Gresse-En-Vercors: Skiing, Nature and Tradition

Gresse-En-Vercors combines an alpine ski area with protected areas, wildlife observation and an annual event. When planning your trip, the first thing to decide is what you want your stay to focus on: alpine slopes, cross-country trails, or nature and cultural experiences. The season affects which winter activities are available; trail grooming, access and event programmes can also vary. If you’re looking for a hotel in the Vercors, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip along with your travel dates.

Alpine and Nordic winter sports

The Gresse-En-Vercors alpine ski area has 27 ski runs. Its lift infrastructure includes nine drag lifts, one chairlift and one magic carpet. Operating seasons and piste availability vary, so check the latest operating information before your trip.

As a second winter-sports option, the Nordic ski area offers 50 kilometres of marked trails for cross-country skiing or skating. The difference lies in the type of activity: alpine ski runs versus marked trails for Nordic skiing. Trail grooming and access depend on the season. When choosing between the options, base your decision on the activity you want to do and check the conditions for your chosen dates.

Protected areas, wildlife observation and a route

The entire municipality lies within the Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors. Nearly half of its area lies within the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors. Protected areas are therefore just as much a part of the area’s identity as winter sports. Access regulations in the nature reserve may change; check the current rules before your visit.

Alpine ibex are easy to spot on the rocky ridges above Gresse-En-Vercors. Sightings are not guaranteed, however, and depend on the season and conditions. The Les sources de la Gresse et le Pas de la Ville route starts at the foot of the alpine ski slopes. It’s another specific point of reference for anyone who wants to include a hiking route in their plans.

Odyssée Verte: walkways and accessibility

The Odyssée Verte is an elevated circuit on walkways running between the trees. The suspended route features information panels, games and interactive objects. The walkways reach up to ten metres above the ground and can be used without a climbing harness. Important for planning your visit: they are not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. Check accessibility and operating conditions again before your visit.

Getting there and parking

Gresse-En-Vercors is directly accessible via the A51 motorway; current traffic and road conditions may vary. There are 350 free parking spaces on site. As parking regulations may change, it’s a good idea to check the current parking situation before your trip.

Fête de l’Alpage

The Fête de l’Alpage traditionally takes place in Gresse-En-Vercors every year on the weekend after 15 August. The exact date and programme vary from year to year. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates for that year’s event. The festival features demonstrations, shepherds with their flocks and herding dogs, cow fights, activities and exhibitions. A producers’ market is also part of the event; vendors and product selection vary each year.

Discover more destinations: Trept, Vizille, Saint-Paul-lès-Monestier, Pont-En-Royans, Cordéac, Les Adrets, Seyssuel, Hières-sur-Amby.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.