Classic cross-country skiing, discovery in the Aravis mountains - 7 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationLe Grand-Bornand / Aravis mountain range
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions72.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Experience the unique thrill of classic cross-country skiing in the heart of the Aravis mountain range . Nestled in a pristine Alpine valley , this all-inclusive stay is perfect for those eager to discover and experience cross-country skiing in the great outdoors . All equipment is provided.
Guided by an ESF instructor, you'll alternate between learning basic techniques, hiking on groomed trails, and exploring the mountain environment. And to add variety, take advantage of some relaxing moments: go snowshoeing or unwind in our wellness area!
After your exertions, return to the warm comfort of the holiday village . Its relaxation facilities and delicious, balanced meals provide the ideal setting to share your daily adventures in a friendly atmosphere. A trip accessible solo, with family, or with friends, under the banner of freedom and wide-open spaces .
The highlights
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Transport via organized shuttles (limited number of places)
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Supervision and loan of quality equipment
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Access to the wellness area included
Photos
Sport
Level
Cross-country skiing
The expert's opinion
Holiday for beginner or near-beginner skiers in Nordic or Alpine skiing.
In figures
Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Average duration/day: 3h
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
All our instructors are qualified ESF instructors.
The instructor varies from week to week, but you will have the same instructor all week to ensure follow-up and group cohesion.
Program
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Welcome and setup
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning : Welcome and lunch at the holiday village.
Afternoon : introduction of the group and the instructor. Introductory first contact session.
Evening : presentation of the stay followed by a welcome drink.
Day 1 -
Discovering the Bouchet Valley
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning : Fun cross-country skiing with acquisition of basic techniques.
Lunch at the holiday village.
Afternoon : short discovery walk in a loop around the bottom of the Bouchet valley.
Day 2 -
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 20km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning : in a friendly atmosphere, learn to master gliding, braking and speed control: the basis of independent skiing!
Lunch at the holiday village.
Afternoon : Snowshoeing discovery hike, to relax and see other landscapes!
Day 3 -
Free time and skiing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Free morning. Possibility of visiting the Reblochon market in Grand Bornand.
Lunch at the holiday village.
Afternoon: Discover the Bouchet valley and all its treasures on skis: traditional housing, agriculture, forest, alpine pastures…
Day 4 -
Outdoors outing
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 40km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day trip in the great outdoors
Ski touring in the heart of nature, on the Beauregard plateau - idyllic panorama and view of Mont Blanc - or on the Confins plateau at the foot of the magnificent Aravis mountain range.
Day 5 -
Aravis Nordic Area
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning : snowshoeing discovery hike, for an immersion in nature.
Lunch at the holiday village.
Afternoon : ski tour to discover a new site in the "Aravis Nordic Area".
Day 6 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Morning : free time, end of stay after lunch.
Possibility of free skiing on Saturday morning.
Option to leave in the morning, with a packed lunch to take away.
Day 7
Note
Important : The program is provided as a guide only. To keep things interesting, the instructors are free to use their imagination and suggest new routes. Circumstances beyond our control may also lead us to modify the day's routes and activities (weather, participants' skill level, group safety, etc.).
To get to the starting point of activities, the holiday village has several minibuses, but some trips may occasionally be made using participants' cars.
Participant level : On-site, our instructors are the best judges. If a participant does not meet the specified level criteria, they may be offered a more suitable course! The holiday village cannot be held responsible for any insufficient skill level observed during the stay.
Accommodation
You will stay for 6 nights in a holiday village in Le Grand-Bornand , in either the comfort or premium category, depending on your choice. Each room has its own bathroom with toilet ; bed linen and towels are provided, and the beds are made upon your arrival. The Auberge Nordique has 62 rooms accommodating 1 to 5 people , divided into two categories: comfort and premium , for a complete digital detox experience.
Access
The stay ends after lunch at the holiday village. Early morning departure with a picnic lunch is possible if needed.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the accommodation:
- By bus (Réseau Cars Région / Altibus - Line Y62/Y63): Take the bus from Annecy bus station to Grand-Bornand bus station (journey time approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour, ticket cost approximately € 8). Once at the village bus station, you can take the free resort shuttle (Line G in season) which goes up the Bouchet valley and stops in front of the Auberge Nordique.
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: Allow approximately 50 minutes journey time from Annecy train station to 1515 Route de Lormay (estimated fare between €80 and €110 depending on the day and time).
Free public parking in front of the holiday village.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a holiday village and in a comfortable shared room for 2 people
- Full board from Sunday lunch to Saturday lunch (coffee at lunchtime and carafe of wine at the table)
- Activities are supervised by ESF instructors.
- Equipment rental: cross-country skis, boots, poles + snowshoes and poles (bring your own hiking boots)
- Transportation to the starting points of activities (subject to availability)
- Access to the wellness area (18+)
- Entertainment on certain evenings
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Membership card (€6 per person)
- Tourist taxes (0.80 cents per night per person over 18 years old)
- The Nordic Pass for access to the cross-country ski area (€57 in 2027)
- Drinks other than those included in full board (water by the carafe, wine by the pitcher at the table and coffee at lunchtime)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Extra night BEFORE stay - Double room : CHF54.89 / 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 provided on site
- Cross-country skiing, boots and poles.
- Snowshoes and poles - bring your hiking boots.
Equipment to bring
- Backpack (20 to 30 litres) for day's belongings and picnic.
- Large plastic bag or 1 overbag to protect your backpack.
- Bottle holder, water bottle or CamelBak (minimum 1L container).
- Pocket knife, cutlery and reusable cup for picnics.
- A pair of highly protective sunglasses (CE index 3 or 4 is essential).
- Tube of sunscreen and lip balm, with a high sun protection factor.
- Camera and binoculars (optional).
Clothing to bring
- Cap.
- 2 pairs of gloves
- Wind Stopper-style warm trousers + lighter trousers
- Several pairs of socks
- Anorak, waterproof rain gear, 1 Gore-Tex type windbreaker and 1 fleece jacket or 1 thick sweater
- Change of clothes
- Indoor shoes or a pair of slippers
- Swimsuit and bath towel - or bathrobe - are required to access the wellness area.
Important: In winter in the mountains, temperature variations can be significant. Warm and waterproof clothing is essential.
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- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.