In this section, you will explore the different disciplines of skiing! To make the most of everything the mountains have to offer. Here are a few ideas for your next trip!
Downhill / alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is a sliding sport that involves descending a snowy slope on skis. Today, alpine skiing is practised primarily at ski resorts equipped with lifts that transport skiers to the top of the mountain. Snow is groomed and avalanches are controlled. Many ski resorts also have snowmaking equipment to allow people to ski when natural conditions would not permit it.
Understanding trail colours!
In a ski resort, each run is classified by colour according to its difficulty level: the green run is considered the easiest, with gentle, accessible slopes wide enough to make large, smooth turns. Also great for learning to ski, refining your technique and progressing at your own pace. Next comes the blue run, easy to intermediate with a steeper gradient but still accessible for beginners and intermediates. The red run is aimed at confident skiers as the slopes are steeper and narrower. Finally, the black run, the most difficult, is tackled by advanced skiers with greater technical demands, steeper gradients and high speeds.
How to get started?
For a first experience, it is advisable to take a lesson with a ski instructor. They will help you learn the right techniques and build solid foundations from the start.
Who is it for?
Downhill skiing suits young and old alike, thrill-seekers and those who simply want to admire the beauty of winter landscapes. It is a chance to enjoy the mountain's fresh air with family or friends, and above all to have fun on marked and secured ski runs.
Where to do it?
In France, most mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Vosges, the Jura and the Massif Central have infrastructure suited to skiing, so the choice is vast.
Cross-country skiing
Photo by Thomas Dils on Unsplash
Cross-country skiing is the oldest ski discipline. On groomed trails or off-piste, on hilly or flat terrain, young and old alike will find in cross-country skiing a fun and well-rounded outdoor sport! There are no ski lifts in cross-country skiing — it is your own body that carries you back up the slopes.
Cross-country skiing trails are groomed for practice and are identifiable by their two parallel tracks at the edge of the trail, allowing classic cross-country skiers to glide with their feet parallel inside them.
The difference between Classic and Skating?
In cross-country skiing, there are two techniques: classic cross-country skiing, practised using the "diagonal stride" technique, which involves advancing in two parallel tracks and resembles walking. Skating, also called the "skate stride", is practised on groomed trails and resembles ice skating. Ski resorts offer dedicated areas for easy beginners and cross-country skiing instructors to support your progression.
It is a highly complete sport that works the whole body and all the muscles, regardless of your level. It is therefore excellent for maintaining or improving physical fitness.
Finally, there is a label for Nordic sites called Nordic France, rated from one to four fir trees based on four main criteria: the quality of the ski areas, the diversity of activities on offer, sustainable development and the quality of resort services. This label can help you find the resort best suited to your needs for this discipline.
Recommended resorts for cross-country skiing: Avoriaz, Les Saisies, Megève and Font Romeu.
Freeride / off-piste skiing
Off-piste skiing is not something to take lightly. It requires a very high level of skiing and real experience. Snow and terrain conditions encountered off-piste can be very different from those on groomed runs. An off-piste skier must be able to ski and be fully in control in all conditions. This demands both technique and versatility. Maintaining control of your skis and your speed at all times is non-negotiable. You must also be able to assess risks and stay as aware of your surroundings as possible. Check the weather forecast and avalanche bulletins before heading out on your adventure!
Stay safe out there!
Equipment is essential for off-piste skiing. Here is the list of kit you should always carry for your safety:
- Avalanche transceiver (DVA): in the event of an avalanche, it can save your life. It sends signals that allow rescue teams to locate and find the person buried under the snow.
- The shovel: it makes it easier to dig out someone buried under the snow.
- The probe: the most important piece of kit, as it allows you to locate someone buried under the snow and determine how deep the person is.
For those who have not yet tried it, the best way to progress in off-piste skiing is to hire a guide or instructor who can help you adopt the right technical reflexes and ski safely.
Recommended resorts for off-piste skiing: Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Alpe d'Huez, La Grave and Tignes
Ski touring
The core principle of ski touring is to move through the mountains without needing ski lifts, climbing summits and descending beautiful snowy slopes to "make your own track". Ski touring allows you to immerse yourself in nature, combining the joy of gliding with the discovery of near or distant terrain. It is an environmentally respectful discipline that requires no infrastructure and no ski pass.
Ski touring boots have a walk mode and a ski mode, allowing flexibility on the ascent and rigidity on the descent. To climb on snow, ski touring requires skins that are stuck under the ski to prevent sliding backwards on the way up. To allow freedom of movement without being locked in, only the front of the ski touring boot is attached to the binding during the ascent. On the descent, it is similar to alpine skiing or off-piste skiing depending on where you practise it.
As a beginner, it is advisable to hire a guide or take a supervised lesson with a ski instructor first. As with off-piste skiing, you will need safety equipment such as an avalanche transceiver (DVA), a shovel and a probe to carry in your backpack.
When it comes to clothing, the ski tourer should wear technical garments, prioritising breathability and the 3-layer system. A pack is needed to carry the necessary kit, including warm and waterproof clothing. Gloves, a beanie and sunglasses and/or a goggle will complete the outfit.
Recommended resorts for ski touring: Arêches-Beaufort, Orcières, La Clusaz, La Plagne and Puy Saint Vincent.
