A tradition of adventures

From a ski resort, the skiers expect a host of varied activities aside from skiing. The new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes provides a tradition of providing a wide choice of adventures to fill such needs. All that a visitor desires is available for their convenience selection, from mountain biking to rock climbing, from cross-country skiing to paragliding, and from swimming to rafting.

Mountain biking at the new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes can be as sedate as following marked trails or can be as thrilling as winning the annual competition. And if biking happens to be a spur-of-the-moment decision, the visitors can find numerous rental shops that provide a variety of bikes and equipment. Rock climbing in the new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes is primarily a summer activity. But the definition of rock climbing is not the scaling of an indoor wall, in which the thrill of the open space is absent. The rock climbers can go to a street named Avenue de la Muzelle where a gigantic artificial wall rises above many buildings.

At the new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes, cross-country skiing is considered as a gentler alternative to alpine skiing. Thus, the whole area has numerous ski trails and skating areas that will be beneficial to the cross-country skiers. Paragliding, however, could not be considered as gentle, despite the gracefulness of the gliders as they move across the sky. The gliders take off from a high location and glides down through the air, taking advantage of the air friction caused by the parachute. Note that people who are new to paragliding must fly in tandem with instructors, but people who have the license and the training may also fly by themselves.

Swimming in the new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes can be done either indoors or outdoors, and the ski resort has four swimming facilities to choose from. Should the visitors desire a closer commune with nature, there is nothing and no one who will stop them from taking advantage of the clear fresh waters of the nearby mountain lakes. For rafting, the visitors can hire the services of any company that offers a white water adventure. Such adventures usually occur in the Veneon River.

A tradition of service

From a ski resort, the skiers expect services and facilities that will meet the needs of a family on vacation. The new ski resort of Les 2 Alpes provides a tradition of impeccable customer service, including the provision of activities that are suitable for children. Babysitting services are also provided, as long as the visitors book in advance, indicating the need for a babysitter. The French laws do require the childcare services companies to obtain the clients present medical records.

As for skiing, families enjoy discounts, especially with the lifts. Children who are younger than 5 years old will have a free pass. Children who are older than 5 years old but younger than 13 years old will have discounted lift passes and families who have more than 2 children are also entitled to more discounts.

O.B.S. company is currently working on France skiing project, Les 2 Alpes ski resort. It represents Les 2 Alpes hotels and possible winter vacation activities in Les 2 Alpes, France.

Cross-country skiing is a fun way to take in the beautiful back-country trails in winter with your family.

What It Is and Where You Can Do It

I relish winter snow blanketing the landscape. Luckily, I’ve found a sport that allows me to get exercise and travel on skis without skiing downhill at a resort with lift lines. There exist downhill ski resorts that have a separate area of trails for Nordic skiers. The term "Nordic" covers not only cross-country, but telemark and ski jumping.

These are trails that are usually groomed creating a flat, grooved surface. The pattern will usually appear like giant corduroy fabric. The advantage of a groomed trail is that you will glide completely on top of the snowpack while the groove directs you. If you go on an ungroomed trail you will still be able to ski it. At times you may sink in it some, but you can move forward through it. You don’t tend to sink much into snow because your weight is distributed over your skis.

This activity is family-friendly. Infants and toddlers can ride in a backpack or sled. Grandparents can go as it is almost like a gentle walk. Teenagers can go fast with the skate ski technique. Even your family dog can run along as some Nordic Centers welcome them.

With over 350 cross-country ski areas in North America there may well be one near you. This sport uses natural movements and has a rather short learning curve. The biggest challenge for a beginner is to maintain your balance while shuffling along–think standing with ice skates.

The skis are quite thin and long; but with time you will learn to balance. It is an aerobic sport as you will experience after you’ve covered some distance. Stay on marked trails and obey posted signs, as in some areas avalanches are a risk. There are two different movement techniques.

Classic refers to the diagonal stride where you push each foot forward in long, graceful strides. Your arms with poles also help you push you along. Skating is the other technique done on a consistent packed surface where you make an open V pattern instead of straight ahead. You push one ski to the side and glide while using powerful pole strokes to assist. It makes the quickest way to slide for you racer types!

The equipment needed is lightweight and all of it can be carried over your shoulders. The boots are only ankle high and are held onto the ski by a binding which secures the toe but allows the heel to lift freely up off the ski.

The shoes detach from the skis allowing you to walk around comfortably. Poles similar to downhill ski poles propel you along when skiing. Skis fall into 2 categories. Waxless have bases with ridges cut into them for grip. Waxable skis are the traditional kind that need you to apply special waxes to fine-tune your ski to match snow conditions. We don’t want you sliding around aimlessly out there now!

Basic Moves

Okay, moving right along, we’ve come to some basic instruction on technique.

Kick and Glide creates the basic rhythym of classic skiing. Keep your knees and ankles flexed and your upper body forward. Push a foot forward and pressure the center of the ski so it gets firm contact with the snow. Now bring that heel down. Next, stride forward with your other foot.

Snowplow is used when you want to slow down or stop. Form a closed V shape by bringing your front ski tips together. At the same time shift your weight toward the insides of your skis. Bend your knees some.

Herringbone is used to walk on uphill portions where you cannot get enough momentum to push yourself up with your poles. Walk straight up with your front ski tips facing out. Steering gives you control over going to the left or right. Pressing more on your right ski causes you to go left. Pressing more on your left ski causes you to go right.

Half Wedge provides a little slowing power on the downhill. While in the groomed track angle out only one ski and shift your weight on that ski toward its outside edge. Leave the other ski in its track still pointing straight. Remember that Nordic skis, like downhill skis, have a mechanism that allows the ski to release from your boot for your safety. You just have to fetch the darn thing out of the snow when it does that!

Skiing is Fun