Just 2 weeks before the ski resorts of the Mercantour open, the snow has finally fallen! A treat for thrill-seekers and powder lovers alike!
The most beautiful resorts are barely an hour from Nice. They open initially on weekends, then every day once the snow is deeper. Each has its own charm and assets, and they are worth discovering for a weekend or even a single day.
But for longer stays, it is important to choose your resort carefully; to do so, you need to ask yourself the right questions:
- First, determine the nature of your holiday: alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family.
- Then, based on the first criterion, look for the atmosphere you wish to find.
- Set your holiday budget; it is a decisive factor depending on the destination.
- Next, consider the period in which you are travelling, which is also very important for checking snow coverage on the slopes.
- Don’t forget to choose your resort according to your means of transport as well.
- Finally, take your skiing level into account when making your choice, so you can make the most of your snow holiday.
The most authentic: Valberg
Over the years, Valberg has become the favorite resort of locals: very elegant, with a pedestrian zone in the town center and electric shuttles and cars available for car-sharing so you can get around everywhere. For skiing, 56 runs across 90 km satisfy avid skiers. There are also marked snowshoe trails, snow golf, a heated swimming pool and many other facilities that both young and old will love. And let us not forget the “Label Famille Plus,” which guarantees a welcome and facilities adapted for the youngest guests. Opening date: 14/12/2019
An address: Chalet Utopia, Tel: +33 660 10 40 69
If you want to organize a luxury holiday with family or friends with 5-star comfort, this chalet is for you: 385 square meters, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, accommodating up to 14 guests in this very chic chalet at the foot of the slopes. Indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub.
The most traditional: Auron
Auron is the favorite resort of good skiers: 135 km of slopes across 42 runs, most of which are intended for experienced skiers, state-of-the-art lifts, hands-free ski pass; everything is organized to optimize skiing. Snowboarding with a snowpark open to all, but also welcoming the youngest with lessons and a ski school. Opening date: 30/11/2019
An address: Le Chalet d’Auron, Tel: +33 493 23 00 21
A charming hotel very well located (just 400 m from the town center) that offers every amenity for an absolutely relaxing stay: sauna, hammam, heated swimming pool, and traditional cuisine.
The closest to Nice: La Colmiane
Just 1 hour from Nice, La Colmiane offers a 30 km ski area with 20 runs. For the little ones, “Les Ptits Loups” is available from age 3. In addition to the ski area, the resort’s main attraction is a giant zip line, the largest in France, that lets you soar over the entire domain. La Colmiane is a small, family-friendly resort full of charm. Opening date: 30/11/2019
An address: Hôtel Green Ecolodge, Tel: +33 493 03 00 00
For those who want to live in harmony with the environment and nature, this hotel will delight you! Right at the foot of the chairlift and surrounded by wild vegetation, the Green runs on renewable energy and is decorated with furniture carved from tree trunks. For meals, a gastronomic restaurant serving local organic products. A complete change of scenery!
The most modern: Isola 2000
Located 90 km from Nice, Isola is the most practical resort, allowing you to spend your time doing what you love most: skiing. Everything is close at hand: the shopping gallery at the foot of the slopes makes shopping pleasant and easy. The ski area, one of the most beautiful, includes 45 runs and 20 lifts. Isola is a Grand Ski destination thanks to its altitude and snow cover.
Good to know: the handiski program at Isola allows people with reduced mobility to enjoy the thrills of skiing, thanks to specially trained instructors and adapted seats, including 2 “tandem ski” seats. Opening date: 30/11/2019
An address: Chalet Marano, Tel: +33 493 23 15 15
This cozy yet chic 4-star hotel offers 25 delicately decorated rooms and suites with a full south-facing panoramic view of the natural surroundings. The “Chalet Marano” blue run will take you to the resort in 5 minutes. To unwind after skiing, the Eskimo Spa offers treatments based on mountain plants. A real treat!
The closest to the coast: Gréolières les Neiges
Just 45 minutes from Grasse, this charming little resort offers 30 km of downhill slopes and 30 km of cross-country trails. A magnificent old village sits atop the Cheiron, with breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera. Children’s nursery, the Colmiane ski club, and ESF ski school.
Good to know: for the 2019-2020 ski season, Gréolières will be the first resort in France to benefit from the “solidarity communication” concept by partnering with the Val d’Allos ski resort. This concept aims to support small resorts like Gréolières, which are often limited by their budgets, so that they can thrive. For more details: http://www.stations-greolieres-audibergue.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CONTENU-WEB-pour-site-web-Gréolières-les-Neiges.pdf. Opening on 21/12/2019
An address: Chalet rentals on https://www.chalet-montagne.com/locations-vacances-montagne/alpes-du-sud/alpes-maritimes/locations-greolieres-les-neiges. Don’t hesitate to rent a magnificent chalet from the residents of Gréolières; you will find charming accommodations.
Enjoy the slopes!
Leave a Reply