Ski touring: Where are the best resorts?

Our mountains are full of resorts where you can try your hand at ski touring. Here's a closer look at four of them.

La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie)

Set in the splendid forests of Haute-Savoie, the ski touring itineraries of La Clusaz have plenty to attract enthusiasts.

For regulars and experts alike, l'Étale, with its 700 metres of positive vertical drop, is the ideal playground.

The route to the Beauregard plateau, with its many starting points, is also recommended.

A unique itinerary, with the option of returning down the ski slopes.

Praz de Lys Sommand (Haute-Savoie)

What could be better than a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif from the slopes?

With two safe, signposted itineraries, you can explore the mountains in complete safety on ungroomed pistes.

A wilderness that will take you to Lac de Roy or Pertuiset via easy climbs accessible to all levels.

But the more experienced riders can also enjoy the 210 and 270 metre gradients.

There's plenty of opportunity to learn or improve your skills in a breathtaking setting.

Courchevel (Savoie)

There's more to Courchevel than downhill skiing. While the huge 3 Vallées ski area attracts skiers from all over the worldSki touring has also made a name for itself in this bucolic and luxurious Savoyard resort.

Courchevel offers a total of five walking routes, with trails to suit all abilities.

The "Géné'piste de Snowleader", through the forests of Moriond, offers gentle slopes ideal for beginners. On the other hand, the Millet Ski Touring is more for regular skiers, as is the demanding Kilomètre Vertical de Plume.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the route leading to "Pramétuel", while more experienced hikers can discover the "Vallée des Avals".

Chamrousse (Isère)

It is one of the most popular resorts for ski touring.

The resort offers two itineraries to reach the mythical slopes of La Croix without having to use the ski slopes.

The first via Bachat-Bouloud, through the forests of the Belledonne, with its 630 metre ascent.

The second via Casserousse, with 400 metres of ascent. Enough to warm up your legs before heading back down to the ski slopes.