Did you know about South of France’s ski resorts?
Calling all snow junkies to the south of France’s most surreptitious ski resorts
Skiing in the South of France? Are you sure?! The French Riviera, with its richly deserved association with affluence, glamour, sunbathing on beautiful beaches and sipping exquisite wines, whilst watching the sunset on a warm summer’s evening, is not typically associated with snow, skies and Swiss-style chalets.
February may be here already, but it is not too late to pack the ‘gants et foulards’ and head to the south of France’s characteristically glamorous, yet compared to their northern counterparts relatively undiscovered, ski resorts, to enjoy late-winter magic in the fresh Alpine air.
Auron
Despite boasting an impressive 130 kilometres of ski-runs, twisting and turning skiers to an altitude of 2450 metres, the ski resort of Auron remains a comparatively quieter place to enjoy the many delights skiing in the French Alps offers.
Situated 60 kilometres from Nice, close to the charismatic French town of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinee and above the beautiful Tinee Valley with its erratically fast-flowing river, the powdered streets of Auron, lay beneath an impressive backdrop of some almighty mountains, provide a truly genuine skier’s rapture.
Isola 2000
Known as the “100% snow and sun resort”, Isola 2000 is a magnificent indulgence for snow junkies. Located in the Mercantour region of the Alps Martimes department in the southern French Alps you will find Isola 2000. Despite being just 90 minutes from the Mediterranean Ocean, the resort enjoys fantastic snow coverage year after year.
Taking the Pelevos cable car to an elevation of 1320 metres and witnessing the breathtaking panoramic view of the resort and beyond, is a particular highlight of any visitor’s trip to Isola 2000.
Valberg
Despite being one of France’s largest and original ski resorts, Valberg seems to avoid the saturation of skiers many resorts are subjected to each year.
Instead this attractive resort remains comparatively ‘calm’, regardless of providing skiers and snowboarders with a respectable 416-metre vertical descent, 618 acres of terrain and 25 kilometres of cross country ski trails.