Autrans, known as the French capital of cross-country skiing, is where the Nordic ski meets were held during the Grenoble Olympic Games. Its 160 kms of pistes (suitable for traditional or diagonal stride styles) through the superb Vercors mountain range undeniably represent a veritable paradise for skiers. But Autrans does more than showcase cross-country skiing. All forms of Nordic skiing are encouraged, with opportunities to indulge in ski jumping, dog-sledding or snowshoeing. And what about alpine skiing? Well, it is treated a bit like a poor relative at this resort, with only 18 kms of pistes, even if these are perfectly groomed.