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5 good reasons to come and ski on the Côte d'Azur

There are few places where you can ski down snow-covered slopes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. And yet, skiing on the Côte d’Azur means enjoying this striking contrast between sea and mountains, with ski resorts nestling in authentic villages. Whether as a family, a couple or with friends, the Côte d’Azur experience can also be enjoyed from the summits, with activities to suit all tastes.

Opening dates for Côte d’Azur ski resorts this winter

Fancy skiing on the Côte d’Azur, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes? Here are the opening dates for the main Côte d’Azur ski resorts, perfect for organising your stay in the mountains.

  • Auron – commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (Alpes-Maritimes – Côte d’Azur).
    Opening of the ski area: from 6 December 2025.
  • Isola 2000 – commune of Isola (Alpes-Maritimes – Côte d’Azur).
    Opening of the ski area: from 6 December 2025.
  • Valberg – municipalities of Guillaumes, Péone, Beuil (Alpes-Maritimes – Côte d’Azur).
    Opening of the ski area: from 13 December 2025 to 29 March 2026 (depending on snow conditions).
  • Gréolières-les-Neiges – commune of Gréolières (Préalpes d’Azur – near Grasse).
    Opening from 20 December 2025 (depending on snow conditions).
  • La Colmiane – Valdeblore (near Nice – Alpes-Maritimes).
    Open weekends from 6 December 2025.
    Open every day from 20 December 2025 to 22 March 2026.
  • Turini Camp d’Argent – massif de l’Authion (Alpes-Maritimes – route du col de Turini).
    Open from 20 December 2025 to 29 March 2026 (depending on snow conditions).
  • Roubion Les Buisses – village of Roubion (Alpes-Maritimes – Haute Tinée).
    Open from 20 December 2025 to 29 March 2026 (depending on snow conditions).

To the major ski areas for winter sports enthusiasts

Just 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from Nice, the major ski areas of Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg are the favourite playgrounds of ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With 135 kilometres of pistes, Auron is the largest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes. The resort has been awarded the Famille Plus and “Flocon Vert ” labels, and attracts visitors with its friendly village centre and guaranteed après-ski atmosphere throughout the season. Take the Pinatelle cable car up to the charming village of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée.
A land of talent, Isola 2000 is the highest ski resort in the department, the most festive and a resort for thrill-seekers! In fact, it offers an area of exceptional assets for snow sports enthusiasts, and has established itself as the freestyle resort par excellence, with numerous facilities for snowboarders.
As for Valberg, as well as offering a warm village atmosphere, a ski area suited to all levels and a wide variety ofactivities for everyone, it has also been a committed resort for many years on a number of different themes. In fact, it is the 1st resort in the Southern Alps to be awarded the Famille Plus (since 2006), Flocon Vert (since 2018) and Réserve Internationale de Ciel Etoilé (since 2019) labels.

From beginners to experienced skiers, there’s something for everyone on the slopes of these great Côte d’Azur resorts. From cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, sledging, snowmobiling and dog-sledding, these resorts also offer unique experiences for all members of the family.

In search of escape and authenticity in the village resorts

Far from the hustle and bustle of the big Alpine resorts, the ski resorts of La Colmiane Valdeblore, Roubion-Les Buisses, Gréolières-Les-Neiges, Turini Camp d’Argent, Val Pelens and L’Audibergue-La Moulière captivate nature lovers with their picturesque character and friendly atmosphere.

As well as downhill skiing, these resorts also offer a vast area dedicated to ski touring and snowshoe itineraries to discover the local flora and fauna.

Looking for a new thrill? Try the Skijoëring in La Colmiane Valdeblore, skiing pulled by a horse, and let yourself slide along the snow-covered roads in the heart of the magnificent Valdeblore forest. A magical moment to share with the whole family.

Head for the great outdoors for a breath of fresh air

The ski resorts of Gréolières-les-Neiges, Beuil-Les Launes, Castérino, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, Estenc-Entraunes, Peïra Cava and La Plaine de Caille are real jewels nestling in the mountains of the Côte d’Azur, like life-size masterpieces set in immaculate white.

Their soothing atmosphere and rural charm invite you to enjoy an immersive getaway in unspoilt nature.

These places offer a captivating blend of fabulous landscapes as far as the eye can see and a bewitching tranquillity, lulled by the scent of the larches in the snow-covered forests.

To ski or hike in these places is to plunge into a world where serenity meets adventure, and to offer a Nordic escape where a certain wisdom reigns.

An exceptional climate in summer and winter

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, skiing on the Côte d’Azur is often synonymous with days on the slopes! On a clear day, skiers can admire the Mediterranean from Valberg, Isola 2000, the Col de Turini, Roubion-Les Buisses, Gréolières-Les-Neiges or L’Audibergue.

As well as skiing, the Côte d’Azur also offers an incomparable wealth of culture and gastronomy. After a day on the slopes, skiers can sample the local cuisine, visit the regional markets or discover the history of this iconic destination in the intimate atmosphere of the villages.

Skiing on the Côte d’Azur is a timeless getaway that allows you to enjoy the mountains to the full during your stay.

DISCOVER THE RESORTS OF THE SOUTHERN ALPS