Lente (1071 - 1300 m)

Lente is not a ski station, but a charming forest hamlet nestled in the heart of the majestic state-owned Lente forest in Drôme, at the foot of Vercors massif. Located at 1,071 meters altitude (overall 1,100-1,300 m per surrounding high points), this small hamlet classified as preserved nature destination offers singular authentic setting, far from commercial tourism developments. Implanted on Bouvante commune, just 15 kilometers from Saint-Jean-en-Royans, Lente serves as natural gateway to immense forest expanses (3,000 hectares) of state domain. The "Foyer de ski de Fond" located immediately nearby (1,085m altitude) marks interface between hamlet and regional Nordic activities (Font d'Urle/Chaud Clapier few kilometers distant). Lente breathes preserved mountain authenticity, without alpine ski infrastructure, without mechanical lifts, exclusively devoted to discovery of pristine nature.

Lente historically featured tracked cross-country runs within state forest (Vercors South Nordic space domain including Font d'Urle, Chaud Clapier and Lente, regional total 130 km), but Nordic domain progressively migrated toward lower altitudes of Chaud Clapier (sister station 5 km distant), where snow conditions more reliable. Today, Lente features 0 alpine runs (0 km), 0 local tracked cross-country runs (0 km local), and 0 mechanical lifts. Hamlet remains privileged access point to reach on foot or by mountain bike Nordic itineraries at Chaud Clapier (3-5 km immediate vicinity, free access via forest trails/roads).

Lente's complementary offer makes it exclusive destination for hiking and nature exploration. Hamlet proposes exceptionally rich circuit network: forest pedestrian hiking 6.73 km "Lente Forest" loop (2h30, moderate, +131m elevation gain, Bouvante parking start), 41 km mountain bike tour forest Lente (FFCT Royans Vercors circuit N°20, very difficult, 4h40, +1,435m elevation) alternating forest paths and technical trails, multiple snowshoe circuits including Scialet Royer 14.6 km (difficult), free pedestrian access to immense state forest via marked trails (Fontaine Lauze 1,130m, Pot de Muette Carrefour 1,195m, timeless beech-spruce landscapes). No snowpark, no sledge run, no local ludic infrastructure—Lente remains minimalist nature refuge dedicated exclusively to pedestrian hiking, forest mountain biking and guided snowshoe outings.

Lente remains authentic forest hamlet, symbol of "wild preserved nature" without commercial artifice. Its 3,000 hectares state forest, technical mountain bike circuits (41 km full tour), marked hiking trails, year-round free pedestrian access, immediate proximities to Nordic domains Chaud Clapier (3 km, 130 km regional domain) make this micro-site privileged choice for authentic mountain enthusiasts, mountain bike alpinists and contemplative hikers. Lente has no ski pass (zero alpine runs), free forest parking access, ultra-budget pricing for guide excursions natural (€5-10 guide half-day snowshoe if supervised), and guarantees unforgettable mountain experiences far from standardized tourism industry.