This Friday, November 7, snow made its return to the ski resorts of the Alpes-Maritimes. In Isola 2000, Auron or Valberg, between 10 and 15 centimeters of fresh snow covered the landscape. Less than a month before the season launch, these first snowfalls set the tone for the upcoming winter.
Flakes reappeared on the evening of Thursday, November 6. Snow fell continuously throughout the night, continuing until midday on Friday. That morning, the roofs, roads, and trees of the Alpes-Maritimes resorts woke up under a white blanket.
In Isola 2000, images quickly circulated on social media. The still-closed slopes were covered with 10 to 15 centimeters of fresh snow.
In Auron and Valberg, the scenery took on the same wintery look. This first snowfall marks a turning point for the mountain tourism stakeholders, just weeks before the season begins.
The countdown is now on. Isola 2000 plans to open its slopes on December 6, just like Auron and La Colmiane. In Valberg, the opening is scheduled for December 20. Smaller resorts, such as Roubion-les-Buisses or Val Pelens, have set their dates for December 20 and 27, respectively. Others, such as Boréon, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, and Castérino, have not yet announced their calendars.
These dates may still change. Weather conditions and snow levels remain crucial factors. In the Alpes-Maritimes, where temperatures are often milder than elsewhere, there is a delicate balance between natural precipitation and artificial snowmaking.
First closures, caution on mountain roads
While snow delights skiers, it also complicates traffic. On the morning of November 7, the Demandols road (RM 139), near Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, was closed in both directions. The closure, which occurred two kilometers past the intersection of RM 2205 and RM 139, was due to poor weather conditions. The duration of the closure remains uncertain.
The Col de la Lombarde, connecting Isola to Italy, was also closed as of November 6. These disruptions serve as a reminder that extra caution is needed, even at the start of the season. The department’s services are closely monitoring the situation.
Residents and mountain professionals are well-acquainted with this transitional period. Between logistical preparation, equipment inspections, and initial grooming tests, the weeks leading up to opening are always intense. At Isola 2000, technical teams are already busy. Snow cannons are ready to be used if temperatures drop sufficiently in the coming days.
A season awaited with anticipation
Local tourism stakeholders hope for a stable winter with enough snow to maintain the planned openings. The 2025-2026 season promises to be busy, with an opening staggered between November and December, and closures planned until mid-April.
In the Southern Alps, most resorts have already announced their dates. For Isola 2000 and La Colmiane, the season will run from December 6, 2025 to April 19, 2026. At Turini Camp d’Argent, the slopes should be accessible from December 19. Gréolières – L’Audibergue also plans to open on December 20.
These announcements are already generating interest among snow sports enthusiasts. Bookings are gradually increasing, pending confirmation of weather conditions. For many, the return of the first snowflakes rekindles the desire for mountains. Merchants and accommodation providers are preparing to welcome visitors in an always uncertain economic context.
Images of Isola 2000 under snow mark the true beginning of winter in the Alpes-Maritimes. If the coming days confirm this trend, the resorts should be able to prepare for their openings with peace of mind. In the meantime, snow continues to fall in some areas, outlining the contours of a season that everyone hopes will be long-lasting and consistent.
