Because there's more to Marseille than the Vieux Port, Le Petit Montagnard presents five winter sports resorts less than three hours from the city.
Les Orres
To get from Marseille to Les Orres, you'll have to travel 221 km, which takes around 2 hours 28 minutes by car.
Thanks to its altitude (1,650 to 2,720 m) and its north-westerly exposure, which favours natural snow, the resort of Les Orres in the Hautes-Alpes guarantees quality snow and exceptional sunshine. There are no fewer than 37 pistes stretching over a hundred kilometres.
Following the modernisation of the ski lifts, the redevelopment of the 1800 snow front, the improvement of snow safety, the development of the bike park and the renovation of the Tourist Office, the resort is now developing a sports and innovation centre. A unique indoor sports and leisure centre even opened this winter.
A 1,100 m² space divided into 8 rooms with all kinds of activities, virtual reality simulators, climbing walls and boulders, a gym and cardio room, a fitness and wellness area and soon a room with an inclined ski carpet. Activities that will give you a thrill in both summer and winter.
How do I get there?
By bus: Line 91 from Gare Saint-Charles (Marseille)
By car: join the A50, continue on the A55, join the A8 E80 towards Nice, join the A51 towards Gap, join the N296 E712 (N296), and continue on the N85 (Route de Gap), exit onto the N94 and enter Les Orres and continue on the D40 for 1.5 km.
What are the rates?
Full day: €42
Afternoon: €36.50
Which ski area?
Orcières Merlette 1850
Renowned for its Mediterranean conviviality, Orcières Merlette alone represents the strength and power of the great Alpine territories, imbued with the conviviality and exceptional sunshine of the South. It is just 2 hours 30 minutes from Marseille.
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Perched at an altitude of 1850 m at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, its ski area rises to 2725 m and offers breathtaking views of the most beautiful 3,000 m passes in the Écrins range: Vieux Chaillol, Pointe des Estaris, Grand Pinier, Petit Pinier and Tête de Dormillouse.
With 100km of pistes, it is one of the largest ski areas in the region, offering skiing opportunities for all levels of ability.
The diversity of the landscape, with its larch forests, granite peaks and vast snow-covered plateaux, is an ideal playground for a multitude of natural and unusual activities, such as dog sledding, ski touring, snow buoys, XXL zip lines, snowshoeing, snake gliding, Nordic skiing, ice climbing, paragliding and even a night in an igloo.
The 22 historic hamlets dotted around the commune bear witness to a unique heritage and age-old traditions, such as the making of génépi and tourtons, mountain farming, woodworking, livestock farming, cheese production and much more.
How do I get there?
By bus: every 3 hours from the Saint-Charles bus station.
By car: 2 h 30 from Marseille, 213 km A51, turn right and join N296 E712 (N296), continue A51 E712
What are the rates?
Full day: €43.50
Afternoon: €37
Which ski area?
Pra Loup
Immerse yourself in the winter atmosphere of Pra Loup. Here, skiing takes on a magical dimension on slopes groomed with the utmost care, offering skiers an unrivalled experience.
With its modern facilities and renowned ski schools, the resort offers top-quality supervision and top-of-the-range services, guaranteeing visitors a memorable stay.
Whether you're an alpine skier, snowboarder, snowscooter or freeride enthusiast, Pra Loup offers you an infinite variety of playgrounds to experience exceptional moments and push back your limits.
Whether you're hitting the slopes as a family, with friends or on your own, Pra Loup is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the magic of winter.
How do I get there?
By bus: Marseille-Gap
By car: Take the A7 and follow the A51, then take the route de Grenoble/D900B and D900 towards Pra Loup in Uvernet-Fours.
What are the rates?
Full day: €45
Afternoon: €40
Which ski area?
Vars
Nestled between 1,650 and 2,750 metres above sea level, Vars ensures optimum snow cover throughout the winter season, within the La Forêt Blanche ski area which it shares with Risoul.
As well as skiing and snowboarding, it offers a host of activities such as snowshoe trekking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and fat biking on snow, perfect for enhancing your holiday.
Beginners and children also benefit from dedicated areas where they can learn in complete safety.
To liven up your days and evenings, Vars organises a variety of events, from ski competitions to open-air concerts and fireworks displays, guaranteeing a festive atmosphere throughout the season.
How do I get there?
By bus: Neige Express line from Saint-Charles or from the airport
By car: Take the A51 motorway towards Gap as far as the La Saulce toll booth, then towards Embrun / Guillestre then Vars.
What are the rates?
Full day: €50
Afternoon: €43
Which ski area?
Risoul
The resort is situated at an altitude of between 1,850 and 2,750 metres, within the La Forêt Blanche ski area alongside Vars, guaranteeing good snow cover throughout the season.
Risoul was once one of the undisputed leaders of snowparks in France, with its 'Mix'n Fly' events renowned throughout the country.
The resort distinguished itself by being one of the few in France to invest in a superpipe and the expensive equipment that goes with it. Over time, however, the resort's strategy has evolved.
The various managers have opted for a more family-oriented business model, mainly attracting customers from the major conurbations in the south of France.
How do I get there?
By bus: Neige Express line from Saint-Charles or from the airport
By car: Take the A51 motorway to Gap, then head for Briançon on the N94 to Guillestre.
What are the rates?
Full day: €50
Afternoon: €43
Which ski area?