5 bonnes raisons de venir skier sur la Côte d'Azur

5 good reasons to go skiing on the Côte d’Azur

It’s not everywhere you can go down snowy slopes while enjoying a breathtaking view on the Mediterranean. And yet, when you go skiing on the Côte d’Azur, you can enjoy the striking contrast between the sea and the mountain, with our ski resorts hidden away in authentic villages. With friends, family or a loved one, the Côte d’Azur can also be experienced from the top of the mountains, with something for everyone.

Ski resort opening dates on the Côte d’Azur this winter

The first good reason to go skiing on the Côte d’Azur is that we have the ski resort opening dates. The mountaintops in the Alpes-Maritimes have already turned white, perfectly coinciding with the ski resorts’ opening dates.

Initially scheduled to open on 2 December, Isola 2000 and Auron will open on Saturday 9 December 2023*.

In Valberg, Beuil-Les Launes and Gréolières-Les-Neiges will open and skiers will be able to hit the slopes from 16 December*.

The resorts of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, Roubion-Les Buisses and Turini Camp d’Argent will be open from the Christmas holidays on 23 December*.

La Colmiane Valdeblore and the other resorts will be opening depending on the snowfall or at the start of the Christmas holidays. (Dates to come.)

Since the Aline storm, access to the Boréon Nordic Centre has been impossible.

*subject to snow conditions.

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Snow lovers heading towards large ski resorts

Only one and a half hour away from Nice, large resorts such as Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg are the favourite playing fields of ski and snowboarding enthusiasts. With 135 kilometres of slopes, Auron is the largest resort in the Alpes-Maritimes. The resort has received the “Famille Plus” label and has a friendly vibe, with the village square in the centre and a convivial après-ski atmosphere throughout the season. You can take the Pinatelle cable car to visit the lovely village of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée.
Isola 2000, a terrain for talents, is the highest resort in the department, the most festive and the perfect location for lovers of extreme sports! The territory offers exceptional assets for snow sports enthusiasts and has established itself as the ultimate freestyle resort, with numerous features for snowboarders.
As for Valberg, it has received the “Famille Plus” label as well as the “Flocon Vert” label for its commitment in terms of sustainable development. Located between the Mercantour National Park and the Gorges de Daluis Natural Reserve, Valberg has also received the “Alpes Azur Mercantour International Dark Sky Reserve” label, which aims at reducing light pollution and guaranteeing an outstanding night sky quality.

From beginners to experienced skiers, there’s something for everyone on the slopes of the Côte d’Azur’s large resorts. With cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, sleigh riding, snowmobile and dogsledding, the resorts also provide unique experiences for every member of the family.

Looking for escape and authenticity in the village resorts

Far from the bustle of large resorts in the Alps, the ski resorts of Beuil Les Launes, La Colmiane Valdeblore, Roubion-Les Buisses, Gréolières-Les-Neiges, Turini Camp d’Argent, Val Pelens and L’Audibergue-La Moulière, with their picturesque character and friendly atmosphere, appeal to lovers of nature.

In addition to alpine skiing, these resorts also offer large spaces dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking, to discover the local flora and fauna.

Looking for new sensations? Why not try out skijoëring in La Colmiane Valdeblore, where you can ski while being pulled by a horse, and slide down the snowy roads at the heart of the beautiful forest of Valdeblore. A magical moment to share with your family.

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Heading for large northern spaces for a breath of fresh air

The resorts of Gréolières-Les-Neiges, Beuil-Les-Launes, Castérino, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, Estenc-Entraunes, Peïra Cava and the plains of Caille are just like life-size painting masterpieces, portraying little jewels nested in the Côte d’Azur mountains.

With their soothing atmosphere and rural charm, they are an invitation for an immersive getaway at the heart of a preserved nature.

These sites offer a captivating mix of endless fabulous landscapes and enchanting peace and quiet, with the soft fragrance of larches in the snowy forests.

When you ski or hike in one of these resorts, you are immersed in a world where serenity meets adventure, offering a northern escape filled with a certain wisdom.

Exceptional weather in summer and in winter

With over 300 days of sun every year, skiing on the Côte d’Azur often goes hand in hand with sunny slopes! In clear weather, skiers can contemplate the Mediterranean Sea from Valberg, Isola 2000, the Col de Turini, Roubion-Les Buisses, Gréolières-Les-Neiges and L’Audibergue.

In addition to skiing, the Côte d’Azur also boasts an unparalleled cultural and gastronomical wealth. After a day on the slopes, skiers can enjoy the region’s typical cuisine, take a tour of the local markets and soak up the villages’ cosy atmosphere to learn about the emblematic region and its history.

Skiing on the Côte d’Azur offers a break from the rest of the world, ensuring you make the most of the mountain during your stay.

DISCOVER THE SKI RESORTS OF THE SOUTHERN ALPS