Two weeks before the ski resorts of the Mercantour open, the snow has finally fallen! Enough to delight thrill-seekers and powder lovers!
The most beautiful resorts are just an hour from Nice, open at first on weekends, and then every day once the snow is deeper. Each has its own charm and assets, 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 should ask yourself the right questions:
- First, determine the nature of the holiday: alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family.
- Then, based on the first criterion, look for the atmosphere you desire.
- Set the holiday budget; it is decisive depending on the destination.
- Then consider the period in which you travel; also very important for checking the snow cover on the slopes.
- Do not forget to choose the resort according to your means of transport as well.
- Finally, take your skiing level into account in your choice, so you can make the most of your snow holiday.
The most authentic: Valberg
Over the years, Valberg has become the locals’ favourite resort: very elegant, with a pedestrian zone in the town centre and shared electric shuttles and cars to get around everywhere. For skiing, 56 runs across 90 km to satisfy avid skiers. There are also marked snowshoe trails, snow golf, a heated swimming pool and many other facilities that both children and adults will love. Not to forget the “Label Famille plus”, which guarantees a welcome and facilities adapted for the youngest. Opening on 14/12/2019
An address: Chalet Utopia, Tel: +33 660 10 40 69
If you wish to organise a luxury holiday with family or friends with 5-star comfort, this chalet is for you: 385 square metres, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, accommodating up to 14 people in this very chic chalet at the foot of the slopes. An indoor sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi.
The most traditional: Auron
Auron is the favourite resort of good skiers: 135 km of runs across 42 slopes, most of them intended for experienced skiers, latest-generation lifts, hands-free ski pass, everything is organised to optimise skiing. Snowboarding with a snowpark open to all, but also a welcome for the youngest with lessons and a ski school. Opening on 30/11/2019
An address: Le Chalet d’Auron, Tel: +33 493 23 00 21
A hotel full of charm and very well located (just 400 m from the centre), which has every facility for your stay to provide absolute relaxation: sauna, hammam, heated swimming pool, and traditional cuisine.
The closest to Nice: La Colmiane
One hour from Nice, La Colmiane offers a 30 km ski area with 20 runs. For the little ones, “Les Ptits Loups” from age 3. In addition to the ski area, this resort above all boasts a giant zip line, the largest in France, for soaring over the entire domain. La Colmiane is a small, family-friendly resort full of charm. Opening on 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 produce. A complete change of scenery!
The most modern: Isola 2000
90 km from Nice, Isola is the most practical resort, so that you are here only to expend energy on your favourite activity: skiing. Everything is close at hand; the shopping arcade at the foot of the slopes offers pleasant and easy shopping. The ski area, one of the most beautiful, includes 45 runs and 20 ski lifts. Isola is a Grand Ski destination thanks to its altitude and its snow cover.
Good to know: the handiski at Isola will allow people with reduced mobility to enjoy the pleasures of skiing thanks to specialized instructors and special seats, including 2 “tandem ski” seats. Opening on 30/11/2019
An address: Chalet Marano, Tel: +33 493 23 15 15
This charming, cozy and chic 4-star hotel has 25 delicately decorated rooms and suites with a full south-facing panoramic view of nature. The “Chalet Marano” blue run will take you to the resort in 5 minutes. To relax after skiing, the Spa Eskimo offers treatments based on mountain plants. A delight!
The closest to the coast: Gréolières les Neiges
45 minutes from Grasse, this charming little resort has 30 km of downhill runs and 30 km of cross-country trails. A magnificent old village, at the summit of the Cheiron, with breathtaking views over the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera. Children’s garden, ski club of La Colmiane and ESF 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 budget, so that they can endure. 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 at 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.
Happy skiing!
Leave a Reply