Isère / Vercors Massif

Skating improvement in the Vercors with Biathlon initiation

Name: Skating improvement in the Vercors with Biathlon initiation
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

5/5 (1 reviews)

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Skating improvement in the Vercors with Biathlon initiation

In summary

Sports

Biathlon , Cross-country skiing
Duration
7 days
Level
Advance

Levels

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Beginner

For those who have never tried biathlon but are keen to do so. You have never fired a shot.

Intermediate

For those who have already tried biathlon and have mastered various movement techniques and the gliding stride on flat terrain. You are able to ski straight down a gentle slope, perform a snowplow on a gentle slope, and come to a natural stop. You have already shot at a 10m range.

Confirmed

For those capable of performing skating strides without poles on slippery terrain or ascending a slope using a gliding stride. You wish to shoot at a distance of 10m.

Advanced

For those who skate-ski on flat terrain using arm action: you glide by transferring your body weight from one ski to the other, accompanied by an alternating arm push. You maintain your balance while gliding at higher speeds, on slopes, and across the hill, and you link turns that finish with parallel skis or with downhill-facing turning steps. You have already completed a full 10m biathlon shooting course and wish to shoot at 50m.

Expert

For those who have mastered cross-country skiing techniques: the two-step and combined skate strides, and the diagonal stride on flat terrain. You are proficient in skiing a direct line on steep slopes and linking parallel turns at high speed while accounting for external factors. You wish to shoot at a distance of 50m.

Beginner

For those who have never tried cross-country skiing but are keen to give it a go. You do, however, regularly engage in an endurance sport.

Intermediate

For those who have cross-country skied before and have mastered various movements and the gliding stride on flat terrain. You are able to ski straight down a gentle slope, perform a snowplow on a gentle slope, and come to a natural stop. You regularly practice an endurance sport.

Confirmed

For those capable of performing skating strides without poles on slippery terrain or ascending a slope using a gliding stride. You engage in an endurance sport several times a week.

Advanced

For those who skate-ski on flat terrain using arm action: you glide by transferring your body weight from one ski to the other, accompanied by an alternating arm push. You maintain your balance while gliding at higher speeds—both on slopes and when traversing—and link turns that finish with parallel skis or by stepping the turn toward the fall line. You engage in an endurance sport several times a week.

Expert

For those who have mastered cross-country skiing techniques: the two-step and combined skate strides, and the diagonal stride on flat terrain. You are proficient in skiing a direct line on advanced terrain and linking parallel turns at high speed while accounting for external conditions. You engage in an endurance sport several times a week.
Destination
Isère / Vercors Massif
Age
From 12 - 90 years
CO₂-Emissions
87.8 kg CO2
Type of stay

This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.

Type of stay
In a group
Languages

🇫🇷
French

In a few words

You're already a skating enthusiast, capable of handling all types of terrain, and want to further develop your skills in this skiing technique. Here, skating is our specialty!

Through a skillful blend of technical workshops and enjoyable skiing, your instructor will give you all the tips and tricks to progress with ease on the magnificent trails of the Vercors , a cross-country skiing paradise. Body positioning, balance, different strides, and pole planting techniques will no longer hold any secrets for you. Emilien Jacquelin and the other top champions of the plateau, whom you might encounter on the trails, had better watch out! The most dedicated skiers even get involved in preparing their equipment (paraffin waxing, structuring the skis, etc.); and the next day, there are no more inhibitions! One push-off and off you go for that elegant, even exhilarating, gliding motion...

The highlights

A half-day of biathlon at the Autrans stadium (50m shooting)
"Zero stress" package: 7 days full board
As an option, to pamper yourself, treat yourself to an individual treatment

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Photos

Sport

Level

Biathlon

Advance

For those who skate-ski on flat terrain using arm action: you glide by transferring your body weight from one ski to the other, accompanied by an alternating arm push. You maintain your balance while gliding at higher speeds, on slopes, and across the hill, and you link turns that finish with parallel skis or with downhill-facing turning steps. You have already completed a full 10m biathlon shooting course and wish to shoot at 50m.

The expert's opinion

Your stay:

You're a good cross-country skier, but you want to improve your skating skills. A full week of skating will give you wings! This technique requires some athletic training and a knack for perfecting your movements.

The lessons are group classes with a specialist instructor.

Physical level 3 on a scale of 5 :

5 hours of skiing per day. Hilly route of 15 to 25 km with elevation changes of 300 to 500 m uphill and/or downhill.

You do cardiovascular activities (running, swimming, etc.) several times a week. You enjoy a good workout and love the feeling of pushing your heart uphill! You love the sensation of speed and gliding.

Technical Level 3 on a scale of 4: Confirmed:

You have mastered skiing on groomed slopes with ease: balance, trajectories, speed and obstacles.

You're already a skater, but you want to improve. A full week of skating will give you wings! This technique requires athletic training and a taste for working on movement: precision and finesse of feel, work on positioning and rhythmic sequences.

Your instructor will give you all the keys to the different steps (upward step, 2-count step and combined 2-count step, 1-count step etc.)

In figures

Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)

Average duration/day: 4h30
Average distance/day: 19 km
Average daily elevation gain: 280 m
Average daily descent: 360 m
Track length/day: 16 m

Biathlon

Average duration/day: 2h
Average shooting distance: 50 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Band : 1 supervisor for 6 to 14 people

Languages spoken:

🇫🇷

French

Supervisor

State-certified instructor, specialist in the region.

Program

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Arrival
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to the Gîte-hôtel in Méaudre, between 5pm and 7pm. Over a welcome drink, we will present the program for the week and share our first dinner together.
Day 1
Méaudret Plain
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 5km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Track length (in km) 15 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Each day begins by gathering strength around a complete and balanced breakfast: muesli, slices of country bread and organic artisanal jams, local honey, farm cheese and other local sweets.
The rest takes place on skis ( 5 full days ): between technical instruction and the pleasure of skiing, a progressive program set up by our instructor will allow us to achieve our objectives for the week.
Lunches are shared as picnics in the most beautiful spots of the Vercors.
During the week, a waxing and refining workshop will be offered to teach us how to maintain our skis and gain a few centimeters of glide!
In the evening: relaxation takes center stage in the accommodation's wellness area (free and unlimited access). The Størvatt, an outdoor Nordic bath heated by wood, and the sauna will soothe muscles worked during the day. And to overcome even the deepest tension: treat yourself to a wellness massage and fully activate recovery mode!
Some might prefer to enjoy a mulled wine or a local aperitif by the crackling fireplace!
What is certain is that we will all have the pleasure of gathering around the gourmet table d'hôtes of the gîte : a convivial and comforting moment to remember the exploits of the day.
*********
For this first day on the slopes: our instructor welcomes us and equips us (ski equipment provided).
Day 2
Gève Estate
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Track length (in km) 18 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're heading to the renowned Domaine de Gève. Its varied terrain and maze of trails offer something for everyone. We'll be focusing on our turning technique and uphill running. The most experienced skiers will tackle the legendary "Scandinave" (a must-do section of the famous "Foulée Blanche"). We'll then enjoy a full descent to the village of Autrans, overlooking the Olympic ski jumps.
Day 3
The Molière
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Track length (in km) 20 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's goal: 100% fun! We're setting aside the purely technical sessions for a splendid ridge route and tackling a Vercors classic: from Plénouze to La Molière, with an unforgettable panorama as a reward. Here, from the sea of clouds over the Grenoble valley, the peaks of the Dévoluy, the Écrins, and Mont Blanc stand out! Our instructor will suggest this route on the day of the week when conditions are most favorable.
Day 4
Bois Barbu, Corrençon and Herbouilly
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Track length (in km) 23 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On today's agenda: the Château Julien viewpoint, also known as the "Royal Trail." A fabulous route in the Bois Barbu, Corrençon, and Herbouilly area . We'll weave between the spruce trees to reach the high plateaus of the Vercors, with their Canadian Far North atmosphere. This outing will be an opportunity to practice different pole planting techniques and refine our adaptation to the terrain.
Day 5
Introduction to Biathlon
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 10km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 23 km
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Activity Biathlon
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Shooting distance 50 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Biathlon on TV is captivating. Experiencing it firsthand is even better!
To experience what it's like to be a champion, we'll spend half a day learning this thrilling sport. And just like the "real" ones, that is, with a .22 LR rifle! This way, we'll experience all the sensations of skating combined with the subtleties of target shooting.
We will then take the time to review every technical detail of skating technique for maximum enjoyment.
Day 6
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 7

Note

INTERNAL TRANSFERS:

Each day, a short transfer (10 to 20 minutes) takes you to the starting point of the hikes.

Our minibus can carry 8 people in addition to the instructor; if your group exceeds this number, we may ask you to use your own vehicle. In this case, you will be reimbursed at the end of your stay.

REMARKS :

The destinations for these outings are given as a guide only. Each week, we vary the activities depending on the weather conditions. We may sometimes need to modify the program slightly: due to organizational issues, the weather, the group's skill level, exceptional circumstances such as a pandemic, etc. Rest assured, these changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!

SNOW COVER:

We are, above all, outdoor enthusiasts. If there is a lack of snow, we will still ensure your stay runs smoothly by combining on-piste or off-piste skiing, and if necessary, hiking. We will never cancel or postpone your trip. With or without their blanket of snow, the landscapes of the Vercors remain just as beautiful, and our instructors from the plateau will share the wonders of their region with you in the ambiance of winter light.

Accommodation

🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 6

You will be welcomed for the week in a Gîte-hotel (4 ears of corn) located in a charming and friendly country house in the small village of Méaudre.

This renovated former dairy houses 15 cozy rooms offering you the privacy of a hotel and the conviviality of a guesthouse .

The perfect place to relax after a day spent outdoors!

Access

Departure

2195 Route De La Croix Perrin, à Méaudre

Day 1 : 17h00

End of stay

2195 Route De La Croix Perrin, à Méaudre

Day 7 - 10h00

End of stay after breakfast

Go to the starting point

Access by train

Take the train toGare de GrenobleOrGare de Valence

You have two options:

Train/TGV to Valence-TGV station then bus to Méaudre:

Please note: We do not yet have confirmation that the Valence-Méaudre bus line will continue operating in winter 2027. For your information, here is how it operated last winter. Before booking your train ticket, please contact us.

From Valence-TGV station, take the Transaltitude shuttle.

Please note: only one shuttle bus operates on Sundays.

Remember to book your train according to the shuttle schedule. Outside of this schedule, the only alternative is a taxi (approximately €170).

Outbound journey: departure Valence-TGV at 2:30 pm - arrival Méaudre - Place du Village at 4:45 pm

Important: make sure you select Valence-TGV station (and not Valence-Ville).

Booking: directly on the Transaltitude website no later than 48 hours before departure.

At Valence-TGV station, you will find the bus on platform I or H.

Train/TGV to Grenoble then bus to Méaudre:

From Grenoble train station, take the Cars Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional buses :

Line T64 to Lans-en-Vercors - Tourist Office then line T66 to Méaudre - Village Square.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the Grenoble bus station.

This service is regular and cannot be booked in advance.

We will pick you up from the bus that leaves Grenoble at 5:00 PM and arrives at Méaudre Place at 6:21 PM. After this time, you will need to take a taxi, which will cost approximately €120.

Access by car

Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Méaudre is located at an altitude of 1,000 m. You are in a mountain environment, snow equipment is MANDATORY (snow tires / chains).

From the North - Grenoble : From the A48 towards Grenoble, take exit 14 “St Egrève Sassenage Villard-de-Lans”. In Lans-en-Vercors, follow signs for Autrans. At the bottom of the Col de la Croix Perrin, turn left towards Méaudre and continue for 1 km.

From the South - Valence : From the A49 towards Grenoble, take exit 8 "Aire Royans-Vercors, Villard de Lans". Follow signs for Villard-de-Lans. At the end of the Bourne gorges, turn left towards Méaudre. The gîte is 3 km past the village.

The guesthouse-hotel has free private parking.

Would you like to travel on other dates?

Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.

Price details

The price includes

Loan of ski equipment
The framework
Accommodation in a shared mixed triple room (double or twin room available as an option, please request in the special requests section when booking)
Full board
Herbal tea after meals
the biathlon session (specific coaching and equipment)
Free access to the relaxation area
The tourist tax

The price does not include

The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
Cross-country ski pass (approximately €14/day)
Insurance (optional)
Transportation from the place of residence to the starting point, and back
Individual treatments offered as an option
Drinks
Personal expenses

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.

Extra night AFTER your stay - In a double room : CHF84.16 / person
Additional night AFTER your stay - In a single room : CHF107.03 / unit
Extra night BEFORE your stay - In a double room : CHF84.16 / person
Extra night BEFORE your stay - In a single room : CHF107.03 / unit
Individual treatments - 30-minute Wellness Massage : CHF61.29 / unit
Individual treatments - 45-minute Wellness Massage : CHF75.93 / unit
Individual treatments - Foot Reflexology 30 min : CHF61.29 / unit
Individual treatments - Foot Reflexology 45 min : CHF75.93 / unit
Individual treatments - Shiatsu 45 min : CHF75.93 / unit
Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

Our park is very well stocked and regularly updated. We provide you with skate skis (short skis, long poles and high-top boots).

During the biathlon session: 22LF rifle (50m shooting).

Equipment to bring

2 short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable material.
1 long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material.
1 fleece jacket or 1 down jacket.
1 waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type windproof jacket with hood.
1 rain cape.
1 pair of soft, thermal, comfortable and water-repellent trekking or outdoor trousers. Alpine ski trousers are not recommended.
A pair of thermal cross-country ski tights can, depending on the weather, be ideal for exertion.
1 pair of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type overtrousers.
Hiking socks. Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which prevent your feet from overheating. Be careful with cotton, as it can cause blisters.
One pair of hiking boots in good condition, with high tops , good ankle support , and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (check in particular if the sole glue is still holding and re-waterproof them).
Even for a ski trip, it is always important to be equipped with walking shoes.
1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
1 comfortable outfit for the evening.
1 pair of gaiters. If your trousers have "gussets", this is not necessary.
1 swimsuit + 1 bath towel for the wellness area. In the room, you will find a bath towel for the shower.
Toiletries (opt for the essentials and small sizes).
Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
If you wear prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.

Clothing to bring

1 small backpack (25 to 30 L) equipped with a waist and chest strap for optimal support during exertion.
1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (2 litres recommended).
Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork-spoon.
Race snacks (energy bars, dried fruit or chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
1 small waterproof pouch with identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract received upon registration if you took out this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below)
1 pack of tissues
1 pair of sunglasses + sunscreen.
A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
1 beanie
1 pair of gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight + 1 survival blanket.

They traveled with us

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(1 reviews)

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Hervé

march 2025

Published on 10/03/2025

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Aurélie & Sébastien team

4.7/5 (124 reviews) • 62 stays

A family-run agency established in 1985 in Autrans-Méaudre, our local partner is the expert in all-inclusive outdoor holidays in the heart of the Vercors region. Specializing in Nordic activities in winter (skiing, snowshoeing) and hiking or mountain biking in summer, they also operate throughout the French mountain ranges and as far as the Cinque Terre in Italy. Their unique feature? A 4-star Gîte-Hôtel that serves as a welcoming base camp: after an activity, relax in the Nordic bath and savor local flavors prepared by Chef Dédé. A small, friendly team cultivates the art of hospitality and provides personalized advice for a truly rejuvenating holiday.

Discover their team and their trips

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Skating improvement in the Vercors with Biathlon initiation