Cross-country skiing on the Glières plateau
In winter, cross-country skiing is the main activity on the Glières plateau, above Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières. The Glières Nordic area is half an hour's drive from the campsite in Glières-Val-de-Borne. Here is what you need to know to ski, snowshoe or bring the children.
The Nordic area
The area is run by Haute-Savoie Nordic. Tickets and passes are sold at the Maison du Plateau (+33 4 50 22 45 63) at the Col des Glières.
- Techniques: classic and skating.
- Trails: several dozen kilometres of groomed trails, split according to the Thônes tourist office into two sectors, the Plaine de Dran and the monument area. Published figures vary widely between sources: check the Nordic area's website for the trails open on the day.
- Season: roughly December to early April, depending on snow.
Prices 2025-2026
| Pass | Adult | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Day | €9.50 | €4.50 |
| Season (this area) | €97 | €32 |
Free for under-5s. The regional or national Nordic Pass is also available. Prices for the 2026-2027 season had not been published at the time of writing: check before you go.
Snowshoeing and winter walks
You don't need skis to enjoy the plateau. A route of about 17 km is open to snowshoers and walkers, with waymarked loops such as the Boucle de Dran and the Boucle de la Mandrolière.
On the Plaine de Dran, on foot, skis or snowshoes, you can reach the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel and the refuge of the same name.
Evening sessions
The area runs Thursday evening "Nordic nights" on a lit section of the trails. A head torch is recommended. According to the Faucigny Glières tourist office, a session costs €5 and is included in the season Nordic Pass.
With children
A sledging area is set up for children every winter. There is a ski school on the area for beginners who want lessons.
The Marathon des Glières
The Marathon des Glières is the plateau's main cross-country ski race. The 15 March 2026 edition offered three distances: 42 km, 22 km ("Grand Plateau") and 12 km ("Petit Plateau"). The 2027 date has not been announced yet: keep an eye on the Haute-Savoie Nordic website.
Practical information
- Dogs: not allowed on the Nordic area.
- Rental: classic and skate skis and snowshoes can be hired on site (Location des Glières).
- Getting there: two roads climb to the pass, from Le Petit-Bornand and from Thorens-Glières. In winter, equip your car and check road conditions. Details in our guide to the Glières plateau.
- Weather: the plateau sits at around 1,400 m, so bring warm layers.
From the campsite
The campsite is in Glières-Val-de-Borne, at the foot of the Glières road. For days without snow, see our hiking page. For a winter stay, book your pitch.