Cross-country skiing & biathlon in the Jura with Xavier THEVENARD - 3 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationBurgundy-Franche-Comté / Jura
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions29.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the snowy landscapes of the Jura Mountains during an exceptional cross-country skiing course led by Xavier Thévenard , three-time UTMB winner, and his team of certified instructors. Designed for enthusiasts of skiing and Nordic activities, this trip combines technical improvement, cross-training, and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of nature.
In the heart of a pristine Nordic area, you'll refine your technique, build your endurance, and benefit from personalized guidance from an elite athlete. The program also includes an introduction to biathlon , the champion's original discipline, ideal for developing precision and post-exercise breathing techniques.
Learning more about the ultra-trail runner's journey and training methods will enrich your understanding of the sport. Through this sharing of experience , Xavier Thévenard reveals his preparation secrets and guides you along his favorite training routes. A unique immersive experience to progress at your own pace, connect with a passionate individual, and experience the Jura mountains in a whole new way.
The highlights
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An unforgettable sharing of experience with Xavier THEVENARD, 3-time winner of the UTMB
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Come and start or improve your cross-country skiing in the magnificent setting of the Jura Mountains.
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Come and discover Biathlon in a warm and relaxed atmosphere
Photos
Sport
Level
Biathlon
The expert's opinion
Level: From beginner to advanced.
Physical requirements: If you are a beginner in cross-country skiing, regular running (2 to 3 times a week, 1.5 hours) is mandatory to participate in the program. Groups are formed on-site based on ability level to ensure appropriate progression.
In figures
Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Average duration/day: 4h
Biathlon
- Average shooting distance: 10 m
Management
French
Xavier THEVENARD, three-time winner of the UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc), is first and foremost a lover of cross-country skiing and biathlon, which was his primary sport before trail running. A certified instructor, he will share his passion for cross-country skiing with you. His motto is "free heel, free spirit..."
Thomas Michaud is a certified ski instructor and trainer of future ski instructors at the National Nordic Ski Center in Prémanon, Jura. His teaching skills will undoubtedly make you fall in love with cross-country skiing.
For the coaching, Xavier THEVENARD will be assisted by Thomas MICHAUD, Xavier's manager and instructor at the National Nordic Ski Center for Mid-Mountain Areas. In case of differences in skill level, the coaching team can call upon other cross-country ski instructors, all graduates of the Vattay International Ski School.
Program
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Discovering or perfecting the different skating steps
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a warm welcome , we'll form cross-country skiing groups based on skill level to tailor the instruction to your needs. The morning will be dedicated to targeted technical exercises , primarily focused on balance to solidify your foundational skills. For lunch, we'll all gather for a picnic in a private room . This friendly atmosphere allows us to share our initial impressions and recharge. In the afternoon, you'll head out on a suitable loop to put the morning's concepts into practice. The day continues with fun group games shared by all the groups. After a comforting snack , you'll attend a presentation on sports nutrition , illustrated by the experience of ultra-trail runner Xavier Thévenard .
Day 1 -
Cross-country skiing improvement and biathlon practice
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Activity Biathlon
- Shooting distance 10 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a shared coffee , you'll join your assigned group, chosen the day before. The morning is dedicated to technical exercises focused on propulsion . For lunch, everyone gathers for a picnic in a private outdoor room , ideal for debriefing and refueling. In the afternoon, you'll put these skills into practice on a specially designed loop course. The session continues with inter-group games and a fun biathlon challenge . After a shared snack , the day concludes with a discussion about motor preferences and athletic progress, enriched by the insights of ultra-trail runner Xavier Thévenard .
Day 2 -
Consolidate progress and end the ski day on a high note
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a group coffee , you'll meet up with your companions for the final day. The morning will alternate between technical exercises and a long outing , made smooth and accessible thanks to the skills learned during the week. At midday, you'll share a friendly picnic lunch in the private dining room to discuss your progress and recharge. The afternoon will feature a surprise cross- country skiing activity , designed with an original and fun approach. The stay will conclude with an afternoon snack , a review of the course, and a warm farewell gathering . The program ends and participants depart around 4:30 pm.
Day 3
Note
Starting from the La Vattay Nordic ski area, this 3-day training course in small groups (maximum 8 people per group) allows you to perfect your cross-country skiing technique. It's an ideal opportunity to optimize your physical preparation for the start of the trail running season thanks to the base endurance and cardiovascular training offered by Nordic skiing.
Snow conditions information: If there is insufficient snow, the activity will still take place! The course will switch to trail running mode to guarantee you a complete sports program adapted to the mountain environment.
Accommodation
The Gites Au Soleil are two group accommodations offering a very high degree of flexibility.
Rooms like in a hotel but with the freedom and conviviality of a guesthouse. They all have private bathrooms, and the living areas guarantee comfort and pleasant moments with your family in our mountains and valley.
Summer and winter alike, the surrounding nature invites you to escape: hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or simply relaxing in a preserved setting.
The convivial spaces and adaptability of these cottages allow for numerous possibilities for reunions, seminars or private or sporting events.
Access
Starting from the La Vattay Nordic ski area, this 3-day training course in small groups (maximum 8 people per group) allows you to perfect your cross-country skiing technique. It's an ideal opportunity to optimize your physical preparation for the start of the trail running season thanks to the base endurance and cardiovascular training offered by Nordic skiing.
Snow conditions information: If there is insufficient snow, the activity will still take place! The course will switch to trail running mode to guarantee you a complete sports program adapted to the mountain environment.
Go to the starting point
- From Bellegarde train station: Take the bus (Réseau Cars Région Ain - Line A33) to Gex - Centre (approximately 45 minutes). From Gex, during the winter season, the Ski-Bus shuttle goes directly to the La Vattay Nordic Centre (approximately 20 minutes).
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The most direct option is to book a taxi from Bellegarde station (approximately 45 minutes, expect to pay between €90 and €130 ) or from Geneva station (approximately 40 minutes).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by Xavier THEVENARD and his team of qualified ski instructors.
- Accommodation in a gîte and in a shared room
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
- Presentations/conferences by Xavier THEVENARD on the first two days after the afternoon snack
- Nutrition advice for trail running/cross-country skiing
- Level-based groups adapted to each individual
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Daily transfers to the La Vattay site
- Ski equipment rental: available on site, €60/3 days at Vattay Sports
- Access to the cross-country ski trails: €30/3 days (payable on site)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Option Without Accommodation : CHF-143.62 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Skating ski equipment can be rented on site (€60/3 days at Vattay Sports)
Clothing to bring
For your outfit, adapt your clothes by applying the multi-layering technique (easier to adjust in the bag than a big jacket).
Important for your legs: wear warm or windproof overpants ( Windstopper / Gore-Tex ) over your tights, as the technical workshops will involve periods of rest. Avoid alpine ski suits that restrict your range of motion.
- For those with sensitive hands, lightweight mittens suitable for Nordic skiing will do the trick; you can also bring a pair of liner gloves in addition to your regular gloves.
- A warm neck warmer, in addition to a hat, is a good choice.
- A water reserve (flask or water bottle type) and a supply bag are also very practical pieces of equipment.
- Avoid taking a Camelbak-type water bladder, because if temperatures are cold, the tube will freeze.
- Sunglasses are essential, even if the sun isn't strong. The glare from the snow is always significant.
- Warm socks, but not two pairs as is sometimes seen, because that ends up creating a tourniquet effect and you get even colder.
