Stade des Neiges du Barioz

Stade des Neiges du Barioz is a small winter sports area in the commune of Crêts-en-Belledonne, tucked into the Belledonne massif between Grenoble and Chambéry. It pairs a modest alpine skiing sector, Le Grand Plan, with an extensive cross-country skiing domain, making it a favorite among locals looking for a quieter alternative to the bigger, busier alpine resorts of the region.

How do you get to Barioz?

The resort sits roughly 30 minutes from Grenoble, deep in the Belledonne massif within the commune of Crêts-en-Belledonne. Access is via winding mountain roads climbing toward the Luisard and Poulet ridges. Build in extra travel time — the approach roads twist through the hills, and winter tires or chains may be needed on the higher stretches once snow settles in.

What will you find on site?

The alpine sector, Le Grand Plan, sits at 1,365 meters and offers a small, low-key downhill area well suited to families and beginners taking their first turns. The real draw, though, is the Nordic domain: one of the largest cross-country skiing areas in the entire Belledonne massif, with 52 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and skating technique. The network spreads across the flanks of the Crêt Luisard and Crêt du Poulet ridges, with two starting points — one at the cross-country center around 1,450 meters, and a higher one at Crêt du Poulet at 1,700 meters.

Snowshoers are covered too, with 8 kilometers of marked routes winding through forest and open mountainside. The site also hosts a biathlon stadium with a 10-meter shooting range, bookable in advance through the cross-country center — an unusual feature for a resort of this size, and a draw for anyone curious to try the sport.

The base is the cross-country lodge, open daily from 9am to 5pm, where you can rent equipment for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A bar and food service operate on weekends and during school holidays.

When should you visit?

The season typically runs from December to March, depending on snow cover — as a mid-mountain resort, Barioz is more weather-dependent than higher-altitude alpine stations. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times, with full food and rental services running. If you prefer quiet trails, aim for weekdays outside the holiday periods, when the Nordic network is often nearly empty.

Who is Barioz for?

It suits cross-country skiers of every level, from beginners to those chasing serious training kilometers, as well as families who'd rather have a small, low-pressure alpine slope than the crowds of a major resort. The snowshoe routes and peaceful setting also draw visitors simply looking for a calm winter walk away from the noise.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a day pass for the cross-country trails cost? A day pass costs around €9 for adults and €6 for children.

Can you rent equipment on site? Yes, the cross-country lodge rents both cross-country skis and snowshoes, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Is there downhill skiing here too? Yes, the Le Grand Plan alpine sector at 1,365 meters offers a small, family-friendly downhill area alongside the much larger Nordic offering.

Can you try biathlon at Barioz? Yes, there's an on-site biathlon stadium with a 10-meter shooting range, available by advance booking through the cross-country center.