Espace Lumière - A family ski area with plenty of sunshine Espace Lumière (1500-2600 m)

The ski region of “Espace Lumière”, one of the most extensive in the entire Southern Alps, enjoys an ever-growing popularity amongst holidaymakers. This, as well as its name, can be largely attritbuted to the many hours of sunshine that it offers its guests.

However, the weather is by no means the area’s only attraction. Located between the altitudes of 1400m and 2600m, the ski area is the ideal setting for a fun-filled holiday with the whole family. The majority of the over 80 ski runs are rated as either easy or medium difficulty, forming a skiing paradise for holidaymakers of all ages.

In addition, the two resorts of Val d’Allos and Pra Loup offer a great range of facilities for the next generation of skiers, allowing parents and kids alike to enjoy the perfect holiday on the snow. Val d’Allos has even been awarded “Famille Plus Montagne” status, in recognition of its excellent facilities.

The youngest of skiers have the freedom of Espace Lumière’s 4 designated practice areas, along with over 15 green-rated runs, while the more experienced can choose from around 60 blue and red-rated runs, including the longest in the ski area at 6km.

Ski runs to everyone’s taste

180km of runs evidently also leaves plenty of space for seasoned skiers. A range of demanding black-rated runs, including the most difficult in the ski area at 2km in length, will test the skills of even the most practiced professionals. Espace Lumière’s exciting off-piste facilities are also not to be overlooked.

Snowboarders will also find themselves spoilt for choice, with 3 snow parks and a total of 6 “boardercross” zones at their disposal. A so-called “rider park” in the Pra Loup area, itself containing a half pipe and many quarter-pipes, is complimented by another rider park near Val d’Allos, as well as the new snow park “South Park”, with its own impressive selection of jumps and other obstacles.

All the above facilities are, of course, served by a comprehensive network of 52 lifts, which ensure efficient transit to any desired destination within the ski area.

The majority of the 25km of cross-country routes are to be found in the area surrounding the Val d'Allos resort, from where the northerly tracks lead away along the River Verdon. Pra Loup on the other hand is home to the longest of the routes, at 4km, which is ideal for those new to cross-country skiing.

All kinds of fun on the snow

Alongside the traditional winter sports disciplines, visitors to Espace Lumière can also look forward to a few more unusual opportunities, whether on one of the 4 toboggan runs, 6 snowshoe routes or 2 winter hiking routes. Snow scooters, quad bikes and dog sleds provide another few alternative ways to take in the delights of the high-alpine landscape. Ice enthusiasts also have various options open to them: a few laps of the ice rink, ice climbing or a trip out on the ice in carts.