S.N.O.W: Ski Nordique Opening Winter
S.N.O.W
The Nordic event to kick off the season!To mark the opening of the cross-country skiing and biathlon season, Bessans is offering its S.N.O.W (Ski Nordic Opening Winter) event on Sunday, November 2, 2025: a day of first snow to celebrate the resumption of Nordic activities.
On the program: free-access cross-country skiing, ski lessons, introductory laser shooting, ski tests with a brand village, ski market, entertainment...
Every year, skiing starts in November in Bessans
Bessans is able to open early thanks to the snowfarming technique and the resort's special environment (a plateau at 1750m altitude surrounded by glaciers and peaks that offer cool temperatures from autumn onwards: in Bessans, the average temperature in November is -1.2°).
The opening of the cross-country skiing season is eagerly awaited by amateur skiers and professional teams alike. The French cross-country ski teams (men and women) will be in Bessans for the SNOW!
Meet the French cross-country teams
In summer, champions come to work on their basics and train on the biathlon stadium for shooting and wheel-skiing. And at the start of the winter season, many teams come back to the snow in Bessans to finalize their preparations. With just a few months to go before the Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Bessans is particularly popular with the world's best, as the altitude of the resort is the same as that of the Italian Olympic venue.
The French cross-country ski teams will be in Bessans at the beginning of November. Spectators will be able to see the best French skiers in action. For the SNOW on Sunday November 2, a signing session is scheduled for 11:00 am.
The program
Sunday, November 2nd- 8.00am-12.00pm: ski area opening reserved for elite skiers and biathletes.
- 11:00 am: autograph session with the French cross-country ski team
- 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: free opening of the estate for all.
- 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Ski tests with specialist brands and equipment suppliers, waxing and ski maintenance demonstrations. Biathlon initiation with laser rifle. Sled dogs on hand for petting and selfie sessions. Photo exhibition by and with Olivier Trompette, mountain guide for Bessans and Haute Maurienne Vanoise , and presentation of the Moonbike activity.
- 13h30 - 16h30 : Free introduction to cross-country skiing (registration required, places limited). Never tried cross-country skiing before? Professional instructors will guide you through your first runs.
- 13h30 - 5:00 pm : Ski market* . At SNOW, you can test equipment before buying it.
The whole of Sunday November 2 is open to all, and free of charge.
*For those wishing to sell their equipment (skis, poles, textiles or any other sports equipment): possibility of dropping it off on Sat. 1ᵉʳ November, between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and Sunday November 2 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the international biathlon site in Bessans.
If you're in the mood for wide-open spaces and fresh air, come to the Bessans plateau, the Nordic capital of the Alps!
Find out more about our furnished accommodation available for this period! Our reservations department will be happy to help you with your search on 04 79 05 99 10.
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