped circuits for your pleasure. Enjoy Nordic walking! In the shadow of the Grand Ball or more famous stations like the Bresse, the Frenz continues to exist and for any real ski enthusiast it really is worth it.

Born in 1936, the Pyrénées Club is the oldest club in Toulouse! This association organizes numerous outings for all mountain lovers. You can choose between hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, downhill skiing and cycling. You pay a membership fee, then sign up for the outings that interest you. The rates are fixed for hiking and variable for skiing depending on the areas chosen. The outings are organised in the neighbouring departments: Ariège, Pyrénées-Orientales, Hautes-Pyrénées... for breathtaking discoveries! A friendly and sporty way to enjoy the mountains, each according to his or her own desires.

According to its own description, Espace Mont d'Or is a "leisure producer in the heart of the Jura mountains". Whether you're planning a family vacation or a sportsman looking for technical advice before the Transju', the Espace Mont d'Or offers stays that are sure to please. In summer, a variety of activities are also on offer during numerous stays. Check out the website for all the good deals!

In winter, snowshoeing is one of the most practical and efficient ways to explore and enjoy the landscape. From the starting point of the ski jump, two marked routes of 3 km and 5 km are accessible. These routes are suitable for beginners, who can rent their own snowshoes. A third trail, extending for around 3 km, starts from the Pré-Poncet side, offering an opportunity to discover the surrounding high plateaus.

All year round, the small village of Chaux-Neuve offers a unique experience thanks to its five ski jumps, the highest of which reaches 118 meters. The increasingly realistic synthetic surfaces allow jumps over distances of 28 m, 57 m and 90 m. Why not try your hand at ski jumping? An individual or group introduction lasts 1h30 and is reserved for people aged 8 and over who have reached a 2-star level in downhill skiing (mastery of the direct track and snowplough).

All the slopes of the Ballon d'Alsace, 30 minutes north of Belfort, offer skiers a single pass for all activities. From the Gentianes beginner slope to the Grand Langen black wall, the Ballon has adapted over time and now offers a fun alternative to trips to the Alps. Cross-country skiing, ski touring and telemark skiing are available. Snowshoeing, sledding and tobogganing are also available. Plan your family outing.

Affiliated with FFME, this club offers training on artificial walls 5 evenings a week at Collège Saint-Saëns, but also on the weekends at Viéville, Cohons, Bourmont… Climbing, you hit the right door! Beginners are framed, equipment is lent. For contact, a free introductory session is offered.

30 minutes from downtown Grenoble, the Montagnes de Lans ski area offers a splendid setting for skiing in the heart of the Vercors Regional Park. The resort, oriented towards new glides, offers a wide variety of terrains. At 4 km from the village, accessible by free shuttles, the ski area offers 26 runs for all levels. In the heart of the village, the Parc de loisirs de l'Aigle allows you to try the pleasures of sledding. Incredible viewpoint overlooking the Grenoble agglomeration.

The valley is connected to the Two Alps station by the gondola. It offers a wild nature and the highest peaks of the. The background practice in the valley is subject to snow conditions. In the forest, towards the hamlet of the Alleau, presents a 3 km loop. Following the Vénéon, we will travel the 8 km, return, from Bourg-d'Arud to Ougiers, or the 24 km, return, from Bourg-d'Arud to Bourg-d'Oisans.

Tuesday and Thursday, from a. m. to p. m. (winter hours) and from p. m. to p. m. (spring time). Free access with the Pass package. Large and long 950 m long, the signal slalom stadium welcomes night skiing and offers a difference of 250 m, with the lighting of the stadium equivalent to the Stade de France, and 3 parallel lifts will allow you to take full advantage of your package. During these evenings, you will be visiting numerous sports events and events and international competitions.

From the villages of La Grave, Saint Christopher-Oisans and Venosc, there are many possibilities for via ferrata. If you choose to leave alone, you will find the route of routes in the various guides or at the guides office which organizes departures for via ferrata. It is therefore advisable to use their knowledge before engaging in unknown land.

A 24-hectare space welcomes all riders with boardercross - 12 relevés and jumps - half-pipe, jumping modules, jumping space, and open DJ platinum. Every week, they will be watching animations, exhibitions and equipment testing. Snow-park is open every day and its access is free for ski pass holders.

In the heart of Villard-de-Lans, a site dedicated to all the pleasures of sliding and family fun. 3 magic carpets to go up without getting tired, 6 toboggan runs adapted to different practices: the big run with its 12% slope, the boarder for miniature bobsleighing, the toboggan for big thrills, the 68 for racing with your mates... Everyone gets their strength back at the Maison de la Colline, hot chocolate and sandwiches, sweet snacks.

Since the 1968 Olympic Games, Autrans has been the benchmark Alpine resort for Nordic skiing. Autrans-Méaudre is a true paradise for cross-country skiers, with its superbly laid-out courses for skating and alternating. A natural territory, in the heart of magnificent forests, with 180 km of linked trails and guaranteed snow thanks to the installation of 18 snow guns, as well as a Ludipark where you can learn the pleasures of Nordic skiing. On the Alpine side, there are 2 distinct areas with 35 runs: Domaine de la Sure in Autrans and Domaine du Châtelard in Méaudre.

With a vertical drop of almost one kilometer, some twenty runs and an accessible ski pass, the Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse resort offers a wide variety of winter sports. It's the "big" downhill ski resort in the Chartreuse massif. Last year, to reduce energy consumption, access to the slopes was via Le Planolet and Combe de l'Ours. For Nordic skiing: 50 km to Saint-Hugues, plus the 25 km round trip Saint-Hugues - Le Sappey - as part of the Chartreuse traverse. In summer, the resort has prepared trails for mountain biking.

It is a real Nordic domain that is proposed to us in Sappey. In fact it is called the Nordic Domain of Chamechaude, including the sites of Sappey-en-Chartreuse, Col de Porte and Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse. This area totals more than 60 km of interconnected trails around the summit of Chamechaude to practice the alternative step or skating. Three centres for the sale of ski passes, Nordic ski lessons, ski and snowshoe hire. In the summer, at the Col de Porte, a ski-wheel track to continue training. Biathlon stadium.

Composed of the sectors of Megève and 6 other resorts - Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines-Montjoie Hauteluce, Combloux and La Giettaz - the Evasion Mont-Blanc domain allows skiers to access more than 400 km of trails. Reliefs where mountain pastures, forests and wide open spaces alternate, linked by high-performance equipment. In the summer, the lifts take you up the slopes for a mountain bike ride, a paragliding flight or a hike.

This group of friends, all seasoned mountain professionals, share their extensive mountain experience with the public. Their activities include the supervision of many mountain activities, in all seasons: white water sports, climbing and mountaineering, hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, via ferrata of Tende, La Brigue and Peille. They provide the necessary equipment and also offer multi-activity stays adaptable to families.

Linked to the one of Molines, the ski area of Saint-Véran offers the largest area of Queyras. At this high altitude, the domain culminates at 2 830 meters, the snow is well present under a sun which allows us to enjoy splendid landscapes. Panoramic view with the emblematic Mont-Viso as a focal point. Descents on virgin slopes for freeriders or in the larch trees at your ease. 34 trails for all levels. 55 km of Nordic trails and itineraries.

This is the place of meeting on the snow front to know about the activities of the station. The Espace Partenaire is home to the tourist office of the tourist office, ski schools, the possibility of biking-biking, ski club, a medical office, a seminar space… the central and indispensable location of the station for all requests for information, it also has the elegance of wooden constructions.

A place for sharing and raising awareness of nature in an exceptional environment. The building itself is emblematic of the resort, as this former French Alpine Club refuge was the very first guarded refuge in France in 1911. Completely refurbished, it features a beautiful reception and exhibition area, where visitors can discover different facets of the Belledonne environment. An educational trail starts at the Maison. Free events in season.

The ski area of these two stations is interconnected and between 1 500 metres and 2 510 metres of altitude: 29 lifts, 60 tracks - 5 black, 16 red, 23 blue and 16 green - 100 km. There are more snow cannons - 80 between 1 500 m and 2 225 m -, a slalom stadium and a new glides - snow scoot and boardercross space. Also, on or near the premises, 80 km of trails for the cross-country and 20 km of trails for pedestrians. A beautiful swimming pool in SuperDévoluy open every afternoon from to. Upon reservation: sauna, steam bath and whirlpool.