SKI DE FOND Concerning the access to this loop of the Rochette, from the resort the most sporty will warm up by climbing the 200 meters of difference in altitude to the pass. For those who prefer to go "easy", the Auris express chairlift will do the job (pedestrian rate).
Once at the pass, the cross-country skiers will join the Rochette loop after 2 short kilometres, then they will set off on the 2 km route which winds over a plateau in the hills opposite the Alpe d'Huez resort. Along the loop, pedestrians of all kinds (snowshoes, Nordic walking, walkers) are welcome but must give priority to cross-country skiers who must keep up the pace!
The vast snow-covered expanses on the road to the Rochette plateau open up first to the peaks of the Écrins. Here, a little piece of Alaska has been invited into the Alps... You forget about the ski resort and the ski lifts until the view opens up onto Alpe d'Huez and the summits of the Grandes Rousses... And here again the magic happens!
PEDESTRIAN PATHS With or without snowshoes, walkers will oxygenate themselves on one of the 3 groomed pedestrian trails of Auris: the "Col de Maronne", the "Piégut" forest and the "La Rochette" loop.
The Auris Nordic domain is made up of 2 sectors for 2 wild atmospheres typical of the Oisans and its high mountain spirit.
→ Piégut sector On the Piégut forest side, the pedestrian route is a must in Auris as it goes into one of the highest spruce forests in Europe. The play of sunlight with the snow-laden branches, the animal tracks and the peaks that reveal themselves as you walk will transport you to Canada... As if you didn't need to go so far, Auris has enough to give you a change of scene.
→ Maronne / Rochette sector From the resort a route climbs 100m up to the Col de Maronne. This very accessible itinerary is exactly what you need for a short family outing. There are vast expanses of snow all the way up to the plateau and breathtaking views. Here, a little piece of Alaska has been invited into the Alps...
The more athletic will only warm up, before continuing for another 2km. From then on, the whole Rochette plateau opens up to you for a wild moment of face-to-face contact with the summits. On the other hand, to reach the latter, those who prefer to go "easy", the Auris express chairlift will do the job! The 2 km loop in itself winds along a plateau in front of the Alpe d'Huez resort. Along the latter, pedestrians are welcome but must give way to cross-country skiers who must keep up the pace!
In all, it's an 8 km journey through the fascinating winter landscapes... 8 km that clears the head, lengthens the holidays and makes memories!
