Snow is a passion at Grand Angle. It's also where the story began in 1983, in the Black Forest, the Vercors and Scandinavia. You can count on the advice of our ski instructors and office team of mountain guides to direct you on the right path for an epic winter adventure.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is just winter hiking, when the snow is not too heavy. Ideal for those who don't know how to ski or anyone that just wants to free themselves from any technical constraints. Moving around on snowshoes is really similar to plain walking; it's a little more physically demanding, especially if the snow is powdery; but it's also way more fun!
If you've never snowshoed before, but you're a hiker, there's no need to worry about technical adaptation. You are ready to go!
Distances and Progress
Stages generally range from 100 to 800 meters (330 to 2625 feet) in elevation gain and from 10 to 20km (6.2 to 12.4 miles) per day, lasting from 3 to 6 hours. Walking is often slower than on a summer hike.
Difficulty
We indicate the difficulty of tours on a scale from 1 to 5.
Snowshoes
We offer rental snowshoes and poles for use during our tours. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer that option.
FAQ
Bring waterproof pants and hiking boots that are as waterproof as possible. For cold weather, bring thermal underwear in merino or synthetic wool, and one or more warm sports garments. Avoid cotton. For wind and weather, pack a waterproof Gore-Tex jacket. Our trip information packet always includes a specific packing list for any tour and activity.
If you can, try it at least once before your trip. If you can't, it's also okay. If you're used to hiking in summer, just be prepared for the colder wetter environment you will experience during your trip.
Cross-Country Skiing
A track crosses snow-covered hills and valleys, passing forests and villages. Your cross-country skis glide along the tracks, combining scenic beauty with physical sensations.
Cross-country skiing is a gentle, all around endurance activity, which can be practised relaxed or quite intensively. At Grand Angle, it's set to vacation mode!
Your skis are thin and long; only the forefoot is fixed; the heel is free.
Distances and Progress
Stages generally range from 100 to 350 meters (330 to 1150 feet) in elevation gain and from 15 to 30km (9.3 to 18.6 miles) per day, lasting from 4 to 6 hours.
Difficulty
We indicate the difficulty of tours on a scale from 1 to 5.
Ski Equipment
We offer rental skis, poles and boots for use during our tours. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer that option.
FAQ
Classic cross-country skiing takes place on or off the track. At slow speeds, the skier's movement resembles a gliding gait, thanks to the anti-recoil system under the ski. It is therefore easily accessible to all. The technique is easier, so classic skis are just as suitable for experienced skiers as they are for beginners. Skating skis have no anti-reverse. The movement is similar to that of a skater, but not exactly. It's sportier at first glance and skating is also faster. The learning curve is a bit harder technically, which does not make it ideal for beginners.
The size of your skis depends mainly on your weight and height. Generally speaking, you should allow 15 to 25 cm (5.9 to 9.8 inches) more than your height for classic skis. For skating skis, choose skis 10 cm (4 inches) larger than your height.
Classic poles are 20 cm (8 inches) shorter than your height. For skating poles, choose poles 10 cm (4 inches) shorter than your height.
There are two standards: New Nordic Norm (NNN) and Salomon Nordic System (SNS). Your boots must be adapted to and match with your ski bindings.
Choose synthetic underwear and Lycra-type tights. Depending on the outside temperature, take a pair of cross-country ski pants and a cross-country ski jacket or warm jacket. Your clothing should keep you warm without being a strain. Our trip information packet always includes a specific packing list for any tour and activity.
Nordic Ski Touring
Nordic ski touring is the mountain bike version of classic cross-country skiing: the terrain is rougher, but not alpine, and the skiing is done off-trail. You'll need a wider ski for better grip on the snow, with slightly stiffer edges and boots with greater stability on the descents. You can add skins on the way up. The equipment remains lighter and more maneuverable than alpine touring skis.
Ski touring allows you to cross great wildernesses: Scandinavia, the high plateaus of the Vercors, etc. It requires a reasonable command of cross-country and/or alpine ski touring techniques.
Distances and Progress
Distances can range from 10 to 35 km (6.2 to 21.8 miles) per day, with vertical drops of 150 to 600m (495 to 1970 feet), for 3 to 7 hours: it all depends on the terrain, the type of environment, the type of luggage transportation, etc. Also remember, that travel times can vary considerably according to specific snow and weather conditions.
Difficulty
We indicate the difficulty of tours on a scale from 1 to 5.
Ski Equipment
We offer rental skis, poles and boots for use during our tours. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer that option.
FAQ
Nordic ski touring is particularly well-suited to hilly wilderness. It's the best way to get around on the Royal Trail in Sweden, or on the high plateaus of the Vercors. Nordic ski touring is perfect for travel from hut to hut in Scandinavia, for example.
You'll need a minimum level of alpine, cross-country or touring skiing. It's still accessible, and comes close to the effort of a snowshoe hike.
The size of your skis depends not only on your weight and height, but also on the width of the ski. Some brands have developed small, wide skis (your height), while others have slimmer, longer skis (20 cm / 9 in more than your height).
Pole length should be about 25 cm (10 inches) less than your height.
There are several standards. Think about what style suits you best if you're looking to buy equipment.
When flying to Scandinavia, most airlines accept skis in the hold. However, if your flight is not direct, your skis may be delayed during the changeover and arrive at your destination a few days late.
Dog Sledding
Journey to the land of the Far North, where sled dogs are the obvious companions. You'll learn how to drive a dog team, and your stay may include other activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.
You'll be in very small groups, for greater cohesion. You drive your own sled and must look after your dog team. An unforgettable adventure!
Distances and Progress
Distances are adapted to the group, weather conditions, snow conditions, etc. They can vary widely from day to day. You can expect approximately 4 to 6 hours of activity per day.
Difficulty
These trips do not require any particular physical level or technical knowledge requirement. However, you must be in fairly good physical condition and of course love dogs.
