The 5 best stations to do off-track in France

The best ski areas to practice off-road

With its large number of ski resorts, the France offers almost all types of tracks. A diversity that appeals to skiers and snowboarders, regardless of their level. However, one of the areas where it excels is best ski off-piste . Skiers and snowboarders eager for powders sometimes come from far only to ski quietly, away from the crowds.

Each ski resort in France offers a minimum of skiing out of sighting, but a number are particularly well known for their famous field off-piste to be explored by both intermediaries and experts in this area. If you especially enjoy slipping in a powdery and virgin snow, there are places where accessing off-piste domains more or less easily. In any event, it is essential that you be well-equipped before you venture out into the off-track.

Here are 5 of the best French stations for the off-track:

Chamonix

Credit – lepaysdh.perso.neuf.fr

THE place to be , Mecca, the spot for doing off-track . With its vast glaciers, uncertain precipices and difficult descents, Chamonix is renowned for its incredible off-piste terrain, and attracts intrepid freestyle skiers from all over the world. With the huge Mont Blanc profiled above the station and the valley, Chamonix offers endless off-piste routes encompassing all types of terrain, from the wide powder trails to the steep corridors.

The Great Montets, the Vallée Blanche , or the Pas de Chèvre are some names you must remember. Most off-track areas are accessible through mechanical lifts. There are even unmarked tracks that allow you to try out at the off-track in a controlled environment . Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to get off the 23 km of the Vallée Blanche. This “track” offers spectacular views and is not necessarily difficult, but one must descend a peak in the first place. Look at this video that makes us discover this famous off track:

Val d’Isère

Credit – valdisereski.com

The nearby stations of Val d’Isère and Tignes form the immense Killy Space, which is widely regarded as having the one of the best land in the Alps . In addition, it is easily accessible. The most difficult off-piste part is probably that on the Val d’Isère side, so with the most complex off-piste of all being the famous "Couloir des Pisteurs" , which must be tempted only by experts! This steep, narrow and long corridor is 45 minutes' walk from the summit of the Grand Pré chairlift leading to the Rocher du Charvet peak. It is particularly difficult, but a clever negotiation of the corridor will be rewarded by large turns on one of the best snow in the region for the rest of the descent.

The Couloir des Pisteurs was for the anecdote, but there are many other possibilities to practice the off-piste in Val d’Isère. The Fornet (in La Forest of the Fornet ), Col Pers Not far from the top of the Fornet, the Grand Vallon, or the Vallons de la Sache are so many names to remember.

Tignes

Credit – tignes.net

There are also countless possibilities for off-track adventure in Tignes, with most of these areas easily accessible from the ski lifts. The station has converted several of its black tracks into "Naturides" which are not fed, but marked, monitored and protected from avalanches. This means that adventurous skiers will be able to discover the tops and ski off track in a much more environment safe and controlled .

For those who are experienced and well-equipped, there are many more difficult leads to approach outside the monitored area. One of the most popular is Mickey balls . There are several ways to get down, which are all steep and suitable for avalanches, especially once you arrive at the wall of the Lavachet, then make sure you are extremely careful and ideally, take a guide. If visibility is bad, go to Brevières .

Alpe d’Huez

Credit – capcampus.com

The Alpe d’Huez is also a great destination for off-piste skiers, with vast expanses and some beautiful long descents of 2000 m or more. From the top of the summit Pic Blanc glacier , there are many corridors in which to bury, which all end on the Sarenne track. Other trails start from the top of this glacier but must be done with a preferential guide (security first!)

The Alpe d’Huez is all the more famous for off-piste practice because of its location close to the resort The Grave . This is where you can descend from famous “tracks” like those of Chirouze , Trifides or Selle valley . With only one mechanical lift and no marked or controlled track, it is here pure freeride that must be approached by properly equipped experts and accompanied by a guide.

Avoriaz

Credit – freeski-experience.com

Avoriaz may have the most accessible off-piste domain in the Alps. Ideal for those who want to try it without taking too much risk. See for example in the sector « Chavanette » or "Fornet" . For fun, borrow it Snowcross Pschott , which is served by the Fornet chairlift. There are canyons, natural half-pipes... and this is one of the best places to go after a big snowfall. For a less difficult place, take the Choucas chairlift on the other side.

You can go ski to Morzine from the top of the Fornet chairlift by descending the Vallée de la Manche (if conditions permit).

Note that this list is not exhaustive. Here you have some good ideas to ski out-of-piste in France. We could have named many other ski areas, but we think you have the best. If you have suggestions, do not hesitate to mention them in the comments below!