Cross country skiing holiday in the French Alps

Description of Cross country skiing holiday in the French Alps

This cross country ski holiday in the French Alps makes the most of 130km of terrain across four Nordic domaines in the the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys, which remain refreshingly under-explored.

Staying in a locally owned hotel you’ll join a small group to roam landscapes composed of frozen rivers and waterfalls, trees whose branches bend with snow, and imposing cliffs. And all of this in an atmosphere of utter tranquillity, a world away from the bustle of downhill resorts.

Your group will be accompanied throughout by an experienced local guide, familiar with the terrain and the communities in the area. They will not only offer advice on routes and lead the way, but also organise meals at local restaurants. You will be skiing in a different place each day, such as around the pretty village of Ancelle, along the bank of the Rouanne River, and through the fabulous, forested terrain of Col Bayard.

No experience is required of cross country skiing – your fully qualified guide will give the group a few hours of training every morning, helping you to develop and perfect your skills. You will want a good level of fitness however: regular participants in cardiovascular exercise such as rowing, swimming, running, hiking or cycling should be fine.

Most people will opt for the classic ‘one foot in front of the other in parallel’ style of cross country skiing, but if you’re more advanced or feeling confident, you can also try ‘skating’ – with your guide happy to provide tips.

For your convenience, all transfers, including pick-up from the Gap train station, are included, as are your ski passes, and all the equipment you’ll need. You’ll be staying in characterful accommodation on a twin sharing, bed-and-breakfast basis, and groups tend to eat together in the evenings making for a very friendly and bonding environment.

A couple of other little extras worth pointing out that make this French Alps cross country skiing holiday stand out: a tree is planted for every traveller, helping to offset the carbon footprint of your tour. And, on booking, you’ll be given access to a helpful smartphone app that gives information on itinerary, packing list, weather forecasts and other pertinent details.

If you’re searching for an active winter holiday that has minimal impact on the environment, and will leave you feeling energised but also relaxed, cross country skiing in the French Alps just that in a wonderfully attractive setting.

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