Would you like to try cross-country skiing during your next winter mountain holiday? Or are you already a cross-country skier looking for new Nordic areas to explore?
Sport 2000 presents here a list of must-visit cross-country ski resorts in France, across all mountain ranges in the country.
While many resorts in the Northern and Southern Alps offer cross-country skiing, some are particularly worth visiting. Here are 3 alpine destinations for Nordic skiing enthusiasts.
Located between 1130 and 1560 meters altitude, the Haut-Vercors Nordic Area is divided into several sectors. It includes the resorts of Villard-de-Lans, Corrençon en Vercors and Herbouilly, each providing access to the Nordic domain.
The area features a total of 43 trails covering 96 km, suitable for all levels: 5 green, 14 blue, 16 red, and 8 black trails. This varied terrain makes it a top destination for cross-country skiers, offering loops with diverse landscapes and difficulty levels.
The domain also includes special areas, such as the Nordic Park Martin Fourcade, a biathlon stadium, a beginner zone, a snow garden, and a sledding area for children—perfect for a full day with the family.
Higher up in altitude, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing at Les Saisies, with the Nordic domain situated between 1650 and 1800 meters. The extensive area can be explored from the Les Saisies resort or from Le Lachat.
Over 20 marked trails cover 180 km through forests and open spaces with stunning views. Most trails are green and blue, ideal for beginners, while red and black trails range from 8 to 22 km for more advanced skiers.
Additional Nordic activities include the biathlon stadium, dog sledding experiences, a sledding track, a Baby Park, and more.
For a wide variety of cross-country trails in the Alps, head to Val Cenis, which features multiple Nordic domains:
The Pyrenees are equally appealing for cross-country skiing, with several Nordic domains offering dozens of kilometers of trails.
Well-known to skiers, the Col de la Llose Nordic Domain in Capcir is about 15 minutes from the resorts of Font-Romeu and Angles.
6 trails are dedicated exclusively to cross-country skiing, some offering stunning views of Canigó and the Mediterranean Sea, suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Additional activities include laser biathlon, snowshoe trails, a play area with sledding, dining, and more.
At Font-Romeu itself, you can practice classic or skating cross-country skiing, especially in the La Calme sector. Multiple loops cater to all levels, with green loops on the plateau and blue and red trails leading to La Calme Refuge, Pic de Mauroux, or Roc de La Calme.
For variety, explore other routes at Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000, sharing the same Nordic area.
The Jura is popular with cross-country skiers thanks to its large Nordic domains. Here are 2 resorts offering diverse trails and activities.
At Les Rousses and surrounding resorts, there are 6 main Nordic sectors:
These provide access to 37 marked trails: 10 green, 10 blue, and 17 red, offering endless options for beginners or long-distance skiing, through magical forests and around lakes such as Bellefontaine and Les Rousses.
Some areas also include snowshoe trails, dog sledding experiences, thematic trails, play areas, and dining spots—plenty of activities for the whole family!
Further south in the Jura, the Plateau du Retord offers cross-country skiing across an alpine sector, a snowshoeing sector, and 3 Nordic areas, the largest being Plans d’Hotonnes.
In total, there are around 20 marked trails, including classic and skating tracks, a beginner area, connecting trails, and biathlon tracks—ideal for novices and experienced skiers alike.
In the Massif Central, the Sancy Nordic Area is the largest cross-country skiing domain, with 200 km of trails, divided into 7 main sectors:
Even in the lowest mountain range in France, cross-country skiing is possible. Here are 2 Vosges sectors worth knowing for Nordic skiing.
At Xonrupt-La Bresse, a Nordic domain welcomes visitors of all ages throughout the winter. At La Bresse Lispach, 9 cross-country trails range from 2 to 16 km, with green, blue, and red levels.
Beginners can start at the Jardin d’Anicé, practice playful skiing at the Nordic Park, take biathlon lessons with an ESF guide, or enjoy an outdoor Escape Game on the green trails.
Nearby, the Gérardmer Nordic Area offers 4 sectors with cross-country trails for all levels and snowshoe paths.
Nestled in snowy forests, the Lac Blanc domain is another key Vosges destination for classic or skating skiing. There are 2 small green routes, 6 blue trails, 3 red loops, and 2 black trails for advanced skiers.
A Nordic Park and some snowshoe circuits complement 68 km of marked trails.