Snowfarming in Bessans

It's no scoop: at the end of winter, snow... melts. Unless... you preserve it! There's no need to equip yourself with giant refrigerators to make the white gold last. A 100% natural, regional material is more than enough: by covering the snow with sawdust, it resists heat and can be preserved for many months. This is the "snowfarming" technique, which makes it possible to use snow from one winter to the next, insulating it from the ambient air and summer sun thanks to a clever mixture of sawdust.

In Bessans, between January and March 2025, several thousand cubic meters of snow were stored near the biathlon stadium. Chosen for its naturally cool, shaded environment and its proximity to the area to be snowed on, this location facilitates snow conservation. In early November, if weather conditions are favorable (especially cool temperatures) and after consulting a weather expert, the layer of sawdust is removed. The snow can then be spread to form a 3 km loop.

Skiers, both amateur and professional, can then rediscover the pleasure of skiing and shooting in the biathlon stadium. The French biathlon team will also be training in Bessans in November 2025 to prepare for the Olympic Games .