- Nordic activities
Savoie Mont Blanc, a nordic destination
Take the plunge with cross-country skiing
People can often be mistaken in their view of cross-country skiing, seeing it as too hard core, or too old-fashioned. Yet it is open to all abilities and very much in keeping with the current trend towards a return to nature and the outdoors. Savoie Mont Blanc has some great spots.
Cross country skiing is fun and energisingWe have one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing sites in France.
Biathlete and Les Saisies Resort Ambassador
Are you a beginner?
Ready to take to the classic or skating tracks? Here’s our advice to pick the right kit.
Biathlon, a winning combination
The biathlon, a combination of cross-country skiing and precision shooting, has become the must-try Nordic sport over the last few seasons, thanks to the inspiring performances by some great French champions.
In Savoie and Haute-Savoie, there are some forty sites where you can take a taster session to try out this activity requiring both mental concentration and physical fitness. What’s more, it’s accessible to all ages, even kids, thanks to the use of laser rifles.
With animals
A horse on snow? This unusual image is a regular sight at resorts offering skijoring, where you are pulled along on skis by a horse at a walk, a trot or a gallop, depending on your skiing ability and preferences.
It is more common to see dogs on snow, yet just as captivating. The dogs are harnessed together to a sled and guided by a musher. You can also learn to drive an individual dog sled, and to guide the dogs.
78 nordic resorts
You are spoilt for choice in Savoie and Haute Savoie when it comes to Nordic activities.
Dates for the diary throughout winter
Popular events and local champions
Key events spotlight Nordic activities throughout the winter: There’s the Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc, the classic long-distance dog sled race over several stages involving 600 dogs and their mushers.
Savoie Mont Blanc is home to some well-known champions, who train at local resorts.
These include biathletes like Julia Simon et Justine Braisaz, and cross-country skier Jean-Marc Gaillard, who train at the Plateau des Glières. There’s also Lucas Chanavat, a cross-country skier based in Grand-Bornand, and biathlete Marine Bolliet, who trains at La Féclaz. They all fire the imagination and inspire others to have a go.