Where to ski in the Southern Alps? All resorts in the Southern Alps

The Southern Alps are undoubtedly one of the French regions to favor if you want to ski. The ski areas they house are among the largest in France and even in Europe. In this article we will see Where to ski in the Southern Alps » but also which are the main ski resorts, the largest ski areas in the region and we will also be interested in the "small" ski resorts, more family-friendly which constantly attract more holidaymakers.

You will also find advice on where to stay in the main ski resorts of the Southern Alps.

Southern Alps ski resorts:

• Where are the Southern Alps located?
• What are the main ski resorts in the Southern Alps?
• What are the best family ski resorts in the Southern Alps?
• The most beautiful aquatic areas in the resorts of the Southern Alps
• Summary: all resorts in the Southern Alps

Where are the Southern Alps located?

Let's start by answering a question that many are asking and which seems essential before going further: Where are the Southern Alps located?
Indeed the question is judicious since this natural region is neither a department nor an administrative region.
The Southern Alps are located in the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur region straddling 3 departments: Les Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes.
The Southern Alps region is bounded to the north by the Lautaret pass, to the west by the Écrins-Pelvous massif and the Champsaur-Valgaudemar valley, to the east by the Italian border with the Mercantour massif, to the south-west by the Durance valley and to the south by the Verdon gorges.
Most of the Southern Alps are located in the Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence department.
The highest point in the Southern Alps is the “Barre des Écrins” which culminates at 4102m.

Within the Southern Alps, there are no less than 6 natural, regional or national parks:

• Mercantour national park
• Ecrins National Park
• The Luberon Regional Natural Park
• The Verdon regional natural park
• The regional natural park of Queyras
• The Baronnies Provençales regional natural park

The Southern Alps are also home to some of the most emblematic places in France, such as the famous Serre-Ponçon lake and its “gravity” dam, the largest in Europe; one of the largest ski areas in France: Serre-Chevalier Vallée; or even the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe, Lac d'Allos.

The Southern Alps are a region particularly popular with holidaymakers, both in summer and winter, because although it is known for its many ski areas, its summer activities are increasingly popular.

Let's now look at the ski resorts of the Southern Alps, they are numerous and of all sizes. They offer a variety of activities such as, of course, skiing, hiking, sledding, dog sledding, snowshoeing or even snowmobiling.
Many resorts have also diversified by equipping themselves with an innovative aquatic area in order to please the greatest number of people, as is the case in the small family ski resort of Joue du Loup, in the Dévoluy.

What are the main ski resorts in the Southern Alps?

Now let's get to the heart of the matter by exploring the main ski resorts in the Southern Alps. Some are part of the largest ski areas in France and each year attract many holidaymakers who come to take advantage of the kilometers of slopes they have to offer.

Vars les Claux

Let's start with one of the French favorite resorts in the Southern Alps, Vars. Vars belongs to the Forêt Blanche ski area, one of the largest in the region resulting from the merger between the resort of Vars-les-Claux and that of Risoul 1850. Its name comes from the forest of Larches which surrounds the slopes of the domain.
These two resorts combine nearly 185 km of track spread over 116 tracks: 21 green, 45 blue, 40 red and 10 black tracks. The Vars resort even has a 1m long speed track. You will also find 400 snowparks, 3 toboggan runs, 4 boardercross and a slalom stadium.
The two resorts have 51 ski lifts: 31 drag lifts, 18 chair lifts, 1 telenacelle and 1 gondola.
The area is located between 1m and 650m above sea level.

Practical information :
Track name: 116
Altitude : 1 650 m
Aquatic area: No
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, sledding, snowshoeing, snowpark Book your stay in Vars – Risoul

3 accommodations in Vars-Les-Claux

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  Nevalhaia Le Chalet

  This top-of-the-range hotel is one of the best places to stay in Vars. At the foot of the slopes, this establishment offers top-of-the-range services such as a whirlpool bath. Upscale Hotel Show Rates
• 

  The Reindeer Hamlet

  An apartment that can accommodate 4 people, at the foot of the slopes of the resort of Vars Les Claux. You can also enjoy the swimming pool of the residence. Apt 4 pers. See prices
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  L'Helsinki

  Ideal if you are looking to stay at a lower cost in Vars Les Claux. This small studio can accommodate 4 travelers. Its advantage lies in its price and its excellent location. AirBnb – Low Budget See Rates

Serre Chevalier Valley

The Serre-Chevalier Vallée ski area is one of the largest in Europe. It includes 4 ski resorts in the Southern Alps: Briançon, Villeneuve, Le Monêtier-les-Bains and Chantemerle. Together, these 4 resorts offer more than 250 km of slopes spread over 81 runs: 13 black, 29 red, 26 blue and 13 green.
These 4 stations being connected to each other, it is possible to pass from one to the other easily by using one of the 59 ski lifts with which the area is equipped.
Nearly 80% of the slopes in the area being located at more than 2m, the area offers quality snow cover over a long winter season which extends from mid-December to mid-April.

Practical information :
Track name: 81
Altitude : 1 200 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowpark Book your stay in Serre-Chevalier Vallée

3 accommodations in Serre Chevalier

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  Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa

  One of the best hotel addresses in the resort of Serre-Chevalier. Equipped with a sauna and jacuzzi, ideal for spending a pleasant stay in the mountains. Upscale Hotel Show Rates
• 

  Apartment Briançon

  A charming apartment in Briançon just a few minutes walk from the ski lifts. This accommodation can accommodate 6 to 9 people. Apartment 6-9 pers. See prices
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  Studio at the foot of the slopes

  Stay at a lower cost in Serre-Chevalier by opting for this charming little studio ideally located near the shops and the slopes. AirBnb – Low Budget See Rates

Montgenevre

Not far from Serre-Chevalier Vallée, towards the Italian border, is the Grand Montgenèvre and Monts de la Lune ski area. There too, two resorts gathered around the town of Montgenèvre to offer skiers in the resort an area of ​​more than 95 km of slopes on 78 runs: 9 green, 17 blue, 39 red and 13 black.
This area has the particularity of being linked to an Italian area, that of the Milky Way which adds to the 95 km of track of the Montgenèvre area nearly 300 other kilometers! This constitutes one of the largest ski areas in Europe.

Practical information :
Track name: 78
Altitude : 1 650 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Luge, Snowshoeing, Snowpark Book your stay in Montgenèvre

3 accommodations in Montgenevre

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  Anova Hotel & Spa

  One of the most top-of-the-range accommodations in the Montgenèvre resort. This hotel offers large rooms with a view of the slopes. It is equipped with a swimming pool, a sauna and a spa. Upscale Hotel Show Rates
• 

  CGH Residences

  CGH Résidences is also one of the best rated establishments in Montgenèvre. Rent your aparthotel in a comfortable residence with swimming pool and wellness centre. Apart'Hotel See rates
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  Studio Montgenèvre

  This studio, ideally located and perfectly equipped, can accommodate 4 people. Renovated in 2019, it offers a magnificent view of the resort's slopes. AirBnb – 4 people. See prices

Orcieres Merlette

Although the Orcières Merlette ski area is relatively large and makes the resort one of the main ski resorts in the Southern Alps, Orcières Merlette could very well fit into our top 5 best family ski resorts in the Southern Alps. South.
More than 100km of track spread over 51 tracks make Orcières Merlette the largest ski resort in the Champsaur valley.
The station offers various activities by having an aquatic center. Note that the Champsaur-Valgaudemar tourist office offers a "my pass valley" pass which allows access to all the resorts in the region: Laye, Saint-Leger-les-Mélèzes, Ancelle and Chaillol.

Practical information :
Track name: 51
Altitude : 1 850 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Sledding, Snowshoeing, Snowpark Book your stay at Orcières Merlette

3 accommodations in Orcières-Merlette

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  Nice apartment in the resort center

  This apartment can accommodate up to 5 people. Well decorated and ideally located in the heart of the resort, it is in a quiet area and offers a magnificent view of the mountains! Apt. 5 people See prices
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  Gîte Du Bois De L'ours

  A warm and friendly cottage. Your host will be happy to tell you about his region, but also to delight you with his delicious and hearty dinners and breakfasts. A jacuzzi and a Nordic bath are available upon reservation! Top of the range See prices
• 

  Studio with a view

  This studio offers a breathtaking view of the mountains from the living room or the terrace. This little cocoon is ideal for your stay in Orcières-Merlette. Close to covered parking, ski lifts and all amenities. AirBnb – Low Budget See Rates

Les Orres

Two resorts make up the Les Orres ski area: Les Orres 1650 and Les Orres 1800. Between them, these two resorts offer a ski area of ​​more than 100 km spread over 37 runs: 7 green, 6 blue, 20 red and 4 black.
Les Orres also has a snowpark.

Practical information :
Track name: 37
Altitude : 1 450 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Sledding, Snowshoeing, Snowpark, Tobogganing Book your stay in Les Orres

3 accommodations in Les Orres

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  Alpin D’Hôme

  If you want to stay in an unusual and comfortable accommodation in the middle of an idyllic setting then the Alpin D'Hôme is for you. All the accommodations are equipped with a terrace with a view. Unusual accommodation See prices
• 

  Ecrin des Orres

  Spacious and comfortable accommodation at the foot of the slopes for 4 to 8 people in a residence equipped with a sauna and a swimming pool. Ideal for families and holidays with friends. Apart Hotel See rates
• 

  Studio in Les Orres 1650

  If you are looking for accommodation for 2 people at a lower cost, then this cozy studio is for you. Ideal for staying at the foot of the slopes without breaking the bank. AirBnb – Low Budget See Rates

What are the best family ski resorts in the Southern Alps

Now that we have seen the main ski resorts in the Southern Alps, I suggest a few family ski resorts, that is to say on a human scale, which offer activities for the youngest and where there are slopes for all levels. Of course, the resorts mentioned above can also be family resorts, I am thinking in particular of Orcières-Merlette for example.

Handmaids

Let's start these family resorts with a charming resort, located in the town of Ancelle. Very dynamic and with a pleasant and typical center, the resort of Ancelle also offers a very interesting ski area! With its 20 slopes spread over some 18 kilometres, Ancelle is the perfect small family resort for a stay with family or friends.
Whether you are with young children who will discover skiing thanks to the ski school on site, or between experienced adults, the resort of Ancelle offers interesting slopes for all levels. The more comfortable will find their happiness as much as the novices.
In addition to being in a place with magnificent landscapes, you can also enjoy the center of the village with its micro-brewery or the restaurants and bars at the bottom of the slopes.
A friendly atmosphere is to be discovered in Ancelle.
To make the most of it, I suggest some ideal accommodations for your stay in Ancelle.

Practical information :
Track name: 20
Altitude : 1 340 m
Aquatic area: No
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Sledding, Snowshoeing, Snowpark, Tobogganing Book your stay in Ancelle

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  Hotel Les Autanes

  This hotel restaurant and spa is located in the heart of Ancelle, a few hundred meters from the ski slopes. Typically local and charming hotel, you can enjoy its spa and swimming pool. Its restaurant is also a very good address where you can discover the specialties of the region! Hotel, Spa, Restaurant See prices
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  Residence Les Ecrins

  This residence is perfectly placed for skiers: at the foot of the slopes! Offering a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, the apartments on offer can accommodate between 4 and 8 people. Clean, functional and comfortable accommodation, you will also be welcomed by charming staff. A beautiful address! Apart Hotel, Location See rates
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  Cottage in the heart of Ancelle

  Let's finish these accommodations in Ancelle with this gite, located in the heart of the village. This gite is special because it is in the same building, a beautifully renovated old farmhouse, as the local micro-brewery. The interior decoration is neat and typical, the accommodation is comfortable and can accommodate up to 4 people. Do not hesitate to taste the local beer, you will not be disappointed! AirBnb, Micro-brewery Check rates

The wolf's cheek

La Joue du Loup is, for me, the family ski resort par excellence. This ski resort in the Southern Alps, located in the Dévoluy, has many advantages. First an impressive ski area! La Joue du Loup is connected to another ski resort in Le Dévoluy, Superdevoluy. These two resorts together constitute a ski area of ​​more than 100 km and 53 slopes!
Unlike Superdevoluy, La Joue du Loup is smaller, cozier and more family-friendly. You will find a nursery for children, a small cinema and various activities. However, the other major asset of La Joue du Loup is its brand new Balneotherapy complex & wellness centre: Odycea.

Practical information :
Track name: 53
Altitude : 1 500 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine skiing, sledding, snowshoeing Book your stay at La Joue du Loup

• 

  Chalet-Residence Chamois I

  Discover a very pretty chalet in a residence ideally located at the foot of the slopes! Able to accommodate up to 4 people, this apartment is close to the shops and is very pleasant. Well equipped, very clean, neat decoration, the welcome is also one of the strong points of this accommodation. Apartment, Snow Front See prices
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  The Jewel of the Snows

  Here is a second accommodation to stay in La Joue du Loup which offers different rooms, ranging from 2 to 4 people. You can also choose a room with a mountain view! This hotel has a typical local style. The breakfasts are hearty and the staff welcoming and charming. Hotel, Location See rates
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  Apartment Les Rochers Blancs 3

  To finish with the accommodations at Joue du Loup, I offer you this large capacity apartment located very close to the snow front. Able to accommodate up to 10 people, it is the perfect apartment for a ski holiday with friends or family! Renovated with taste, it is very practical and pleasant to live in, even with many people. A beautiful kitchen, two bathrooms and no less than 4 bedrooms make it up. Apartment, Large capacity See prices

Valberg

Valberg is one of the southernmost resorts in the Southern Alps. It offers more than 90 km of tracks on 56 tracks. Many things have been thought out for the little ones, from 3 years old, but also for the older ones with different facilities such as the Valberg Park Family.
You can also enjoy the resort's swimming pool or its wellness centre, the Well Being Center.

Practical information :
Track name: 56
Altitude : 1 500 m
Aquatic area: Yes
Nursery : Yes
Activities: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing Book your stay in Valberg

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  The Swiss Chalet

  This beautiful hotel welcomes you at the foot of the slopes of the Valberg resort. The rooms are comfortable and very clean, the staff very charming and professional. Although the rooms could use some updating, this hotel is very well located, quiet, and offers a good restaurant and good breakfasts. A beautiful address in the heart of Valberg. Hotel, Location See rates
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  Chalet L'encasse n°9

  This first floor chalet is absolutely charming! Intended to accommodate up to 6 people, it is ideal for your ski holiday in Valberg. Warm and typical decoration, pleasant living room with its fireplace, everything is planned to make you feel at home! A large kitchen, a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, all on the snow front. A magnificent address in Valberg. Apartment, Snow Front See prices
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  Apartment Center Valberg

  This last apartment is very cute and is located in the heart of the Valberg resort. Pleasant to live in, well decorated and well thought out, it is ideal for coming to ski in Valberg. The residence is quiet and shops are nearby. It can accommodate up to 4 people. Apartment, 4 pers. See prices

The most beautiful aquatic areas in the resorts of the Southern Alps

Now let's move on to the ski resorts with an aquatic area. And they are many! Indeed, more and more ski resorts are equipping themselves with aquatic areas, relaxation areas and swimming pools in order to extend their offer.
These spaces are a delight for skiers wanting to relax after a day of skiing, but also and above all for non-skiers and children. Here are some of the resorts in the Southern Alps offering the most beautiful aquatic areas and swimming pools in the region.

Orcières Merlette: La Grande Ourse leisure and relaxation complex

Made up of two large pools, slides and waterfalls, the La Grande Ourse leisure and relaxation complex is one of the most beautiful aquatic areas in the Southern Alps. In addition to the aquatic area, this complex has an ice rink, a bowling alley and a wellness center and SPA.

The Wolf's Cheek: O'Dycea

It is at the Joue du Loup, Devoluy resort, that we find the latest aquatic center in resorts in the Southern Alps: O'Dycéa
Opened in the summer of 2019, O'Dycéa is a well-being center installed on more than 1 m400, composed of two spaces:

• a spa area with a large 170 m2 pool with whirlpool beds, hydro massage jets, swan necks, etc., as well as 3 hot water pools, one of which is outside;
• a treatment center offering facials and body treatments.

Montgenevre: Durancia

Opened in 2014, the Durancia centre, one of the newest and most modern in the Southern Alps, is divided into 4 spaces:

• The balneotherapy center with hammam, sauna, salt water pool, lagoon for children, outdoor pool with solarium or play pool with jets and whirlpool beds;
• the wellness area with a cold water pool, a hot water pool, two saunas and an outdoor jacuzzi with mountain views;
• a fitness area for practicing sports;
• and a Nuxe spa.

Serre Chevalier: The Great Baths

Let's end with one of the largest aquatic areas in the Southern Alps, the Grands Bains in the Serre-Chevalier ski area.
Installed on 4500 m², the swimming pools, spa, sauna, jacuzzi and other beauty center make up one of the most impressive wellness centers in the region.

Summary: all resorts in the Southern Alps

Here you will find a summary of all the ski resorts in the Southern Alps. These are divided into 3 categories: those of the Hautes-Alpes, those of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and those of the Alpes-Maritimes.

Hautes-Alpes ski resorts Ski resorts in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Alpes-Maritimes ski resorts