Long-distance skating in Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationBessans / Vanoise Massif
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions63.72 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Conquer vast snowy landscapes during this cross-country skiing endurance training camp , ideal for skiers already proficient in skating or classic style . Designed for athletes eager to glide over long distances , this camp emphasizes optimizing technique , developing fluidity, and building endurance . It's also the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your physical preparation for the legendary Bessans Marathon .
Each day of exertion amidst breathtaking mountain scenery is followed by a true moment of rejuvenation. Returning to your accommodation in the late afternoon, treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the spa area and fitness room . The lively evenings offer a convivial setting to share your experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
A stimulating sporting and human immersion , a perfect combination of pushing your limits on the snow and wellness recovery .
The highlights
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An experience where endurance meets an exceptional setting
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An experienced instructor will take you around all week
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Spa area, fitness room within the holiday village
Photos
Sport
Level
Cross-country skiing
In figures
Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Average daily descent: 184 m
Management
French
You are supervised by state-certified instructors.
Program
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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: Warm-up session in skating.
Day 1 -
Half-day outing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Coordination, 2-step skater's step, alternating attack side, ½ step, passage on a slope.
Lunch in the center.
Afternoon: Distance training on an easy profile, endurance work and effort management.
Day 2 -
Half-day outing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Coordination, efficiency, no 1-beat skater, no combined skater, no downhill turns.
Lunch in the center.
Afternoon: Distance training, pacing the effort on a longer track.
Day 3 -
Half-day outing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Efficiency, dynamism, no skating uphill and downhill, no alternating skating, search for speed, arm swing.
Lunch in the center.
Afternoon: Distance training with alternating paces.
Day 4 -
Half-day outing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 5 km
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Linking the different steps together without loss of speed, maximum fluidity without extraneous movements.
Lunch in the center.
Afternoon: Distance on a loop requiring the use of gestures, refining technique.
Day 5 -
Half-day outing
- Activity Cross-country skiing (skating and classic)
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Warm-up and practice of different steps on a timed course.
Lunch in the center.
Afternoon: Recovery skiing.
Day 6 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning: End of stay after breakfast.
Day 7
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
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
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
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.
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
- Accommodation in the holiday village according to the chosen package
- Full board (including wine) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- One hot drink per day
- Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay.
- Access to the spa and fitness area
- Activities are supervised by our qualified instructors.
- Activities from Monday to Friday
- Holiday meals at the end of the year (December 24, 25, and 31, January 1)
- Cross-country skiing equipment: boots, skis and poles
The price does not include
- Transportation to the holiday village
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night (rate in effect in 2026) - payable on site
- 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
- Toiletries (shower gel, soap, etc.) and a towel for access to the spa.
- Nordic ski pass from Sunday to Friday (preferential rates with your booking)
- Drinks at the bar and extras (shop purchases, additional activities not included in the program…)
- Picnic boxes, cutlery and water bottles
Options
- Child discount (ages 3-6) : CHF-398.85 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-239.31 / person
- Early arrival : CHF62.21 / 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
- Boots, skis and poles
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle holder and water bottle (minimum 1L capacity).
- 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).
- Backpack (capacity 30L).
Clothing to bring
- Cap.
- 2 pairs of gloves.
- Warm pants + lightweight pants.
- Several pairs of socks.
- Anorak, waterproof rainwear, 1 windbreaker and a fleece jacket or thick sweater.
- Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area.
- For your comfort at the centre, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or a pair of slippers.
