Cross-country skiing

Rather secretive and sporty, the Auris-en-Oisans cross-country ski trail plunges you into the heart of snowy landscapes and the majesty of the Oisans peaks.

→ Opening: from 07 December 2024 to 13 April 2025, depending on snow conditions.

About the cross-country ski trail

Fans of cross-country skiing will love this trail, known as the Rochette Loop, which winds its way along a plateau high above the Alpe d’Huez and Pic Blanc ski resorts. Watch out for the 360° view of the Oisans mountains!

Departures:
– From the resort: the most athletic will warm up by climbing the 200 metres of positive gradient to access the loop, via the Col de Maronne. From the Auris
– Express: for those who prefer to take it easy, the Auris Express chairlift will take you to the loop without any effort. Don’t forget to buy a pedestrian pass at the lift ticket office if you choose this option.

Practical information

Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm

Prices: the Auris-en-Oisans cross-country ski run is free.
If you wish to take the Auris Express, rather than leaving directly from the resort, you will need to buy a pedestrian pass at the lift pass office.

Parking: there are several free car parks at the entrance to the resort and throughout the resort.

And when you’ve done that, there’s still more!

The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski throws its trails into the mix, including :

• An itinerary near the Alpe d’Huez area : the Poutran loop.
• A lovely loop on the plateau of lakes near Oz-en-Oisans.

To get to these various sectors, you’ll need a pedestrian/cross-country ski pass, which is valid, both for Auris and the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine.

Cross-country piste map

Why skate in Auris-en-Oisans ?

The Rochette loop in Auris-en-Oisans invites you to enjoy a unique cross-country skiing experience in the Alpe d’Huez Nordic ski area. The 8km round trip starts directly from our resort and is part of the 50km of trails that wind through the Grandes Rousses massif.

Right from the start, the route rises, gradually revealing the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins and the famous resort of Les 2 Alpes in the background. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the great outdoors, with the majestic Meije on the horizon. The ascent to the Col de Maronne follows a secluded path, away from the ski lifts, where you are greeted only by the silence of the Aurienchonne mountains.

After a short section on an alpine ski slope, the calm returns. The route becomes more undulating, winding through fir trees in places, with the Taillefer and Belledonne massifs looming on the left. A final effort awaits you: a short but intense steep climb to the Rochette plateau. Here, the loop offers its reward, with an unobstructed view of the Alpe d’Huez and the imposing peaks of the Grandes Rousses.

These 8 kilometres are not just a simple itinerary: they are a winter interlude where the landscape invites contemplation, where each step soothes the spirit and prolongs the escape. A true encounter with the mountains, imbued with sportiness and beauty.

More cross-country skiing from Auris-en-Oisans

Thanks to the Auris-en-Oisans ski lifts, you can access the 50 km of cross-country ski runs in the Alpe d’Huez Nordic ski area, including :
the Nordic Park, ideal for beginners,
the Poutran loop, to get your cardio pumping as you climb higher,
the Lacs loop, with its 20km of scenic beauty.

To access these different sectors, you will need to :
– buy a pedestrian pass at the Auris-en-Oisans ski lift ticket office,
– then buy a cross-country ski pass once you arrive at Alpe d’Huez.