Maybe you know it as Nordic Skiing: either a relaxing Sunday afternoon glide in beautiful surroundings or the best workout in the whole athletic world: the choice is yours.
You've a choice of 2 techniques, TRADITIONAL or SKATING. In Traditional you slide the skis forward in a straight line.
In Skating you skate the skis diagonally, moving much faster and leaving a herringbone track in the snow.
So 2 techniques means 2 different ski trails (albeit side by side). 2
grooves put in by machine each night for traditional skiers and,
alongside, a 2 metre or so wide flat area for the skaters.
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And of course 2 techniques mean 2 different types of
equipment and even 2 different fashions! Traditional
skiers wear baggy clothes but lycra is apparently
obligatory for skating! It's this range of choice, plus the suitability for children and the whole family, that makes Nordic skiing such a popular winter sport.
All trails are circuits which begin at a "Foyer de Ski de Fond" and are graded, like downhill skiing, into green, blue, red and black. Black being the most difficult. At the "Foyer" buy a ticket - typically 6,50 euros for a day (adult), and pick up a piste map. Don't worry if the foyer is closed; set off anyway as the piste patrollers will collect payment en route - cash only - they don't carry credit card machines.
Chamonix Foyer is a modern wood building, 400m along the RN205 towards Argentiere from the roundabout at the Place du Mont Blanc. The Foyer is on the left just after an ice sculpture and opposite the Arva restaurant.
There are trails of all grades and lengths to suit everyones ability.
The "green" tour round the Bois de Bouchet in Chamonix and the longer "green" route round the Golf Course, starting from near the Flegere lift, are both highly recommended for their settings and views.
Located in Les Iles between Chamonix and Argentiere.
Driving from Cham through the "para-avalanche" tunnel, 100m after the Indoor Tennis courts on the left side of the road.
It is not so easily seen driving from Argentiere.
Slow down after the bus stop in Les Grassonets as it is the next building on the right.
There are a variety of trails at different levels in this area. At les Grassonnet they tend to be flat. At Argentière the trails go through the forest where there are some steeper sections.
Equipment:
There are many hire shops in Argentière
There are over 10k of pistes in a the beautiful unspoilt valley of Vallorcine, through trees and alongside the river.
The Foyer de fond is next to the railway station, opposite the Tourist Office and is open every day from 9:00am until 5:00pm.
Equipment:
All equipment including sledges can be hired here
Located just after the Prarion lift, by Lake Chavant and the tennis courts.
There are also Xcountry trails at the ski resort of Les Houches. Access is from the Belle Vue lift.
Equipment:
Can be hired from any of the sports shops in Les Houches
Within a 45 minute drive of the Chamonix valley there is a wide range of excellent cross country skiing. The Foyers or the Tourist Office in Chamonix have some information or go to www.hautesavoie-tourisme.com for a guide to all the sites in the Haute Savoie (the whole "county").
Ski Pass
A special xcountry ski pass can be purchased from any of the "foyers" which covers all the areas in Haute Savoie. This is a season pass and costs €65 (06/07 Price)
Our selection:
Giffre valley - Samoens - with 50km of skating
Les Contamines, a beautiful setting, floodlit skiing on Monday evenings
Plateau de la Glieres, an important Resistance base during WW2 with a National Monument honouring the dead. 20 kilometers of black pistes.
Les Saisies, where the xcountry season starts early
St Gervais, starts at the Bettex, with a piste going to St Nicolas.
Plain Joux, Passy: Various short pistes in the forest.
Val Ferret, Italy. The other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel. 25k of pistes
Lessons
For a lesson - particularly "skating", as the technique has to be acquired - don't ask at a Foyer. Enquire at a Ski School
