Hiver ©R-Palomba – Mairie Colmars

Winter

In the Southern Alps, snow and sunshine were the order of the day. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tobogganing… an avalanche of activities and surprises awaits you in the heart of winter.

Cross-country ski trails at the La Colle-Saint-Michel Nordic ski area

Winter in the Verdon

A White Paradise with Many Facets

As soon as the first snowflakes cover the peaks of the Verdon, a magical transformation takes place.

Winter in the Verdon is not just about alpine skiing at La Foux d’Allos or cross-country skiing at La Colle-Saint-Michel and Ratery. It is also an exceptional setting for snowshoe hikes around Colmars-les-Alpes and for peaceful moments by the Lac d’Allos and Lake Castillon.

While the Verdon is often hailed as one of the best summer destinations, notably for its breathtaking gorges, it shares with the Mercantour National Park a little-known winter magic. Between skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tobogganing, not to mention charming villages such as Colmars-les-Alpes, the experience is so varied that you will come back transformed.

So pull on your mittens and your snow boots: an unforgettable winter adventure awaits you in the Verdon!

Ski slope
Signposts at the Col Saint-Michel

Ski resorts

Enjoy winter in the Verdon

Let yourself be charmed by the diversity of immaculate landscapes offered by the snow-covered valleys and forests of the Verdon.

Ski resorts in the Verdon region:

Shuttles are available:

Hiker seen from behind looking at snow-covered mountains, surrounded by snow-laden trees.

Snowshoeing in the Verdon

Set off on an unforgettable snowshoe hike in the Verdon ski resorts.

Follow Davy Crockett’s spirit of exploration and strap on your snowshoes to roam the snowy landscapes of the Verdon and the Mercantour National Park. Whether you are on your own, as a couple, with friends or with your family, the snowy trails give you complete freedom to discover the natural beauty of the region.

Feel free to contact one of our mountain guides for guided walks.
And find the full list of all the snowshoe trails available in the Verdon region.
On your own or with a guide: the choice is yours!

Snowshoe trails:

  • Ratery 1700: 3 trails, 14 km – Paid access
  • La Colle-Saint-Michel: 2 trails, 11 km – Paid access
  • Val d’Allos – Le Village: 2 trails, 12.3 km – Free access
  • Val d’Allos – Le Seignus: 1 trail, 12.4 km – Free access
  • Val d’Allos – La Foux: 1 trail, 3.4 km – Free access

The word “ski” comes from the Old Norse “skih”, meaning a wooden billet, shoe or snowshoe on the snow.
However, some etymologists believe that the root comes from the Altai mountain region of Mongolia.

The debate is open!

Did you know?

Ski slopes in the Verdon

Downhill skiing

Alpine skiing is the ultimate winter sports activity! The Espace Lumière du Val d’Allos is one of France’s largest ski areas.

With dozens of kilometers of ski runs, it offers beginners and experienced skiers alike an exceptional and varied playground!

In the heart of larch forests, in mountain valleys or on unspoilt trails, the scenery is never the same. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Cross-country skiing at the Ratery Nordic ski area

Nordic skiing

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cross-country skier, the Ratery 1700 and La Colle-Saint-Michel Nordic ski areas offer cross-country ski trails and itineraries adapted to your level.

Ratery 1700

  • 4 cross-country ski trails – 20 km: 1 green, 1 blue, 1 red, 1 black

La Colle-Saint-Michel

  • 7 cross-country ski trails – 57 km: 1 green, 2 blue, 3 red, 1 black
  • 1 Nordic route – 20.9 km + 4.8 km (return variant)

Discover the Val d'Allos!

The Espace Lumière ski area

This ski area links the Val d’Allos – La Foux resort with the Pra Loup ski area.

  • 90 runs
  • 47 ski lifts

Val d’Allos – La Foux

800 metres of vertical drop (top of the ski area: 2,575 m)

  • 41 ski runs: 3 green, 20 blue, 14 red, 4 black
  • 17 ski lifts: 7 drag lifts, 8 chairlifts, 2 magic carpets

Val d’Allos – Le Seignus

900 m of vertical drop (top of the runs: 2,374 m)

  • 24 ski runs: 2 green, 9 blue, 8 red, 5 black
  • 10 ski lifts: 4 drag lifts, 3 chairlifts, 2 gondolas, 1 rope tow
Children's biathlon

Biathlon

In the Nordic areas of Ratery and La Colle-Saint-Michel, you can practice biathlon with a laser rifle.

Introductory sessions are available from the age of 8! Book an individual or group lesson for your child or yourself today!

Toboggan run
Tobogganing areas

Winter tobogganing in the Verdon

Tobogganing is a must! For the whole family, there’s a whole range of areas designed for safe practice!

  • 1 tobogganing area in Val d’Allos-le village
  • 1 tobogganing area at Ratery 1700
  • 1 tobogganing area in La Colle-Saint-Michel

The all-season toboggan run at La Foux d'Allos

Verdon Express

Located near the Marin Pascal chairlift at La Foux d’Allos, the Verdon Express rail toboggan promises thrills for the whole family, in complete safety!

995 metres of fun, with climbs, descents and bends, jumps, a series of waves and a flip-flap. Tempted?

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Plan ahead

Your stay in the Verdon