Snow fell heavily on Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves and winter is settling in with all its might. Already well covered in snow, the Savoie resort is preparing to receive up to 80 centimetres more between now and the end of the episode forecast for Sunday. Ideal conditions for enjoying the Far North Week, organised by the Tourist Office from 10 to 16 January, and plunge into a resolutely Nordic atmosphere.
For one week, holidaymakers and locals alike are invited to discover the mountains from a different angle, through a series of events combining meetings, winter activities and immersive experiences, designed for all ages.
The week kicks off on Saturday 11 January with a meeting with a ski patroller and her avalanche dog. Alongside Virginie and Rio, the public can find out about the essential role of dog handlers, their training, their daily lives and their work in snowy conditions. It's a hands-on immersion in a profession that is emblematic of the winter mountains, and it's available at a low price (registration required).
On Sunday 12 January, the resort is focusing on learning how to be self-sufficient in a cold environment. In the morning and afternoon, mountain leader Sébastien Rivoira will be offering a workshop on the basics of winter survival. Reading the terrain, managing the cold, finding your way around and adapting to the environment are all covered during this accessible hike, designed as a practical introduction to the essential reflexes needed in the mountains in winter.
The same day, at dusk, a torch-lit snowshoe walk takes participants to the hamlet of Prés Plans. In the silence of the snow and under the flickering lights, this supervised outing offers a timeless interlude in the spirit of the Great North.
Introduction to ski-joËring, rifle shooting...
On Monday 13 January, it's time for biathlon, the emblematic discipline of the Nordic countries. On the snow front, an introductory session combining fun courses and laser rifle shooting will introduce you to this demanding but accessible sport, combining concentration and physical effort.
On Tuesday 14 January, the Scandinavian atmosphere continues with two original activities. On the one hand, there will be an introduction to ski-joëring, a form of snowboarding pulled by a pony or horse, supervised by the Les Crins Sauvages equestrian centre. On the other, sessions on the Yooner, a traditional wooden toboggan that lets you rediscover the thrill of sliding in a fun and friendly way.
Finally, on Wednesday 15 January, the Grand Nord week concludes with a meeting with a musher and her sled dogs. On the snow front, Mélèanne will be sharing her job, her daily routine and her relationship with her dogs, before a much-appreciated moment of sharing and petting, particularly with families.
Between generous snowfalls, immersive events and human encounters, Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves has succeeded in its challenge: to offer a true Nordic interlude in the heart of Savoie. A week punctuated by specific events, to be enjoyed from 10 to 16 January, to discover the mountains at their most authentic and wintry.