Winter holidays have never been so trendy. Despite inflation, the French favor snowy destinations, from the Hautes-Pyrénées, to Isère and Savoie, via the Hautes-Alpes, the Vosges massif and the Massif central. But in the context of global warming where France is seeing the number of snow days inevitably decrease, the time has come for decarbonization at altitude. There is a desire for everyone to consume differently and to seek to recharge their batteries while better respecting nature. As if at the top of the peaks its fragility was felt more. Hence multiple activities for everyone: hiking on snowshoes, hurtling down the slopes of the most beautiful ski areas, looking at the stars, meditating in the middle of nowhere, immersing yourself in cold water, exploring wild landscapes and rich wildlife, climbing an ice waterfall, relaxing in a Spa, sleeping in a treehouse, an igloo or even a cave, etc. A short tour of France’s ski resorts based on your expectations.
– From Lourdes, a bus leads to Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne to spend the night there (3*, half board). The next day, with snowshoes on and guided by a mountain guide, head to the Marcadau refuge, at an altitude of 1,865 m (1 night, full board). From €489, snowshoes provided. The Pyrenees boutique, 05 62 56 70 00, snow.hautes-pyrenees.fr
– For a real discovery of the mountain, this itinerant snowshoe hike through the regional park of Chartreuse is a reference for lovers of virgin spaces. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the traditions, the guesthouses highlight the terroir on the table! From €815/person, 6 days, 5 nights, full board, equipment and luggage transport included. randhorizons.fr
– In the high-Alpine region known as High Valleys, not far from Briançon, the village of Cervières is the starting point for a Nordic ski touring crossing to the Val de Suze (Italy) in the company of Cathy Caudart. The roaming lasts 6 days and 5 nights, far from the beaten track, in the heart of mountain traditions. Authentic. €750, specific equipment included. randhautnordique.com
Sporty hike in the Hautes Vallées Rochebrune
© / SDP
– In the valleys of Aure and Louron (Hautes-Pyrénées), we put on our touring skis for 5 days of star-shaped discovery of these wild and wonderful landscapes, accompanied by a guide. Accommodation (4 nights) is fixed, the sporting intensity is average (you have to be a little sporty) and the environmental impact is low. From €995/person. agency-outdoor.fr
– In the Néouvielle reserve, since Peyragudes, 5 of the 6 refuges on the lake circuit remain open in winter. A traveling ski touring raid allows you to explore this wild territory, in the company of a guide who knows the best slopes. Essential conditions: be an experienced skier and have basic knowledge of mountain rescue. From €595/3 days/2 nights. agency-outdoor.fr
Day stays
– In the Jura Mountains, trail running is also practiced on snow. In the Gex region, Didier Marinet offers 2 to 3 hour sessions adapted to the levels of the participants. Prerequisite: be able to run 45 minutes on the flat. €15, rando-parapente.fr
– A snowshoe hike around 6 a.m. in Cordon, it’s the magic of a sunrise over Mont Blanc at your fingertips. Tuesdays, €45, snowshoes and breakfast included. cordon.fr And explore.cordon.fr
Hike at dusk (Les Get).
© / SDP
– Sunrise or sunset over the Alps, the choice is yours in Les Gets. Departure on snowshoes at dawn or dusk with Emilie Fourot towards the Roc d’enfer. Breakfast or aperitif and local products, depending on the time. €35, materials included. lesgets.com
– With the National Park house, Pralognan-la-Vanoise, we go out near the station to observe bearded vultures (Tuesday) or ibexes (Thursday). Free. pralognan.com
– Around White Lake, the Vosges forest opens up a thousand snowshoe routes. Two hours with the family in the footsteps of Mathieu, mountain guide, €17 to €20, from 6 years old. lac-blanc.com
Initiatives for greener heating
• HAS Cauteretsthermal water heats all public buildings.
• To Menuires, the premises of the treatment plant are supplied with the calories produced by the wastewater; and a hydroelectric power station project is launched.
• HAS Valmorelthe Polyair system recovers heat from 4 ski lifts for the staff rooms.
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