Azur Vibes February 26, 2016 2 Comments

You’d be forgiven for thinking Nice isn’t the right place for a skiing holiday, but you would be surprised to know there are many ski resorts within 2 to 3 hours drive of this city in the sun. Instead of listing them all in this article, we have selected the best three ski resorts, all of which are easy to get to, even for a day trip from Nice.

1) Auron

Out of the three resorts listed here, in our opinion Auron is the best for skiing. Not necessarily for the village itself, but for it’s varied, expansive and enjoyable skiing terrain. Auron has more than 135 km of ski runs, and an elevation of 1600m to 2450m. Snow is normally good from December until early April, although Isola is more snow sure in the early/late seasons due to its North facing aspect and higher altitude. If you are experienced in off piste skiing and exploring back country, Auron has plenty of terrain to keep you smiling as you bounce turns through the trees.

The resort is situated 90 km/60miles north of Nice. Without traffic this would normally take 1 hour 45 minutes to drive, however this can be be extended to 2 to 3 hours drive in the busy holiday seasons. There is also a snow bus which leaves from Nice Ville train station and takes you directly to the ski resort.

Auron – Ski Stats

  • Top elevation 2452m
  • Base elevation 1600m
  • Black runs: 9
  • Red runs: 15
  • Blue runs: 16
  • Green runs: 2
  • Total runs: 42
  • Total distance: 135km
  • Longest run: 5km

Auron – Essential Knowledge

2) Isola 2000

Isola is one of the most snow sure resorts in the South of France, due to it’s predominantly North facing aspect and high altitude. The resort itself is a bit more lively than Auron, and perhaps a better choice if you are looking for more of an après ski scene (although don’t get your hopes too high as none of these resorts are big party places like those you can find in the Northern Alps or Austria).

Isola 2000 has over 120kms of piste and is one of the best choices for beginner/intermediate skiers/snowboarders, as there are many blue runs and a handful of greens to hone your skills before progressing to the likes of Auron and Limone. Driving to Isola 2000 takes around the same amount of time it takes to get to Auron. 1 hours 45 minutes at best, but more likely 2 to 3 hours drive in busy times. You can also take the Ski bus to Isola 2000 from Nice Ville train station.

Isola 2000 – Ski Stats

  • Top elevation 2610m
  • Base elevation 1840m
  • Black runs: 4
  • Red runs: 11
  • Blue runs: 21
  • Green runs: 7
  • Total runs: 43
  • Total distance: 120km

Isola 2000 – Essential Knowledge

3) Limone (Italy)

Limone is quintessentially Italian. Expect great food, friendly people and excellent skiing. What’s not to love? Whilst in our opinion, Auron has slightly better ski terrain, Limone wins hands down in terms of charm and feeling like you are really on holiday in a lovely place. The village itself is charming, and has many top class restaurants and a scattering of lively bars.

Getting there is easy and takes around the same amount of time it takes to get to Auron or Isola. 1 hour 45 minutes at best, 2 to 3 hours drive in busy times. If you are unfortunate with timing, you may have to queue for up to 20 minutes at the ‘Tunnel de Tende’ which only allows traffic through in one direction. The wait is worth it, as when you emerge from the tunnel on the Italian side, it feels like stepping in to Narnia and a winter wonderland.

You can also take the train from Nice to Limone with a change in Ventimiglia. This takes around 3 hours at best (with the change).

Limone – Ski Stats

  • Top elevation 2020m
  • Base elevation 1010m
  • Black runs: 7
  • Red runs: 23
  • Blue runs: 10
  • Total runs: 40
  • Total distance: 80kms

Limone – Essential Knowledge

Leave a Reply

  1. Ben

    Hi, we have been to Isola 2000 the past 2 years and already booked next season as we’ve loved it so much. The biggest benefit is for Children in the evening with restaurants and bars on the slopes then can sledge outside with no worries.

    Can someone tell me if Auron and Valberg are like this too? With restaurants and bars to go to in the evening on the slopes?

    1. Azur Vibes Listing Owner

      Hi Ben, yes Auron and Valberg both have bars and restaurants. I prefer the villages of Auron and Valberg more then Isola and think Auron has the best skiing. Cheers, Gill.