In winter: cross-country skiing heaven
Bessans advertises 120 km of groomed trails for skating and classic style, on a plateau at 1,750 m with a reputation for reliable snow. It is a training ground for Nordic ski and biathlon teams, with a biathlon stadium open for introductory sessions. A small alpine ski area (3 km of pistes) welcomes children and beginners.
Other activities: snowshoeing on waymarked routes, dog sledding and fatbiking depending on the season’s operators (ask at the tourist office).
The village and its devils
Bessans is known for its carved wooden devils, a local tradition that began in the 19th century and is still alive: you can see them in the streets and in the carvers’ workshops. The church and the Chapelle Saint-Antoine (15th-century murals) are part of the Baroque Trails.
In summer: the Avérole valley
From the hamlet of Avérole, a path climbs a wild valley to the Avérole refuge (about 2 hours’ walk), at the foot of the glaciers on the Italian border. Waterfalls, marmots, chamois. Suitable for families used to walking.
Practical information
- By road: about 55 minutes via Modane, Termignon, Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard.
- Nordic passes and ski hire on site; prices on the official website.
- The Nordic area is also included in some versions of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise pass: please check.