Cross country ski trip to the French Alps

Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 January 2026

Photo:Undiscovered MountainsThis trip explores the beautiful domains of the Queyras, Briançonnais and Serre Ponçon on this cross country skiing week in the French Alps.  Discover the best of the skiing in the area; the 'ubacs' at the end of the valleys where the snow never melts, the high altitude snowy plateaux with panoramic views, snow laden forests and dramatic ice cliffs, all on high quality groomed cross country ski pistes, managed by an excellent team of pisteurs.

This is a bespoke holiday, run exclusively for LRNSC by tour company Undiscovered Mountains, who have 20 year’s experience in this area.  France is a difficult country for our coaches to operate in, and this gives us the opportunity to explore with people who know the area.  You will be accompanied by the LRNSC organiser, Pauline, who will liaise on every aspect of the holiday, and be on hand during the trip. However, your contract will be with the tour operator, rather than the Club.

Who is this trip for?

Here is a guide to the group levels (NB This trip is unsuitable for complete beginners).
Applications are open to all LRNSC members, and those wishing to join the club.

Improver

• You’ve got the basic techniques and can ski comfortably in easy terrain, controlling your speed on gentle descents.
• You want to improve and expand your skills so you can tackle varied terrain more efficiently and confidently.
• You may have previously skied in our novice group at our Ramsau week.
• You must have a reasonable level of fitness to take part as tuition is typically 4-5 hours a day with a break for lunch.

Intermediate

• You understand and can ski most classic and skate techniques confidently with effective downhill control.
• You want to become a more competent and efficient skier so you can ski varying terrain without undue hesitation.
• You can ski at a steady pace on half or whole day tours

Advanced

• You understand and can ski most/all the techniques in classic and skate styles in varied terrain and snow conditions.
• You want to refine and polish all your skiing skills to become a more competent and efficient skier over longer distances and/or more challenging terrain.
• You’re able to ski for several hours each day, adapting your pace to suit the terrain and group.

Key points

Everyone on the trip is recommended to have their own travel health insurance policy that covers the Covid-19 situation. Rules are changing all the time, so please be aware of what is required at the time of travel.

The GIC (Global Health Insurance Card) issued by Gov.uk is also recommended in case of emergencies.

About the trip

Our base will be in the beautiful village of Guillestre which is perfectly situated with easy access to a range of different domains from Crévoux at 1600 metres above the Serre Ponçon lake, to Saint Véran in the Queyras, also the highest village in Europe.  Having a base in the town means you have access to a range of restaurants, shopping and other facilities during your stay and are not limited to one cross country ski domain - you can visit them all!

Each day you will be collected by minibus and taken to a different domain where you will spend the day with a mixture of intensive lessons, mastering and improving your cross country ski skills and techniques (generally in the morning) and tours exploring the area (generally in the afternoon).

You can choose which technique you prefer to ski in and there will be two instructors with your group to create ability level and discipline specific groups for skills lessons or tours.  Each day you will stop for lunch in a different restaurant to reward your efforts with foodie delights before setting off again.  It is also possible to bring picnics and eat in the 'hors sac' rooms at some of the domaines.

In the afternoons you are free to do your own cross country ski tours self-guided around the domain, choose extra technique lessons with the instructor, relax over a long lunch (depending on how tired you are after your morning's exertions) or try another activity (depending on what is available in the domain).

Accommodation choices and cost

The Catinat Fleurie hotel and the Cap Verb outdoor centre are within walking distance of each other in Guillestre, so it is possible to get together in the town centre bars.  Both are located at the entrance of the awe-inspiring Queyras Valley, known for its spectacular mountains and famous Tour de France cols, and less than half an hour away from several famous resorts (Vars, Risoul and Serre Chevalier to name just a few), and a perfect base for cross country skiing.

Le Catinat Fleurie - €1293 Bed & Breakfast, based on 2 people sharing a room (€300 extra for single supplement).

The price is based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room in the hotel.  It is possible to have a private room for yourself for a supplement.  There is a spa and steam room (payable as a supplement per séance at the hotel) to relax in after your day out in the mountains.

Facilities and equipment include: bar, flat screen TV, garden furniture, hairdryer, open fire or wood burner, private garden, private parking, shampoo & shower gel, sheets & towels, steam room, ski storage area, tea & coffee facilities, wi-fi.

Cap Verb Outdoor Centre - €1238 Half Board (set evening meal and breakfast included). 

They prioritise organic and local products for catering. The centre has 1900 m² of buildings and a range of room sizes and communal living spaces adaptable for all sizes of groups.  There is a communal games room, dining area, and cocooning relaxing room.

This holiday is based on staying in dormitory style accommodation sleeping 4-6 people to a room. These dormitories have ensuite bathrooms. (Other rooming options have not been pre-booked and would be a different price.)

Facilities and equipment included: private parking, sheets, ski storage area, tea & coffee facilities, wi-fi.

Lunch

For lunches in some of the domaines there is a heated picnic room but not in all so you will be advised where picnics are possible (which you can order from your accommodation or pick up from a baker in Guillestre) and where booking a table for lunch in a local restaurant is recommended (which will be booked for you).

Travel

We will be using the following flight for this trip:

Departing 24/1/26  BA dep London Gatwick 07:40 arrives 10:40 Turin

Departing 31/1/26  BA dep Turin 14:20 arrives London Gatwick 16:45

Transfer: From Turin airport approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. You will be collected from the airport around 11:15 on 24th January and we will depart on 31st January around 10:00. 

Any transfers outside of the scheduled transfer are not included and will be subject to an additional fee.  If you wish to use a different airport, you will need to make your own transfer arrangements at your own cost.

Other Expenses

• Airfare
• Lunches €10-€15
• Ski hire – approximately €130

What to do next

Stage 1 

Please complete the online booking form as soon as possible.  The trip is limited to 16 people (enough to fill 2 minibuses). If there are insufficient people, there may be an additional supplement to pay.  There are currently 21 people who have shown an interest, so I don’t see why we would not achieve this number.

Stage 2 

1. Pauline will be in touch to confirm your place on the trip and accommodation choice and send you a link to book the holiday with Undiscovered Mountains.    
2. Once your booking is confirmed by them, you can book flights.

NB We will be using Whatsapp as a means to communicate, but you can opt out of that during your booking process if you wish.

Any questions?

Contact Pauline the organiser.