Choosing a
ski holiday in the Southern Alps in
ski holiday in France gives you the choice of more than 800 kilometres of ski slopes and 29 ski resorts open to all levels of skiers, snowboarders, free riders and other winter sports fans, where excellent snow abounds under a deep blue sky and warm sunshine. Surprisingly some world-famous ski resorts can be found in the Southern Alps in France with excellent,
high-altitude skiing. The internationally renowned ski resort of
Serre Chevalier, is a particular favourite. Consisting of several small mountain villages and hamlets dotted along the valley each packed with authentic charm and local traditions with access to the largest non-connected ski area in France. Offering 250 kilometres of wonderful ski slopes with modern equipment and facilities, this
family-friendly ski resort can easily compete with the
top resorts in the Northern Alps in the
Savoie, or
Isere !
Vars and
Orcieres 1850, two smaller ski resorts in the Southern Alps, extremely popular with French snowboarders have become a must for snowboarders and freestylers from around the world who come to experience the wonderful slopes in the heart of a splendid forests. Head to the Southern Alps for a superb ski holiday !
While
skiing in the Southern Alps in one of the delightful ski resorts such
Serre Chevalier, take an afternoon off from the snowy slopes and head off to discover some of the incredible cultural and historical sites in this region. Just minutes from
Serre Chevalier, the fascinating fortified town of Briancon is home to many interesting monuments in particular the fortifications which date back to Roman times. The Cité Vauban, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, came to life in the late 17th century and today offers a chance to take a wonderful trip back in time while strolling through the cobbled streets where you can admire sundials, fountains, arcades and columns. Around Briancon there are four forts which dominate the Durance River, also built by Vauban to protect the town from invasions, in particular via the Montgenevre mountain pass. These forts can be visited only as part of a guided tour. Plan a family visit to AstroQueyras, the highest observatory in Europe, perched at nearly 3,000 metres of altitude and marvel at the incredibly clear night skies. The Southern alps are home to many craft workshops where you can visit pottery or woodworking studios and discover these wonderful skills. Don’t forget, of course, a trip to a local farm shop where you can taste and take home some of the delicious local produce including famous cheeses, honey or cured meats.
Besides skiing or snowboarding, a holiday in the Southern Alps in
France should be all about discovering new activities and treating yourself to some unforgettable moments with your loved ones. In the varied ski resorts in the Southern Alps, you will be spoilt for choice with a seemingly endless list of leisure and sports activities adapted to all tastes and ages. From the more traditional activities to be enjoyed such as snowshoeing and sledging to more challenging, exciting experiences such as ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, fat biking or paragliding, everyone, whatever their tastes, level and budget will find something to write home about. After all this activity or a long day on the slopes, nothing could be better than a session in a
well-being centre or spa or a swim in a warm,
indoor swimming pool. If you are skiing in
Serre Chevalier, the Grands Bains in Monetier are an absolute must. This indoor and outdoor natural spa complex with a wide variety of sensory experiences ranging from hot and cold plunge pools to massage jets as well as an outdoor circuit which you can enjoy while admiring the snowy landscapes !