Snow has fallen on the mountains to the north of Monaco, bringing with it news that three of the best skiing resorts in the area – Isola 2000, Auron and Limone Piemonte – will open their pistes this weekend coming.
Brush off those ski boots and pull out your winter gear as this weekend marks the openings of two of the Alpes-Maritimes’ best-loved ski stations, Auron and Isola 2000, as well as Limone Piemonte’s Riserva Bianca on 8th December. More will follow next weekend, including Valberg, the Val d’Allos and the family favourite of Gréolières-les-Neiges.
ISOLA 2000
Lifts will open for the first time this season in Isola 2000 on 9th December, and there will be a big party to celebrate. Music from DJ Afroman will accompany welcome drinks and outdoor games for the kids on Saturday, with an introduction to cross-country skiing on the agenda for Sunday.
Daily adult ski passes cost €40 and €32 for a half-day. Children and seniors can ski for €33.60 for a full day and €26.70 for half days.
AURON
Auron will also be opening this weekend. It is €40 for an adult all-day pass and €32 for a half-day. For children and seniors, the prices are €33.60 for a full day and a half-day will cost €26.70.
In addition to the skiing, on 8th and 9th December, the village is running the Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée Téléthon, which will feature table tennis and sports challenges, a visit from the local fire brigade, virtual reality fun, astronomy workshops and a tombola, all to be enjoyed with an aperitif offered by the townhall.
VALBERG
Valberg isn’t scheduled to open until 16th December, but the town’s winter market on Place Charles Ginesy will be in full swing the day before for those who want to get a jump on Christmas shopping, as well as be first in line for the slopes the next day. The market runs from 2.30pm to 8pm and entry is free.
All three of these resorts are a two-hour drive from central Monaco.
FARTHER AFIELD
If you simply can’t wait until the weekend for your first ski of the season, the renowned Trois Vallées resorts of Courchevel and Méribel – around six hours in the car from Monaco, but considerably less by helicopter – are already in operation. 53 of Courchevel’s 153 lifts are open and 117 out of 347 are running in Méribel.
Courchevel’s Christmas market will be taking place on 10th December, with festive local and artisanal offerings from 50 exhibitors in the Salle Festive Ugine. Santa will also make a showing, and children can get a photo of themselves with the big man or simply hand him their Christmas lists.
On 9th and 10th December, Méribel’s neighbour of Val Thorens will be host to the Andros E-Trophy, a high-speed ice driving competition. For more information, click here.
Read more:
When will the ski resorts near Monaco open for the winter season?
Join the Monaco Life community – the largest English media in the Principality.
Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Isola 2000, Facebook