Are you wondering which snow sport to try at a low price this winter with your family? Combloux invites you to discover an outdoor sporting activity that is fun, complete, accessible to all – and free – all in an idyllic setting facing Mont-Blanc. So, what are you waiting for, put on your skis and set off on an adventure?
Combloux offers two cross-country ski trails – one blue and one green – with free access and suitable for all levels. Well exposed to enjoy the sun, the Combloux cross-country ski trails promise a wonderful moment of escape in unspoilt nature with breathtaking landscapes.
What is cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is one of oldest winter sports.
Allowing to move with ease on any type of snowy terrain, it allowsevolve at your own pace, using sticks, on the Groomed or ungroomed slopes – flat or hilly in profile, with low to medium gradients.
It constitutes both a ultra complete physical activity and great way to get around alone or with family while taking advantage of sublime alpine landscapes characteristics of the winter season.
Ce very efficient mode of travel on snow, which is inspired by nordic ski touring, comes straight from Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Norway: the homelands of cross-country skiing.
What are the different types of cross-country skiing?
You have surely noticed: several “zones” coexist on the routes dedicated to this Nordic discipline.
If the cross-country ski trails include both tracks with rails and a groomed part (without rails) it is because this sport includes two sliding methods quite distinct:
- on one side the alternative skiing, which is also called classic style or of traditional method
- on the other the skating
What is the difference between alternative skiing and skating?
- While the alternative skis are mainly intended to slide in tracks – the famous rails – at a rythme rather moderate,
- Type “cross-country skis”skating” are used more for skate fast on a groomed trail
Le traditional cross-country skiing uses a technique perfectly suited to beginners in which the skier – skis placed parallel in the rails – propels himself forward by a gliding motion : the alternate step.
Ce no basis, where the skier alternates gliding phases on each ski while pushing on their poles, is also perfectly suited to walking. Those who wish to evolve low speed, to be able to better contemplate the landscape, will be served!
Note that the sole of alternative skis has scales. This relief structure prevents practitioners from stepping back.
Skating, meanwhile, became more democratic in the 80s. This discipline is much more recent, invented by certain athletes in search of speed, must be practiced on a groomed surface.
Technical question: the “founder” places his v-skis, propelling itself forward through the famous skater step - A skating movement which consists of a side thrust.
Practice cross-country skiing in Combloux
Explore the 5.5 km of groomed trails of our destination and take the time to discover the lesser known places du Portes du Mont-Blanc ski area.
Combloux is the ideal playground to learn cross-country skiing in a postcard setting or to warm up before setting off to explore the many routes offered by the Pays du Mont-Blanc. Take advantage of it, the Nordic area of Combloux is freely accessible!
Discover our marked routes facing Mont-Blanc
Combloux offers two cross-country ski trails in free access, ideal for a family discovery but also for those who wish to train more intensively:
- a green track to warm up
- a blue run to practice
These mixed, marked and well-maintained trails allow the practice of alternative cross-country skiing or skating. Presented in the form of a roundabout, be sure to respect the signage and the direction of traffic to guarantee everyone's safety. Walkers are allowed along the Nordic trails.
The P’tits Loups loop: the blue slope of the Portes du Mont-Blanc
Accessible on foot or by cross-country skiing, the blue route “the P’tits Loups loop” is punctuated by 11 points of interest, with the aim of to discover to children and their parents all the wealth of endemic fauna of the Alps.
Whether as part of a digestive walk or a more sporty excursion, let yourself be guided, in complete autonomy, by the explanatory panels and become knowledgeable about local animal species.
The green run, the combloran Nordic ski route dedicated to beginners
If you want to warm up, start cross-country skiing or simply do a quick loop to oxygenate yourself: the green run is made for you! Discover a easy route bordered by scattered forests and overlooked by majestic peaks…
All practical information
Ideally located between Cry and Cuchet in Combloux – more precisely in the Fontaine Désir / Crêt du four sector for connoisseurs – the Nordic area of Combloux is with free access, which means that you can enjoy its 5,5 kilometers of slopes without pay package.
Opening of the Nordic area of Combloux
The Nordic season in Combloux extends from december to march. Please note, the opening and grooming of cross-country ski trails are subject to snow conditions, find out before you leave!
Map of the Combloux cross-country ski trails
Here is the plan of our little corner of Nordic paradise. Digital isn’t really your cup of tea? The paper version of this plan is available to you at the ski lift ticket offices.
How to access the Combloux cross-country ski area?
You can park at the La Cry car park, about a 5-minute walk from the cross-country ski trails. As the number of places is limited, we invite you to use our free skibuses by getting off at the last stop “La Cry”.
How to learn cross-country skiing this winter in Combloux?
For an initiation, to perfect your technique or to try skating – for example – we strongly recommend that you seek the wise advice of our qualified professionals. L'Combloux ESF exemption from courses suitable for all ages and any level, your instructor will be able to teach you the different styles of cross-country skiing and give you advice on how to progress more quickly.
Rent your Nordic ski equipment in Combloux
What equipment do you need for cross-country skiing?
Let's start with a brief overview of equipment !
In terms of equipment, cross-country skis – both long, light, narrow and pointed – are equipped with bindings that release the heel, just like the touring skis and telemarks.
The cross-country ski boots, both high, flexible and waterproof, allow the foot to bend.
Cross-country skiing: The essential equipment to take on your outings
Nothing is more effective than a good “checklist” to make sure you don't forget anything on D-Day before you can set off on miles of slopes!
In addition to skis and boots – don’t forget to bring:
- of ski poles to your size, equipped with straps
- of cross country ski clothing adapted to climatic conditions, i.e. a multi-layer system composed, at least:
- by base layer
- by jacket, allowing you to adjust the thickness of clothing
- Nordic ski tights or cross-country ski pants
- socks
- a pair of nordic gloves both windproof and breathable
- headband or bonnet
- of sunglasses or a mask / index 3 or 4, to effectively protect the eyes against UV
- some water
- un in case to restore you in case of cravings
- of spare clothes to be dry during après-ski
Where else can you go cross-country skiing in the Pays du Mont-Blanc?
Have you already explored the Combloran Nordic area long, wide and across… and the cross-country ski trails of Combloux no longer hold any secrets for you?
Our beautiful Mont-Blanc region is full of spots for your cross-country skiing outings, away from the crowds, in the heart of the mountains – just waiting to be explored!
