Sun, 29 January 2023
Vertical Climbed: 471 meters (1,545 feet)
Vertical Descended: 474 meters
Description
Close to St Etienne, a domain for locals to cross-country ski (alternative and skating) or snowshoeing on marked and secured trails. There are loipe of different lengths and difficulties. A rope tow and sledge slope at the col as well as a restaurant, ski hire and picnic room at the Col de Chaubouret. There are 35 km of marked and secured cross-country skiing trails, including 10 km of Nordic itineraries reserved for classic skiing but the usual double counting but you can do a nice 15km loop from Bessat to les Trois Croix. There are three trail heads: Le Bessat at the "Croix de Chaubouret", the "Tremplin" and from the Trois Croix (RD1082-Col de la République)
Snowshoes Starting from the Tremplin, groomed, marked and secured "discovery" itineraries are available. 4 trails from 2 to 12 km, reserved for snowshoes and classic or nordic skiing as well as dogs and pedestrians.
Sledging area located at the Croix de Chaubouret Secure area with nets and mattresses for safe sledding for children.
Access: Lyon/St Etienne autoroute, take the St Chamond exit and follow signs for the Croix de Chaubouret - best have a GPS just in case ! 70km from Lyon.
Trip Report:
Voyage into the unknown. First time cross country skiing in the Massif Central. Les Grands Bois is really a rootsy type place. Piste bashing is by snow scooter so the pistes are not perfect alpine loipe but a bit rock 'n' roll. I followed the black piste via les Trois Croix, no need to descend all the way you can take a left turn after a steep descent (sign) at Fourviere. The climb back was pretty narrow and steep in places. There was virtually no-one on this part of the trail as it was not well prepared. Reaching Praveilles and a few more skiers. A big mix: friends, families and brave kids. Back at the col and the car park was rammed with the stéphanois (residents of St Etienne) and beyond. Really enjoyed the adventure.
Cold, -6C at the col but maybe a bit warmer in the forest. Glide was ok except at the very end. The main piste to the Praveilles crossroad was good. It was fenced at this point but was ok to the descent to Fourviere and les Trois Croix. The descent had some rocks. The return piste was narrow and had loose snow.
