Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing, an ancestral Nordic discipline, offers complete immersion in nature, combining physical effort and contemplation. Practised in the mountains, it provides benefits for both body and mind. This complete sport is excellent for health and mood alike, as it takes place in valleys of pure beauty! The balance is different from alpine skiing, and the sensation of speed is felt even more intensely.
The origins of cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the oldest forms of human travel on snow. Its origins date back over 5,000 years, as shown by rock paintings discovered in Norway and Russia. Originally used by northern peoples to hunt, travel and survive in extreme winter conditions, cross-country skiing gradually evolved into a leisure activity and a competitive sport.
The first modern competitions emerged in Scandinavia in the 19th century, and cross-country skiing quickly became an Olympic discipline, featuring at the Winter Games as early as 1924 in Chamonix. Today, it is practised across the world, from vast Nordic plains to alpine forests, in several styles:
- Classic : The most traditional form, with parallel skis and straight-line glide. Ideal for beginners.
- Skating : Faster and more dynamic, inspired by ice skating, requiring wider trails and good technique.
- Backcountry : Practised on ungroomed terrain, with wider, more robust skis to handle powder and rough ground.
Conditions for practising cross-country skiing
Unlike alpine skiing, cross-country skiing doesn’t require knowing how to ski downhill, although some glide notions are useful. It’s a more accessible discipline for beginners, as it is practised on less-inclined terrain at lower speeds.
Here is what you need to get started:
- Endurance and physical fitness : Cross-country skiing is a complete sport, working both cardio and the muscles of the legs, arms and core.
- Suitable equipment : Light, long skis for classic, shorter and stiffer for skating, and robust for backcountry. During your all-inclusive chalet stay, cross-country ski equipment is provided by our partners.
- Basic techniques : Our cross-country ski instructor will teach you to manage your balance, glide and push with the poles. Beginnings can be demanding, but progress is fast with regular practice.
Different sensations from alpine skiing
Cross-country and alpine skiing offer very different experiences:
- Contact with nature : In cross-country skiing, you are often far from crowds and ski lifts, immersed in peaceful, preserved landscapes.
- Physical intensity : Cross-country skiing engages the whole body and requires more sustained effort, while alpine skiing focuses more on the legs and alternates between effort and rest.
- Freedom of movement : Cross-country bindings free the heel, offering a feeling of lightness and fluidity.
- Speed and adrenaline : Alpine skiing offers more intense sensations on the descent, while cross-country skiing favours endurance and technique.
The benefits of cross-country skiing in the mountains
Practising cross-country skiing at altitude offers numerous benefits:
- Improved cardiovascular endurance : sustained effort stimulates the heart and lungs.
- Overall muscle strengthening : legs, arms, back and abdominals are engaged.
- High calorie burn : up to 700 kcal/hour, ideal for weight management.
- Stress reduction : the natural environment soothes the mind.
- Accessibility : suitable for all levels, from beginner to confirmed skier.
The best spots in the Trois Vallées
Méribel
The Nordic area of Méribel offers more than 33 km of marked trails, between Lac de Tueda and the Altiport. These routes, suitable for all levels, wind through preserved alpine landscapes.
Courchevel
Courchevel offers 66 km of cross-country skiing trails, including the famous high-altitude “Col de la Loze” piste reaching 2,300 m. The 17 km link between Courchevel and Méribel Altiport is particularly appreciated by experienced cross-country skiers.
The best spots in Paradiski
La Plagne
La Plagne offers 55 km of trails dedicated to cross-country skiing, spread over several sites: Champagny en Vanoise, Plagne Montalbert, Montchavin-Les Coches and the high-altitude resorts at Dou du Praz in Plagne Villages. These itineraries cross forests and plateaus, offering varied panoramas.
Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry
The Nordic site of Peisey-Vallandry offers 43 km of trails, ranging from green to black, suited to all levels. Located on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, this area offers an authentic experience in the heart of nature.
The blend of cross-country skiing and shooting: biathlon
Biathlon, combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, is a demanding discipline requiring endurance, precision and self-control. This activity can be organised in many resorts such as Les Arcs and La Plagne, during a corporate retreat in the Alps, with biathlon initiation, allowing you to discover this fun and complete activity and a team challenge for a moment of conviviality.
Want to discover cross-country skiing on your next chalet stay?
Cross-country skiing in the mountains is a complete, accessible and revitalising activity. Whether in the Trois Vallées or Paradiski, the varied itineraries and grand landscapes offer an unforgettable experience. And who knows, perhaps you’ll come across a curious fox on your next outing!
