The ski resorts in the Alpes-Maritimes are gradually opening, depending on snow conditions.
The 2023-2024 winter sports season officially began last week. Thanks to the recent snowfall in the Alpes-Maritimes, the slopes of the four “flagship” ski resorts of the Côte d’Azur have donned their white coats.
Fans of “frosty” thrills, you can now enjoy the ski areas of the region. The Alpes-Maritimes offer winter sports spaces with varying levels of difficulty and breathtaking, vertiginous landscapes, all just a little over an hour from Nice.
Isola 2000 and Auron accessible since December 9
The highest resort in the department, Isola 2000, opened its ski lifts on Saturday, December 9. The resort, which is included in the French Alps’ bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, comprises more than 120 kilometers of slopes for all levels: 3 black, 13 red, 22 blue, and 7 green runs. It and its neighboring Auron, had to postpone their initially planned opening on the first weekend of December due to a lack of snow.
The Auron area is, therefore, also accessible since Saturday, December 9, with more than 135 kilometers of slopes, including 8 black, 15 red, 17 blue, and 3 green runs. Spread over four zones—Las Donas, Sauma Longue, Demandols, and Lieuson—the Auron area enables skiers to enjoy different landscapes depending on the sector.
Opening planned this weekend for the family-friendly Valberg area
Next up is the Valberg area, which opens its doors this Saturday, December 16. This space includes 90 kilometers of slopes, with 11 green, 11 blue, 28 red, and 6 black runs.
This ski resort, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, offers free beginner lessons this Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until the ski lifts close.
La Colmiane open since December 2
The La Colmiane resort has been open since December 2. Every weekend in December, you can enjoy 30 kilometers of ski area spread over 21 slopes, including 5 green, 6 blue, 8 red, and 2 black runs. The area will be accessible daily starting from the Christmas holidays.
La Colmiane also features France’s largest zip line with a length of 2,663 meters and a top speed of 130 km/h! It offers something for everyone: snowshoeing, snowboarding, mountaineering, sledding…
Gréolières will open just before Christmas
Only 22 kilometers as the crow flies from the Mediterranean Sea, this small resort, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is the closest to the Côte d’Azur. Ideal for beginners and families, it is set to open on Saturday, December 23.
Its ski area peaks at 1,800 meters altitude and offers 28 slopes. From its summit, you can gaze at exceptional landscapes blending the sea with the mountains of the Mercantour. On clear days, you can even see Corsica.
