The Southern Alps have more than 45 ski resorts spread across three departments. You will find ski areas in the Hautes-Alpes, Alpes de Haute-Provence, and Alpes-Maritimes. These resorts offer a total of nearly 3,000 kilometers of slopes for all levels.
Serre Chevalier dominates with 250 kilometers of ski slopes, making it the largest area in the region. La Forêt Blanche, which connects Vars and Risoul, offers 185 kilometers of skiing. Pra Loup and its Espace Lumière complete the podium with 180 kilometers. Isola 2000 stands out just 90 kilometers from Nice with 120 kilometers of slopes.
The exceptional amount of sunshine is the major asset of the Southern Alps. You can ski in the sun while enjoying good snow conditions thanks to the high altitudes.
Family resorts such as Orcières Merlette, Les Orres, and Puy Saint Vincent welcome young and old alike. They offer activities for the whole family beyond downhill skiing.
Discover our favorite ski resorts, department by department.
The best resorts in the Hautes-Alpes
With 31 ski resorts, the Hautes-Alpes are the skiing mecca of Provence. Here are our three favorite resorts in the Hautes-Alpes.
Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier dominates the Southern Alps with 250 kilometers of slopes. The ski area stretches from Briançon to Monêtier-les-Bains. This valley brings together four villages linked by ski lifts. You can access the slopes from each site by gondola or chairlift.
The altitude of the slopes varies between 1,200 and 2,800 meters. The 82 slopes are evenly distributed across all levels. Beginners will find suitable areas in each village. Experienced skiers will enjoy the black slopes such as La Casse du Boeuf. The resort even offers night skiing from Briançon.
Le Grand Serre -Chevalier is one of the most comprehensive destinations. You can enjoy 59 high-performance ski lifts. Recent investments have modernized several chairlifts. The artificial snow network covers about a third of the area.
Montgenèvre
Montgenèvre opens the doors to the Franco-Italian Milky Way. This village, perched at an altitude of 1,860 meters, has been in existence since 1907. The oldest resort in the Southern Alps retains its authentic charm. Traditional chalets surround the central snow front.
The resort offers three different levels of access. The Grand Montgenèvre pass gives you 95 kilometers of slopes. The Monts de la Lune extension brings the total to 110 kilometers. The Via Lattea pass unlocks 400 kilometers straddling the border.
This connection with Italy multiplies the skiing possibilities. You can easily switch to Clavière and its transalpine restaurants. The landscapes change as you progress. The varied exposure guarantees good conditions all day long. We love this family-friendly resort, which offers excellent value for money.
Vars/Risoul
The Forêt Blanche has linked Vars and Risoul since 1990. The ski area has a total of 185 kilometers of slopes spread over 115 runs. You can ski at altitudes between 1,650 and 2,750 meters.
The slopes on the Risoul side pass through beautiful larch forests. Vars offers more open spaces at high altitude. The highest point of Chabrières offers panoramic views of the Queyras. The resort regularly hosts speed skiing training sessions.
The snowparks in Vars are among the best in the Southern Alps. Four fun zones offer modules for all levels. The Waouland in Risoul completes the offer with its boardercross. A superb resort!
Top resorts: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
The Alpes de Haute Provence welcomes more than 1 million skiers each year to its 12 ski areas. Here are our favorites in this beautiful department.
Pra Loup
Pra Loup deserves its nickname as the Queen of the Southern Alps. The resort is divided between Pra Loup 1500 and Pra Loup 1600. The Espace Lumière links this area to La Foux d'Allos. You have access to a total of 180 kilometers of slopes.
The Pra Loup ski area itself offers 100 kilometers of slopes. The 45 slopes are spread out between 1,500 and 2,600 meters. What makes it special are the beginner slopes perched at 2,000 meters. You can learn to ski with a view of the Ubaye Valley. La Grande Séolane dominates the landscape from its height of 2,909 meters. Skiing takes place in a preserved wilderness setting.
An adult day pass costs around €35. Prices remain very competitive for such a large ski area.
La Foux d'Allos
La Foux d'Allos joins Pra Loup via the Espace Lumière. Le Seignus is a more intimate area. The village of Allos completes this three-part offering.
La Foux d'Allos is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The 42 slopes in the area wind their way up to 2,600 meters. The vertical drop reaches 900 meters for some descents. Modern ski lifts facilitate rotations. Le Seignus offers 23 slopes between 1,500 and 2,426 meters. The cable car connects the village of Allos in just a few minutes. This configuration appeals to families looking for authenticity. The Famille Plus Montagne label guarantees suitable services.
You ski at the gateway to an exceptional natural area. The landscapes alternate between dense forests and valleys. You can enjoy 180 kilometers when combined with Pra Loup. This link transforms these resorts into a major destination. Snow cover lasts from December to April.
Must-see resorts in the Alpes-Maritimes
The Alpes Maritimes are also home to a dozen beautiful ski resorts, including the unmissable Isola 2000. Here are our favorite resorts in the Alpes Maritimes.
Isola 2000
Isola 2000 lives up to its name with an average altitude of 2000 meters. The resort is only 90 kilometers from Nice. Its proximity to the French Riviera makes it a unique destination. You can leave the beaches in the morning and go skiing in the afternoon.
The ski area extends between 1,800 and 2,610 meters above sea level. The 120 kilometers of slopes are spread over 45 runs. The Cime de Sistron offers an exceptional view of the sea.
Snow conditions snow cover is among the best in the Southern Alps. The geographical position captures disturbances coming from the Mediterranean. Heavy snowfall guarantees the quality of the snow cover.
Tony's Snowland snowpark is one of the best in France. The modules are suitable for all levels of ability. The Back to Back club has trained several champions. Isola 2000 cultivates this freestyle tradition. We love Isola!
Auron
Auron boasts the largest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its 135 kilometers of slopes easily outshine the competition in the department. The resort is nestled at an altitude of 1,600 meters in a preserved natural setting. Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée is directly connected by gondola lift.
The ski area is divided into four distinct sectors. Las Donnas, Sauma Longue, Demandols, and Lieuson offer a variety of atmospheres. You can go from pine forests to open mountain pastures. The 43 slopes range from 1,250 to 2,450 meters. The 19 ski lifts ensure smooth flow.
The authentic village atmosphere appeals to families. The Famille Plus label guarantees tailored services. Traditional barns dot the slopes.
Valberg
Valberg cultivates its status as a village resort in the Alpes-Maritimes. The cradle of skiing in the department has been opening its slopes since 1936. The ski area extends between 1,700 and 2,100 meters above sea level. The link with Beuil-les-Launes brings the total to 90 kilometers.
The 56 slopes are evenly distributed across all levels. The sectors allow you to follow the sun throughout the day.
The location between the Cians and Var valleys is ideal. Nice is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away by road. This resort offers a family-friendly alternative to Isola 2000. A friendly atmosphere reigns in this mountain village.
Mont Serein: the secret resort of Vaucluse
Mont Serein occupies a special place in the Southern Alps. This resort in Vaucluse is located on the northern flank of Mont Ventoux. The Giant of Provence is primarily associated with cycling exploits. However, skiers have been frequenting these slopes since 1930.
The resort is located between 1,400 and 1,911 meters above sea level. The 18 slopes cover a total of 12 kilometers. This modest size is perfect for families. The atmosphere remains intimate, far from the large resorts. The eight ski lifts ensure smooth rotation.
The prices are unbeatable, with an adult pass costing €17. The kindergarten gently introduces the little ones to skiing. The restaurants offer Provençal specialties. The southern accent resonates on the slopes.
Your questions about resorts in the Southern Alps.
Following the publication of this article, you sent us many questions. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions to inform all our readers.
Why choose the Southern Alps for skiing?
The Southern Alps enjoy a unique Mediterranean climate. You can ski under blue skies with 300 days of sunshine per year. The altitude above 2,500 meters guarantees high-quality snow cover. Snowmaking equipment completes this favorable picture.
The Northern Alps attract the majority of skiers. The Southern Alps offer less crowded slopes. Queues are considerably shorter, even during school holidays. You can make the most of your day on the slopes.
Marseille is 1.5 to 2 hours away from several resorts. Nice is 90 minutes from Isola 2000. Gap opens the door to the large ski areas of the Hautes-Alpes. You can ski in the morning and be at the beach in the afternoon.
Lift pass prices are more affordable than in the north. The value for money is clearly in favor of the south. The local culture blends Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Mountain restaurants offer Provençal specialties with a southern accent.
What ski equipment is available?
The resorts in the Southern Alps offer comprehensive rental services at the foot of the slopes. You can find skis, boots, and poles in every resort. Booking online can save you up to 50% on prices. The latest equipment guarantees your comfort.
Safety equipment remains mandatory for certain activities. Helmets provide effective protection, especially for children. Avalanche transceivers are essential for off-piste skiing. Waterproof ski clothing will keep you dry all day long.
Lift passes can be purchased online or at the ticket office. Expect to pay between €30 and €50 per day for adults. Family rates offer savings. Ski schools employ qualified instructors for all levels.
All major ski areas are equipped with modern lifts. Detachable chairlifts speed up rotation. Gondola lifts protect you from the cold. Ski lifts still serve certain areas.
How big are the ski areas?
Serre Chevalier dominates with 250 kilometers of ski slopes. This large area has 82 slopes covering 410 marked hectares. La Forêt Blanche has a total of 185 kilometers between Vars and Risoul with 115 runs. The Espace Lumière connects Pra Loup and Val d'Allos over 180 kilometers.
Montgenèvre opens onto the Via Lattea with 400 cross-border kilometers. The 70 ski lifts connect France and Italy. Isola 2000 offers 120 kilometers on 45 slopes. Auron offers 135 kilometers for 43 descents.
Smaller resorts such as Le Sauze have 65 kilometers. Mont Serein has only 12 kilometers. This human-scale area is suitable for families. The ski areas regularly invest in modern infrastructure.
When will the ski resorts open?
The season usually starts in early December in the Southern Alps. Serre Chevalier opens on the first weekend of the month. The exact dates depend on the first snowfall. Some resorts test their facilities at the end of November.
Most resorts close at the beginning of April. Isola 2000 keeps its slopes open until April 19. Mont Serein closes earlier, around the end of February. Conditions vary depending on altitude and exposure.
Check the weather before you leave on the official websites. Snow reports are updated daily. Webcams show the actual conditions. Don't set off without checking the resort's website.
How to get to the resorts in the Southern Alps?
Marseille is the main gateway from the south. The A51 motorway takes you to Gap in less than 2 hours. Aix-en-Provence puts you on the road to Barcelonnette in 2.5 hours. Gap is the central hub for departures to all resorts.
Nice opens up the Alpes-Maritimes in 90 minutes. Isola 2000 can be reached quickly via the Tinée Valley. These resorts are the closest to the sea. Briançon provides direct access to Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre.
The resorts provide free shuttles between villages. Carpooling is becoming more popular via various platforms. Be sure to bring special equipment in winter: snow chains or snow tires are mandatory. Check the condition of the roads before you leave.
Conclusion
The Southern Alps have more than 45 ski resorts to suit all budgets. You can enjoy exceptional sunshine while skiing on high-quality snow. The resorts are less crowded than those in the Northern Alps.
Easy access from Marseille, Nice, or Gap makes it simple to get there. Lift ticket prices are more affordable than in Savoie. The proximity to the Mediterranean creates a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy a mix of Alpine culture and Provençal influences.
Serre Chevalier stands out with 250 kilometers of slopes for lovers of wide open spaces. Espace Lumière and Forêt Blanche each offer more than 180 kilometers. Isola 2000 and Auron attract skiers from the French Riviera.
Book your ski vacation in the Southern Alps now. Check the snow conditions before you leave on the official websites. Prepare your equipment and ski passes online to get the best prices. The Southern Alps await you for an all-inclusive ski week in the sun!