Change your spatulas to experience an offbeat glide
This winter, I wanted a change. So I chose Oisans to ski "differently" in an atmosphere "far from everything". In just one week, I tested other types of skiing to see if I could do as well with seal skins as I do behind a nag.
I rediscovered the taste for discovery, the desire to treat myself to a deeply wild stay not so far from home.
Sunday
Today is cross-country skiing. I'm starting off gently on the Nordic ski trails of Col d’OrnonI loop through this magnificent alder forest – the largest in Europe. Peaceful, far from civilization: restorative and invigorating!
Monday
I wake up with a desire for wide open spaces and freedom. So we head to the Pic du Mas de la Grave for a beautiful, long climb in a movie setting. With a local guide, we progress slowly while observing a chamois and a bearded vulture crossing the azure blue sky. But that's not all, the highlight of the show takes place at the summit. At over 3 m, the panorama leaves us speechless. Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles d'Arves, the Meije…And the immense Emparis plateau which stretches out at our feet.
Tuesday
I meet my paragliding instructor for a 1 m "ski jump". My favourite moment? The gentle take-off from the Signal de l'Alpe d'Huez: we let ourselves glide gently and hop! Suddenly, light as a feather, we rise into the air... Face to face with the peaks, above the snow-covered villages, Oisans is ours at 000°!
Wednesday
Today, it will be equestrian sensations with skijoëring, a mode of transport of Scandinavian origin that is originally practiced with reindeer. On my skis, harness in hand, I let myself be pulled by the horse on a groomed track. At the pace of the animal, the slide takes on another dimension! In addition to the magical setting, no need to be an experienced skier: to try absolutely!
Thursday
I can't finish my stay in Oisans without going down the legendary Vallons de la Meije. Direction La Grave and its famous cable car, to reach the ungroomed ski area. At the foot of the Meije, majestic 4 m, a masterful off-piste awaits me in a pure and authentic mountain. This site, unique in Europe, allows 000 m of vertical drop in the powder on an exceptionally varied terrain: forests, valleys, corridors, open fields, moraines… An extraordinary experience to end this stay in the wild Oisans!
FRIDAY ?
Terrace in the sun, it's still a holiday!
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