Situated on the high plateau mauriennais, at 1750 metres of altitude, the resort of Bessans benefits from a vast ski area favourable for Nordic activities (cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes) in majestic surroundings of high frozen summits.

The resort is situated at the bottom of the valley, ideal for cross-country skiing. Following the breaking down of the mountain below Bessans, a glacial lake was formed. Successive sedimentary deposits have created a vast plain at altitude.

The physical characteristics of the site (raised altitude in a covered position) are reinforced by an early and durable snow coverage of quality lasting from November to April as well as regular sunlight.

These preferential characteristics enable the French cross-country skiing team and Biathlon teams from different nations to come to Bessans for their first training sessions of each season.

Bessans is located in a high mountain environment of quality, ideal for the development of sporting activities at all levels both in winter as well as in summer (cross-country skiing, hiking trips in the Avérole and Ribon valleys, mountaineering on the great summits of over 3000 metres and glaciers, climbing...).

Cross-country skiing benefits from particularly favourable conditions. The Avérole valley is high enough for this activity. Races for all levels of ability are organized.

The ascent of glaciers (Albaron, le Grand Fond, les Grandes Pareis, le Baounet...), the possibility of loops, the discovering of the highest summits of the Maurienne (le Charbonnel, 3752 m), the glacier of Evettes or the Ribon valley offer multiple possibilities for a change of sporting scenery.