Ski-Areas > Southern Alps > Alpes Maritimes (06) > Monts d'Azur > L'Audibergue
The ski resort of L'Audibergue is situated in the Monts d'Azur area of the Alpes Maritimes department in the Southern Alps region. It is the most southerly station in the French Alps being located just behind Grasse in the Cote d'Azur. It consists of a chair lift and seven drag lifts located on the north side of a small mountain ridge. From the summit the Mediterranean and the seaside town of Cannes are clearly visible. The restaurant at the bottom of the ski slopes is cute and very pleasant. There is snowmaking on the beginner drag near the car park and this was in operation when we visited over the Christmas holiday period in 2002.
Beginner Piste at l'Audibergue
The lift served area extends from 1400 metres to 1640 metres. There are 28 km of lift served runs divided between 9 Green, 4 Blue, 8 Red, 1 Black. There are 3 km of cross country trails. Snow cover is variable and you should phone before setting out even during the winter.
Add a history of the resort here
L'Audiberge can be skied on nordic or randonee skis. You can start from either the station, from the car park at Moulière or from the base of the Charbonnière. The Charbonnière is possibly the most interesting as it runs between a pine forest. If you like peace and quiet you can climb at night under a full moon and stars and look down on the twinkling lights of Cannes below.
Piste Map
A Scandinavian ambiance on the summit of the Audibergue
The Audibergue is not really a tour but more a wander in the footprints of Jean Malaurie and Knud Rasmussen.
The climb from the car park at the ski station of the Audibergue is different. It is started by either zig-zagging up a green ski run or by taking the Moulière chair lift. The ski station environment encourages an early start, to avoid the purring noise of the ski lifts. However by being ethical and spurning the comfort of the chair you mortgage your turns to snow softened by the rays of the sun. It is a Hobson's choice. Arriving at the summit, even if the panoramic view of the the mountains of the Provencal Alps takes your breath away, doesn't compare with the ambiance of the ascent. If you encounter a sea mist, the feeling of being enveloped by a frozen landscape at the end of the earth is total. To be drunk with contemplation.
You should profit to the maximum from these ethereal impressions which you get on this rounded peak. A summit whose southern edge is bathed in the almost allegorical sea mists while to the north the access to a series of exceptionally snow covered tops is bared by limestone pinnacles. It is the view of lift pylons that quickly breaks the icy spell and highlights the ingredients of this Provencal outing. Knarled Pines, boxwood hedges and dry stone walls mark out the end of the itinerary.
The route is not really technical as the pine trees are widely spaced but this Nordic tour can turn into an epic when sea mist surrounds the mountain.
Nearest Airport(s): Nice (70km) or Cannes (private planes only)
Road: Cannes > N85 >Grasse > Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey > D5 > Andon
Rail: Cannes mainline station
There are appartments available to rent in the ski station, ask at the restaurant for details.
There are a number of restaurants between Andon and the ski station, but the best bet is the restaurant in the ski station itself. It is not expensive and offers excellent food.
Ski School04 93 60 73 38
Guides de haute-montagne04 93 60 73 38
OFFICE DU TOURISME Tél : 04 93 60 45 18 or 04 93 60 73 39
Mairie 04 93 60 45 40
Gendarmerie 04 93 60 30 01
Sécurité des pistes 04 93 60 45 18
Category: Ski Areas
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