The rules governing fees for access to cross-country ski trails are set out in articles L. 2333-81 to L. 2333-83 of the General Local Authorities Code, which are reproduced below:
“Art. L. 2333-81 of the General Local Authorities Code.
A fee for access to the facilities and collective services of a Nordic site dedicated to the practice of cross-country skiing and non-motorised snow sports other than downhill skiing and intended to encourage the practice of these activities may be instituted by decision of the municipal council of the municipality whose territory includes such a site, or of the competent inter-municipal cooperation body, provided that the site has one or more signposted itineraries and reception facilities and, where applicable, other specific facilities, and that it is regularly maintained, in particular with appropriate grooming of the itineraries. Each year, a resolution sets the amount of the fee and the conditions for its collection.
In the case of facilities extending over several municipalities, the amount of the fee and the conditions for its collection are set by joint decision of the municipal councils concerned.
Free and unrestricted access to the natural environment is maintained on all Nordic sites with cross-country skiing or non-motorised snow leisure routes subject to access fees, in compliance with the rights of the owners, the police regulations in force and the development and grooming of the routes. ”
“Art. L. 2333-82 of the Code général des collectivités territoriales.
The revenue from the fee instituted by article L. 2333-81 is allocated to the maintenance and extension of ski runs and to operations designed to ensure the development and promotion of cross-country skiing and non-motorised snow sports on Nordic sites. ”
“Art. L. 2333-83 of the General Local Authorities Code.
The departmental, interdepartmental or regional association created in application of articles L. 342-27 to L. 342-29 of the Tourism Code may collect, on behalf of and at the request of the municipalities concerned, the fee provided for in article L. 2333-81. “