Christmas vacations in Bessans: Nordic skiing and mountain traditions

Spend your Christmas vacations in Bessans, the Nordic ski capital of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. At an altitude of 1700 m, take advantage of a vast snow-covered plateau, designed for cross-country skiing and biathlon, already open since November. During the festive season, the magic happens with fireworks, torchlight descents, the arrival of Santa Claus and a large living nativity scene, a unique tradition in France because, according to local history, Jesus was born... in Bessans! Sport, guaranteed snow and authenticity, Bessans promises an unforgettable family Christmas.

A white Christmas on the vast Bessans plateau

At an altitude of 1700 m, Bessans is a Nordic paradise: a vast snow-covered plateau, surrounded by peaks over 3000 m, where snow is guaranteed as early as November. Here, your Christmas skiing vacations are guaranteed to be authentic and serene, far from the crowds.

The first cross-country ski trails open at the beginning of November, welcoming the French cross-country ski and biathlon teams, who have come to prepare for the 2026 Olympic Games. Whether you're a beginner, an experienced skier or an avid cross-country skier, you'll be able to enjoy over 130 km of trails in a magnificent setting.

Christmas and New Year in Bessans

Christmas in Bessans

In Bessans, the Christmas vacations are punctuated by festive events:
- Torch-lit descent for young and old,
- Fireworks illuminate the snow-covered plateau,
- Santa's arrival, photo session and candy distribution.

New Year's Eve in Bessans

Celebrating the New Year in Bessans means ending 2025 and starting 2026 in the heart of the snow-covered Alps. And, of course, there's plenty to celebrate on the evening of December 31:
- Fireworks on the snow front
- Festive entertainment to welcome 2026 in a warm, family atmosphere.

A unique tradition: the Bessans living crib ✨

Bessans is distinguished by a Christmas tradition that is unique in France: the living crib.

Every year, the villagers re-enact the nativity scene in a snow cave, with Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.
This tradition is based on a local legend: according to old village songbooks, Jesus was born in Bessans.

The villagers then perform these traditional songs, in French and patois, offering a moving and authentic moment that brings the whole community together.

Discover the history of this tradition

Bessans living crib, traditional Christmas carols in patois, Bessans Christmas, legend of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bessans in the Alps

Book your Christmas vacations at La Norma

Our furnished apartments by the fire

Choose your fireside accommodation

Find your accommodation for the Christmas vacations in Bessans: apartments at the foot of the slopes, family residences or comfortable chalets.

Book your accommodation

HMV package pictogram

Buy your Nordic ski pass

Don't waste any time when you arrive at the resort: book your cross-country ski passes now to enjoy the slopes straight away.

Buy your package

Snowshoe outing-Bessans-02.24-©B.Filliol-OTHMV-144

Nordic skiing, biathlon and unspoilt nature

During your Christmas vacations in Bessans, enjoy a complete Nordic experience:

- Cross-country skiing on one of France's largest ski areas,
- Introduction to biathlon in the shooting range used by champions,
- Snowshoeing or family outings on the vast snow-covered plateau,
- Snow games, igloo building and snowmen in a grandiose setting.
- Dog sled rides on the plateau

Other outdoor activities

At La Norma, there's skiing, of course, but there's much more: discover outdoor activities that also invite you to contemplate the winter landscape and atmosphere.

Indoor leisure activities

Library, cinema and why not try an escape game at Fort Marie-Thérèse? A unique experience for the whole family.

Guided snowshoe outings

To make the most of the mountain wilderness, enlist the services of a snowshoe guide. These professionals will offer you safe outings and reveal the history of the resort through a thousand stories and anecdotes. They can also help you discover the tracks of wild animals, the flora, the landscape...

Wellness and rejuvenation

What could be more relaxing than taking time out for yourself in the heart of the La Norma mountains? After a day rich in outdoor activities, welcome to our relaxation and well-being areas, designed to offer you warmth and comfort indoors.

Sled dogs

Comfortably seated in the sled, let the dogs and their musher take you through the forest for a magical and unforgettable ride.

Top 5 winter activities for the whole family at La Norma

Are you spending your winter vacations in La Norma and looking for a wide range of activities to keep the little ones and teenagers happy? Here's our Top 5 winter activities for the whole family.

The Norma Loops rail sled

Slide through the forest on the Norma Loops. The 4-season tobogganing experience you've got to try out on your vacation!

Tobogganing area on the snow front

On the snow front at La Norma, a fun toboggan run for children - and adults - who love it!