• Classic long-distance races in Bessans
  • Classic long-distance races in Bessans
  • Classic long-distance races in Bessans
  • Classic long-distance races in Bessans
  • Classic long-distance races in Bessans
Bessans / Vanoise Massif

Classic long-distance races in Bessans

Réf : BXCJYQ

In summary

  • Sports
    Cross-country skiing
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Level
    Expert

    Levels

    Cross-country skiing
    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
    Bessans / Vanoise Massif
  • Age
    Up to a 90imum of years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    63.72 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
  • Languages
    French

In a few words

Perfect your classic cross-country skiing technique and build endurance amidst breathtaking snowy landscapes. Accompanied by our experienced instructors , this intensive course offers you the opportunity to cover long distances daily, both morning and afternoon, to refine your technique , optimize your glide, and enhance your physical fitness.

This dynamic immersion provides optimal preparation for approaching the major events of the season with confidence, notably the legendary Bessans Marathon scheduled for January 9th and 10th, 2027. Each session is designed to combine technical progression, mastery of movement and the pleasure of speed on the snow.

At the end of the day, retreat to the comfort of your accommodation for moments dedicated to recovery and well-being . Take full advantage of the spa area , the fitness room, or the friendly evening entertainment to connect with other enthusiasts. A perfect balance between pushing your limits and relaxing in the great outdoors.

The highlights

  • An experience where endurance meets an exceptional setting
  • An experienced instructor
  • Spa area, fitness room within the holiday village
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Photos

Sport

Level

Cross-country skiing

Expert

Levels

Cross-country skiing
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.
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.

In figures

Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)

  • Average duration/day: 3h30
  • Average distance/day: 5 km
  • Average daily descent: 184 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Supervisor

You are supervised by state-certified instructors.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
  • map

    Arrival at the holiday village

    • Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
    • Duration of the activity 2h
    • Distance 4 km
    • Negative elevation 200 m
    • Accommodation Holiday Villages
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    12pm: Arrival at the holiday village and lunch on site

    1:45 PM: Welcome meeting in the Charbonnel room

    Afternoon: Balance through alternating movements, gestures, distance, gentle aerobic exercise.

    Day 1

Note

Important : The destinations for these outings are given as a guide only. Each week we vary the activities depending on the weather conditions so that people who stay for several trips can discover new sites.

Please note that we may sometimes need to make slight changes to the program: this could be due to organizational issues, weather conditions, snow conditions, 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!


Participant level : Our instructors are the best judges of participants' skill levels. If a participant does not meet the required criteria, the instructor may suggest a more suitable course. The holiday village cannot be held responsible for any insufficient skill level observed during the stay.

Accommodation

🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
  • 🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6
🏨 Holiday village - Days 1 to 6

The holiday village offers 95 rooms, spread across three buildings, which can accommodate from 1 to 3 people depending on their configuration.

By staying at the centre, you have access to all the spaces available.

Access

Departure
Bessans, France
Day 1 : 12h00
End of stay
Bessans, France
Day 7 - 10h00

Check-in at the holiday village begins at 12:00 PM, and rooms are available from 5:00 PM on your arrival day. For your departure, rooms must be vacated by 10:00 AM, as your stay ends after breakfast.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Modane

Modane TGV station (Paris-Modane 4h30 by TGV), then a 45-minute bus ride to the stop in front of the holiday village. Bus reservations can be made online at www.altibus.com or by calling +33 4 79 68 32 96.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

A43 motorway towards Turin (Fréjus Tunnel, Italy), Exit No. 30 – Modane/Haute Maurienne, departmental road D1006 (ex-RN6) then D902 (35km) towards Bessans.

Consider sharing your journey by carpooling: www.blablacar.fr.

Price details

The price includes

  1. Accommodation in the holiday village according to the chosen package
  2. Full board (including wine) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
  3. One hot drink per day
  4. Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay.
  5. Access to the spa and fitness area
  6. Activities are supervised by our qualified instructors.
  7. Activities from Monday to Friday
  8. Holiday meals at the end of the year (December 24, 25, and 31, January 1)
  9. Cross-country skiing equipment: boots, skis and poles

The price does not include

  1. Transportation to the holiday village
  2. Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night (rate in effect in 2026) - payable on site
  3. The ANCEF membership fee (mandatory for guided trips) includes membership and mountain passport (insurance): €26 for adults, €15 for children under 16, and €60 for the Family offer (1 or 2 adults + children under 16) - payable on site
  4. Toiletries (shower gel, soap, etc.) and a towel for access to the spa.
  5. Nordic ski pass from Sunday to Friday (preferential rates with your booking)
  6. Drinks at the bar and extras (shop purchases, additional activities not included in the program…)
  7. Picnic boxes, cutlery and water bottles

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Child discount (ages 3-6) : CHF-398.85 / person
  2. Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-239.31 / person
  3. Early arrival : CHF62.21 / person
  4. 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

  1. Boots, skis and poles

Equipment to bring

  1. Water bottle holder and water bottle (minimum 1L capacity).
  2. A pair of highly protective sunglasses (CE index 3 or 4 is essential).
  3. Tube of sunscreen and lip balm, with a high sun protection factor.
  4. Camera and binoculars (optional).
  5. Backpack (capacity 30L).

Clothing to bring

  1. Cap.
  2. 2 pairs of gloves.
  3. Warm pants + lightweight pants.
  4. Several pairs of socks.
  5. Anorak, waterproof rainwear, 1 windbreaker and a fleece jacket or thick sweater.
  6. Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area.
  7. For your comfort at the centre, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or a pair of slippers.
The Julie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Julie team

3.9/5 (11 reviews) • 44 stays
Nestled in Bessans, in the heart of the unspoiled landscapes of the Haute-Maurienne valley, our local partner is a mountain institution that has been welcoming enthusiasts since 1972. The establishment is distinguished by its friendly and authentic atmosphere, true to the Savoyard village spirit. Specializing in all-inclusive stays, the agency simplifies the traveler's experience by including accommodation, meals, and a rich program of activities tailored to each season.
Discover their team and their trips
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