The ski resort of Castérino,
the white paradise of the Côte d'Azur

In the Roya Valley, the family-friendly resort of Castérino is a haven of peace for ski touring, snowshoeing and tobogganing enthusiasts. With the sweet smell of larch trees, pure mountain air and magnificent scenery, this hidden treasure of the Haut Pays offers a moment of tranquillity at the gateway to the Vallée des Merveilles, with plenty to do.

Castérino opens its doors from 20 December 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Get away from it all
on the programme

Located in the commune of Tende, in the heart of the Haute-Roya, Castérino is a little corner of paradise at the entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles, within the Mercantour National Park.

Perched at an altitude of 1,550 metres, this hamlet is surrounded by prestigious peaks such as Mont Bégo, Chajol and Monts Sainte-Marie.

Preserving its authentic mountain architecture and benefiting from a vast sunny plateau, this is a place where you can unwind and relax, far from the imposing structures of the big alpine ski resorts.

However, there’s no shortage of activities for winter sports fans to enjoy!

CASTÉRINO STATION

©1casterino@isabelle Fabre|Isabelle FABRE

Ski touring, snowshoeing or tobogganing, there’s something for everyone

Whether you’re on the slopes as a family or exploring the ski area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace! The resort of Castérino is the ideal place to get away from it all and feel free in the midst of these magnificent landscapes.

Cross-country skiing on the first day and ski touring on the second, the pleasures vary and so do the skis. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts have the opportunity to take full advantage of the thirteen kilometres of trails. The green and blue trails are ideal for those who don’t want to push themselves too hard, while the red trail towards the lake is reserved for the more athletic skiers.

There are also three signposted snowshoe trails, which can be explored on your own or accompanied by one of Tende’s approved guides. Younger visitors will be delighted by the toboggan run. You’re guaranteed to get away from it all in this wild, all-white domain!

Enjoying the simple pleasures
of Castérino

In the heart of this unspoilt natural setting, the walks leave us with unforgettable memories. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois, ibex and marmots! The black grouse, also known as the little capercaillie, is a rare bird that loves snow-covered territories, and finds its haven in the Fontanalba valley.

As for the generous cuisine, it features local and Piedmontese specialities in an enchanting setting. You can sample the famous blueberry tart and take home a few cheeses from local producers and other Mercantour specialities.

Several inns and hotels offer their local specialities in a relaxed atmosphere. Castérino takes us back to basics, like an ode to authenticity and the simple pleasures of life.

©Casterino 10 Laurie Cornillon|Laurie Cornillon

©7iv06052|Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera & Merveilles / Mathieu Ruffray

A stone’s throw from Castérino, towards the Vallée des Merveilles

This small mountain hamlet is also the gateway to the Vallée des Merveilles and its exceptional archaeological site.

A cosmic observatory for some, a voyage of initiation for others, the Vallée des Merveilles is awe-inspiring with its 40,000 mysterious rock engravings.

Listed as a Historic Monument, the archaeological area of the rock engravings on Mont Bégo, straddling the Vallée des Merveilles and the Vallée de Fontanalba, is likely to bear witness to an ancient cult, when it was thought that the mountain was a probable means of elevation to the gods.

By taking us back to the Bronze Age, 5,000 years ago, this site is a veritable open-air museum of prehistory!

Castérino, a resort easily accessible by car or public transport

Castérino is easily reached by car from the Roya valley via the RD91. This peaceful village is only an hour and a half’s drive from the coast.

The resort was originally accessible by the Merveilles train, but due to works currently underway on this line, you’ll need to use another means of transport to get there. Here are the different options available:

By bus: Take bus 25 from Menton to Tende.
By car: From Menton, go via Sospel and the Col de Brouis, or take the A8 to Ventimiglia, then follow the signs for Tende.
By train: Take the train from Menton to Ventimiglia, then an Italian train to Cuneo.

Once in Tende, you can take a taxi or book a TAD (Transport à la demande).