Le Bessat - Le Grand Bois

Just 20 minutes from Saint-Étienne and an hour from Lyon, the Le Bessat - Les Grands Bois Nordic ski area lies in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, in the Loire department. Set around the village of Le Bessat, at around 1,170 metres, and the Croix de Chaubouret pass at 1,201 metres, this family-friendly ski area is part of the Monts du Pilat Nordic area. It offers an unspoilt natural setting of vast fir forests and wide open spaces, with views over the Rhône Valley and, on clear days, the Alps. It's the perfect destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and family days out in nature, just a stone's throw from the city.

For cross-country skiing, the area offers 35 kilometres of groomed, marked and patrolled trails for both skating and classic styles, including 10 kilometres of Nordic trails reserved for classic skiing. From the Croix de Chaubouret, four loops let skiers progress at their own pace: a 4.6 km green, a 7.1 km blue, a 9.2 km red and a 14.5 km black. Further loops start from the Col de la République, in the neighbouring village of La Versanne. The ski area has three entry points: the Croix de Chaubouret and the Tremplin in Le Bessat, and Les Trois Croix at the Col de la République on the RD1082. Beginners can learn in the ludoski area at the Croix de Chaubouret, a groomed and secure zone with a beginner rope tow and fun features.

From the Tremplin, 13 kilometres of groomed and marked discovery trails are reserved for snowshoeing, classic skiing and walkers, with four loops from 2 to nearly 12 kilometres of increasing difficulty. These are the only trails open to dogs on a lead, which are not allowed on the cross-country ski trails. Families can also enjoy a free-access sledging area and an indoor picnic room, open free of charge every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The area also offers guided outings with a state-certified instructor, for both groups and individuals, as well as an orienteering kit for children aged 5 to 11. Cross-country skis, snowshoes and sledges can be rented on site at the Croix de Chaubouret, the Tremplin and in the village.

Practical information: the ski area is open from 15 November to 15 March depending on snow conditions, except on 25 December and 1 January. The snow report is updated every morning at 8:30 am, and the Allô Neige snow line can be reached on +33 4 77 20 43 43. The resort is easy to reach by public transport on regional bus line L12 Saint-Étienne - Le Bessat - Bourg-Argental (Croix de Chaubouret stop), and passengers holding a same-day ticket on lines L12 or L17 get the group rate on the trails. With its affordable prices, its Family Pass with free access from the third child, and the GR7 and GR42 long-distance hiking trails running through its forests and village, Le Bessat - Les Grands Bois is the ideal destination for a day out in nature in the heart of the Pilat massif.