The Cross-Country Area
The cross-country skiing area in Les Rousses is one of the largest in France. Cross-country skiers will find a total of around 200 kilometres of trails here. World Cup races also take place here time and again.
With 30 trails, there is a large selection of varied routes available here. Beginners can practice on more than 20 kilometers of easy trails (green). Those with more experience can use the 58 kilometres of blue-marked, i.e. medium-difficulty trails. Sporty runners will find more than 70 kilometres of challenging trails.
In addition to the 180 kilometres of official cross-country trails, there are also around 11 kilometres of freely accessible trails, the so-called "Espaces liberté". These are located e.g. in Lamoura (Bas des Meures), Bois d'Amont (La Frontière) and at the Fort de Rousses. In contrast to the official cross-country skiing trails, no cross-country skiing fee is charged for these trails.
Another highlight is the Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ) long-distance ski trail. This runs for around 28 kilometres through the Les Rousses area. In total, the GTJ is 180 kilometres long.
Interesting facts
- Offering 192 km cross-country trails, Les Rousses is among the 3 largest Cross-Country Skiing Areas in France.
- The highest point of the track is 1,380 m above sea level.
- Snow coverage is usually best during April, offering an average snow depth of 87 cm at summit elevation and 10 cm at the base.
Videos
Getting Here
Les Rousses is located on the Swiss border just 50 kilometres north of Geneva. From Lyon you drive via Ambérieu-en-Bugey and Oyonnax to Les Rousses. Parking is available at all entry points to the trails.