S.N.O.W: Nordic Skiing Opening Winter in Bessans

Name: S.N.O.W: Nordic Skiing Opening Winter in Bessans
Start: 2026-11-01T00:00:00+0000
End: 2026-11-01T00:00:00+0000
Location: Espace sportif le Carreley

Bessans

Bessans is the 1ʳᵉ resort to open in France. For the opening of the cross-country ski season, enjoy a day event with the S.N.O.W.
On the program: skiing, equipment manufacturers, ski tests, waxing demo, entertainment, ski market, ect.

Description

Bessans is once again the first resort in France to open its ski area, starting the first weekend of November 2026.
To mark the occasion, the resort is hosting the fourth edition of its S.N.O.W. (Ski Nordic Opening Winter) event: a “first snow” weekend to celebrate the return of cross-country skiing and Nordic activities. This early opening is made possible by the snowfarming technique and the resort’s unique environment (a plateau at an altitude of 1,700 meters surrounded by glaciers and peaks over 3,000 meters high, which provide cool temperatures starting in the fall).

Schedule (subject to change)
• 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Ski area open exclusively to elite skiers and biathletes.
• 11:00 a.m.: Autograph session with the French national cross-country skiing team.
• 1:00 PM–5:00 PM: Free access to the ski area for everyone.
• 1:30 PM–5:00 PM: Ski testing with specialized brands and equipment manufacturers; demonstrations on ski waxing and maintenance. Biathlon introduction session using laser-firing rifles. Sled dogs will be on hand for petting sessions and selfies. Photo exhibition by and featuring Olivier Trompette, a mountain guide in Bessans and the Haute Maurienne Vanoise region, and a presentation of the Moonbike activity.
• 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Free cross-country skiing introduction (registration required). Never tried cross-country skiing before? Professional instructors will guide you through your first runs. Registration required (limited spots)
• 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Ski Sale.*
During SNOW, you’ll be able to test out equipment before buying it. An exclusive opportunity.
The entire day on Sunday, November 2, is open to everyone and free of charge.

*For those wishing to sell their gear (skis, poles, clothing, or any other sports equipment): You can drop off your items on Saturday, November 1, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and on Sunday, November 2, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the International Biathlon Site in Bessans.