Puy Saint Vincent - Snow aplenty in the Maritime Alps Puy Saint Vincent (1400-2700 m)

Nestled amid the French Maritime Alps, between the two peaks of La Pendine (2750m) and Les Têtes (2044m), lies the ski area of Puy Saint Vincent. Located at the heart of the "Les Écrins" national park, the perfect weather conditions make for a ski holiday to remember.

The towering peaks surrounding the ski area act as a very effective wind-break, whilst the nearby glaciers of the "Écrin" Massif ensure that the supply of fresh snow to the ski slopes never falters, even late in the season.

31 ski runs, totaling 75km in all, may make Puy Saint Vincent a relatively compact ski area, but if visitors think this means a lack of variety, they are in for a real surprise. One minute visitors will find themselves skiing across vast expanses of clear, open mountainside, and the next they will be winding their way down through thick woodlands. However, one thing all of the runs do have in common is breathtaking views of the "Écrin" Massif.

The various parts of the ski area are linked by an ample network of 13 lifts, which transport guests quickly and comfortably to their activities of choice.

A premier selection of routes

One of the main highlights is the longest of the ski area's runs, which leads from the ski station at the summit of La Pendine for 1.4km down into the valley below; or for the more experienced, the black-graded "Rocher Noir" run. Off-piste enthusiasts will find exciting powder-snow zones around Col du Bal, Vallon de Narreyroux and Bois de Cogs. A more unusual experience can be offered to guests on the 750m-long "Ecureuil" run, which is floodlit until 8pm every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as being very easily accessible via the "Escapade" chairlift.

Puy Saint Vincent has been awarded the title "Familie Plus Montagne", and not without good reason. With 3 kindergartens, 2 nurseries and a so-called "Mini Club", parents have the choice of either leaving the kids for a fun-filled day at the nursery or kindergarten, or sending them to ski school to gain their first few experiences out on the snow.

Snowboarders are just as well catered-for, with an excellently equipped snow park situated between the "Rhodos" and "Combe" runs, including a half-pipe, slides and jumps. The ski area's "boardercross" run is a frequent venue for many top-class competitions.

However, above all, Puy Saint Vincent is an absolute haven for fans of nordic-style snow sports. 30km of cross-country routes lye waiting to be explored across the entirety of the ski area. Some of the most beautiful of these can be found in "Vallée de l'Onde", as well as in the area between the ski stations of Puy Saint Vincent 1400 and 1600, and also around "Les Têtes".