Isola 2000 - the ski area by the sea Isola 2000 (1800-2610 m)

Isola 2000, one of the most well known ski areas in the so-called Maritime Alps, lies within a mere 100km of the world-famous Côte d'Azur, and of the legendary coastal city of Nice. As would be expected, a great deal of the area’s visitors are younger snow-lovers that travel from the sprawling cities of the French Mediterranean coastline to spend a weekend on the slopes.

The 120km of runs is spread across the area between the altitudes of 1800m and 2600m, a height which ensures the best possible conditions for reliable snow cover. The short distance (about 85km) to the French coastline means that, even in winter, many hours of sunshine each day are the norm. At the same time, its distance above the sea means that great snow conditions can be relied upon right through the entire season.

The area’s highest point, at precisely 2603m above sea level, is “Cime de Sistron”, rising high in the south-west. On a clear day, visitors taking in the view from the summit can even make out the Mediterranean Sea on the horizon. The area around both this peak and the nearby summits of “Cime de Merlier” and “Cime de Méné” hosts some of the top challenges for the most experienced skiers. On the other hand, those who prefer powder-snow skiing will find themselves well at home in the area surrounding “Col Mercière”, “Cime de Méné” and “Mont St. Sauveur”.

A variety of slopes alongside “Tony’s Snowland”

On the other hand, the slopes around the area’s only ski station, “Isola 2000”, are home to a huge variety of blue and red-graded runs, as well as designated practice zones for beginners. All of Isola 2000’s 42 ski runs are easy to reach thanks to a network of 20 lifts.

The no.1 destination for boarders and freestylers alike is “Tony’s Snowland”, in the shadow of the “Tête de Pelevos”. Equipped with a half pipe, a “slopestyle” area, rails, a “boardercross” run, and an “Easy Park” for beginners, this snow park truly has what it takes to keep everyone from professionals to complete novices well entertained. Boarders will also find a “freeride” zone close to “Col Mercière” and “Tête Mercière”.

Those looking to make their first forays into the world of freestyling can do so in complete safety at Isol’air 2000, where huge cushions of air ensure peace of mind and a soft landing while practising even the most complex of moves.

The fun carries on after dark on both Tuesdays and Fridays, as the 2km blue-graded run by the “Belvédère” lift is open from 8pm until 10pm. Cross-country fans will find a 3km route through the enchanting winter landscape starting near the Isola 2000 ski station.

The younger members of the family are also very well catered for. Children from the age of 15 months upwards can spend the day in either a nursery or a kindergarten. The ski-kindergarten provides a secure environment, where kids from the age of 4 years and upwards can gain their first fragments of experience out on the snow.