BIG SIZES 

    OUTINGS IN FREESTYLE SKIING IN SAVOIE  

Curiosity with a desire to discover new horizons and an appreciation of their geographical and sporting highlights is an integral part of beaten-track trips worth discovering on outings in freestyle skiing , such as those in the great department of SAVOIE in the AUVERGNE RHONE ALPES region. 

Located in the northeastern part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it has the unique geographical feature of being the second largest mountainous area in France, with 90% of its territory situated in mountainous places in parallel to

its proximity to the departments of Haute-Savoie , Isère, Hautes-Alpes and its shared border with Italy, Savoy forms a vast natural area composed mainly of mountains where nature reigns supreme notably in the majestic and imposing

Vanoise National Park home to peaks over 3000 meters high alongside a rich and diverse fauna , as at Lake Bourget

certified as the largest natural lake in France also suited for swim and walks, and whose renown was developed by the poet Lamartine before he crisscrossed the Cirque de Saint-Même, a radiant territory composed of a massif which is a

natural place with spectacular shapes sculpted by cliffs with waterfalls in the heart of the Bauges massif in addition to the beauty and variety of its landscapes , Savoie is also conducive to numerous exciting sporting activities to enjoy

whether hiking or mountain biking in the heart of its moutains and forests or along its magnificent lakes and parallel to

its ski resorts such as Tignes,Val d'Isère,or Les Arcs are very well equipped for skiing, whether on-piste or cross-country

highly appreciated and practiced with passion . Originating in the Scandinavian countries , and particularly in Norway since antiquity, and initially serving as a rapid means of transportation and hunting,cross-country skiing, also known as

Nordic skiing is also practiced on snow-covered areas . and ladies and the practitioners of this active sport nicknamed

the Cross-country skiers use long, narrow skis without metal edges, with bindings located at the front of their shoes

incorporating 2 alternative techniques for their cross-country skiing practices, the first being the technical traditional

so-called "classic" or "alternating stride" stride, which consists of advancing in two parallel tracks and from in the 1980

years , the so-called "skating" technical, whose functionality at the leg level is similar to roller skating or ice skating but

using shorter skis in their configurations.

In the Spirit Of Trappers

Cross-country skiing in Savoie is made especially easy by its 16 Nordic areas, listed across the department.One example is the Naves area,with 49 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails,including France’s highest trail at Carrolet,at an altitude of 2,085 metres , as well as 27 kilometres of marked , secured snowshoe routes and a nearby refuge , with very sublime, sweeping views of the Vanoise, Lauzière and Beaufortin massifs. There’s also the Grand Coin Nordic area, with its 12 cross-country ski trails  for exploring among the fir trees in an unspoilt natural setting, surrounded by wonderful scenery such as the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Maurienne Valley. Then discover the Pralognan area, Savoie’s sixth-largest Nordic site, with more than 27 kilometres of marked trails winding across plateaus and through forests. These great and enchanting places , which never lose their appeal , give cross-country skiers a true trappers’ spirit , complete with vast wilderness areas.The Entremonts Nordic area is also ideal for families,with cross-country skiing lessons and exceptional

views of the peaks of the Chartreuse as well as Mont Blanc . One of the special features of this beautiful region , which

has surprises in store at every turn,its ever-changing succession of breathtaking landscapes, showcasing all that nature

has to offer .At sunset, the natural surroundings are especially rewarding to watch as magical winter lights bathe in the

landscape. Beautiful yet untamed,Savoie is both wild and welcoming, a land whose diverse, unique places captivate the

visitors, each as beautiful as the next, making it an unforgettable destination for an active holiday.

Report : Gabriel PAGE

Photos credit : Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images  

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