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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Reviews
1 Reviews of Cross country skiing holiday in the French Alps
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2023 by Sue Kay
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
it was all lovely and the cross country skiing in the mountains with blue skies and plenty of snow was the most memorable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
get fit if you can
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. I used local accommodation and bought food locally and used the train for more than half of the travel
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Grat
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONTravelling by train:
We encourage guests to travel by train and offer a 3% discount for eligible rail journeys. Guillestre is accessible via Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre station, including connections with the overnight train from Paris.
Human-powered skiing:
Cross country skiing is a human-powered activity practised on groomed Nordic trails without ski lifts. During the holiday, guests share transport between Guillestre and the different Nordic ski areas, rather than travelling separately.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
This holiday introduces guests to the Nordic ski areas of Arvieux, Crévoux and Ceillac, where skiing takes place on designated, groomed trails through forests and mountain valleys.
Throughout the three days, guests discover different Nordic skiing techniques, including classic skiing, skating and biathlon, while exploring the winter landscapes of the Southern French Alps.
Supporting nature restoration:
We make a contribution on behalf of every traveller to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth, supporting initiatives focused on habitat restoration and biodiversity.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYGuests stay in a locally owned hotel in Guillestre, with opportunities to eat in independent restaurants and hire ski equipment from local businesses. This helps direct some of the holiday spending towards businesses in the surrounding communities.
Local expertise:
Ski instruction is provided by qualified local instructors who live and work in the Southern French Alps. Their knowledge of the Nordic ski areas helps guests discover the region while supporting local professional activity during the winter season.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We work with local partners and pay agreed professional rates for ski instruction and tourism services, supporting employment in the region.
A welcoming learning environment:
This trip is designed for cross country skiers who already have some experience and want to develop their skills. The instructor adapts the sessions to the group's abilities, helping participants improve their classic technique, discover or progress in skating and try biathlon in a supportive small-group setting.
We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.
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