A far cry from flashy ski-resorts, the Franche-Comté skiing territory offer us a combination of sports, nature and simplicity. Whether you are a budding or experienced skier, young parents or seniors, you will find the ideal slope just waiting for you here.
Without looking at a map one can have no idea of quite how extensive the Nordic skiing area is in the Franche-Comté. In fact there are thousands of km of ski trails and slopes passing through fifty or so villages and resorts. Our Nordic ski-area being the only one of its kind in France as well as one of the finest in Europe. The untouched landscapes stretching from the Ballon des Vosges to the Jura Mountains possess the charm of authenticity. Both wild and beautiful, nature here is also hospitable and ready to offer up its grand spaces to those who enjoy moving about in them with skis or snow shoes underfoot. And they can be appreciated in so many different ways.
If you are a lover of nature your only problem will be to make a choice: here are just three: the huge Plateau de Grandvaux, at an altitude of 950 metres and surrounded by forests of fir-trees, the Hautes-Combes whose 240 km of pistes pass through nine villages, or the Grand Nord (Great North) stretching from the Val de Mouthe to the Chapelle-des-Bois. And why do these 180 km of ski-run bear the name of Grand Nord? Because of the temperature of course! Mouthe is also the village which celebrates the finish of the famous 'Transjurasienne'. And if you are looking for something a little more sensational you can always make a detour by the ski-jump ramps in Chaux-Neuve. Finally, for those in search of authentic spots, the Val de Morteau resort should be to your taste, this small region being located on the last plateau before Switzerland. Here we are in clock-making country, and that of the Comtois horse and of the farmhouses built around a "'tuyé" (pyramidal fire-place specific to the region).
Snow also provides the opportunity for the whole family to holiday together… everyone, including children, aunties and grand-parents can take part in the pleasures of winter sports. To guarantee that a good time is had by all, you will easily find accommodation at the numerous destinations : in the heart of the Ballon d'Alsace you can ski on the summits of the southern Vosges, close by, you will fall for La Planche des Belles Filles (a Commune of Plancher-les-Mines) while the skiing-school there will help you to get back on form and to polish up your technique.
In the Haut-Doubs (upper Doubs region), the Métabief Mont-d'Or ski-resort is a feast for the eyes: from this vantage-point we can see across the whole chain of the Alps. Here you have a choice between 200 km of cross-country ski trails and 50 km of snowshoe trail, unless you succumb to the charm of the Lac Saint-Point which, when frozen over, becomes the haunt of both skaters and trekkers.
Otherwise, opt for Les Rousses, this resort being located in the heart of a natural reserve in the Haut-Jura. Standing near the Swiss border, it is at the meeting-point of 4 villages : Les Rousses, Prémanon, Lamoura and Bois d'Amont. It numbers 35 cross-country ski trails and 41 alpine ski-runs. The resort is equipped with: web-cams, so that one can view the surrounding snow-covered landscapes: To consult these, just click on the Internet site of Les Rousses. The Haut Jura villages roundabout here are also chock-full of charm and Morbier, Bellefontaine together with Longchaumois offer as well as their ski-slopes, fun-oriented beginner ski-courses. A lively and congenial atmosphere reigns at these resorts. You will even find some slopes lit up for skiing by night.
The very beautiful Monts Jura ski resort is located a little more to the south and in the middle of a regional natural park. It belongs to the Ski de France label and possesses a Nordic ski domain with 21 ski-trails, two domains for downhill-skiing with 38 both steep and easier slopes and 10 snowshoe trails. Make sure to bring your camera. The panoramic views over the Lac Léman are simply magical.
