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

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 breathtaking 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 will open for the winter vacations on December 21, 2024, and will remain open to the public for the duration of this year
(only equipment rental is charged).

Escape and disconnect
on the program

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

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

Preserving its authentic mountain architecture and benefiting from a vast, sun-drenched plateau, this is a place to unwind and relax, far from the imposing structures of the big alpine ski resorts.

However, there’s no shortage of activities for winter sports enthusiasts!

CASTÉRINO STATION

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 grandiose 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 can take full advantage of the thirteen kilometers 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.

And don’t forget the three marked snowshoe itineraries, which can be enjoyed on your own or accompanied by one of Tende’s certified guides. Younger visitors can enjoy the toboggan run. A guaranteed way to unwind in this wild, all-white domain!

Enjoying the simple pleasures
of Castérino

In the heart of this unspoilt natural environment, 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 gastronomy, it features local and Piedmontese specialities in an enchanting setting. Taste the famous blueberry tart and take home a few cheeses from local producers and other Mercantour specialities.

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

A stone’s throw from Castérino to 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 beckons visitors with its 40,000 mysterious rock engravings.

Classified as a Historic Monument, the archaeological zone of rock engravings on Mont Bégo, straddling the Vallée des Merveilles and the Vallée de Fontanalba, bears witness to an ancient cult, when the mountain was thought to be a probable means of elevation to the gods.

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 accessible by car from the Roya valley via the RD91. This peaceful village is only 1.5 hours’ drive from the coast.

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

By bus: Take bus 25 from Menton to Tende.
By car: From Menton, drive 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 cab or book a TAD (Transport à la demande).