Dear readers,
Lower the masks in stations.
While zone A (Bordeaux, Lyon, etc.) is in turn switching to winter vacation, the health protocol is (slightly) easing on our summits.
All the more reason to cultivate the pleasure of returning to the slopes.
A plural pleasure.
Because the French have changed their habits somewhat since last winter.
After cross-country skiing, we are now highlighting the other discipline in full revival, ski touring.
The sealskin is accessible to as many people as possible, provided you prepare well for your outing.
And to favor, if you are a beginner, the marked trails, which many ski areas are developing this winter.
On the menu this month too: a focus on snowboarding, a sublime Nordic hike in the Jura or an incursion on the other side of Mont-Blanc, to discover the valley of
Aosta.
Our Italian neighbours, you will see, have their own culture of fun in winter.
A real change of scenery in the shadow of another giant of the Alps, the Matterhorn.
OUR SKI FILE 2022
The guide: ski touring, the winter tube
In the Pyrenees (here in Puigmal) as in all our massifs, the practice of "ski touring" is booming.
CDC Pyrenees-Cerdagne
Last winter, many alpine ski enthusiasts tested its touring version.
And they got into the game. Faced with this growing demand, equipment rental companies and stations are expanding their offer.
Our selection of ski touring routes in the Alps
For the Pyrenees, we have selected 5 sites, with a varied choice of routes
THE GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED
The spot: Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Valleys
Méribel extends to the center of the 3 Valleys ski area.
OT Meribel
The elegant resort is positioned as the epicenter of the 3-Vallées, in Savoie.
To the east, we slide towards Courchevel.
On the other side, improved lifts this winter allow you to switch to Les Menuires or Val Thorens.
Restaurants to try this winter?
Here are our favorites
The ideal spot to stay there?
We tested for you La Chaudanne, a historic four-star resort.
THE MERIBEL GUIDE
In practice: snow tires or not?
You must now equip your car with winter tires called "snow tires" or have chains to reach your winter sports resort.
Our details.
Accommodation: these hotels are (really) family-friendly
The chalet hotel La Bergerie, in Morzine (Haute-Savoie) located close to the ski lifts and the piou-piou club is now run by the daughter of the founder.
Press picture
Neither temples of luxury nor fads, these perched addresses have in common the warmth and authenticity of their welcome.
Fruits of a family history, they offer all the attention we dream of.
We visited them.
Our selection in Haute-Savoie
Our selection in Savoie
OUR RESORT ACCOMMODATION
Escape: skiing and
dolce vita
, why you should discover the Aosta Valley
In Italy, Breuil-Cervinia offers wide sunny slopes (sometimes facing the Matterhorn, as here) and access to the Cervino Ski Paradise area.
Cervino Turismo
Courmayeur, Breuil-Cervinia... Crossing the Mont-Blanc tunnel, the perspective on the highest peaks of the Alps changes completely.
With its resorts with a varied profile, the Aosta Valley has enormous skiing potential that it skillfully mixes with well-being and gastronomy.
READ THE ARTICLE
The report: our great crossing of the Jura, snowshoes on our feet
On the crest of Mont d'Or, between France and Switzerland.
Eric Martin / Le Figaro Magazine
In the Jura massif, winter delivers its enchantment and rigor in Far North impressions.
Snowshoes on his feet, he stands out from the world.
READ THE ARTICLE
Sliding fun: the best resorts for snowboarders
In the Vosges too, here at Lac Blanc, the board has many enthusiasts.
OT Vosges
The history of French ski resorts, just as much as their terrain, makes them more or less welcoming havens for lovers of "cross-country skiing".
Our selection for snowboard lovers or skiers tempted by another way of carving.
READ THE ARTICLE
And also...
Head for the Vercors massif.
Between Isère and Drôme, the village resorts are real nuggets for Nordic activities and we have spotted some charming addresses for a winter stay.
The trend: resorts want to win back 20-30 year olds.
Here's how.
Find our ranking of ski resorts for this winter 2022.