Ski-Areas > Southern Alps > Alpes Maritimes (06) > Greolieres Les Neiges
The small ski resort of Gréolières les Neiges is situated in the Alpes Maritimes department in the Southern Alps. The lift served area extends from 1400 metres to 1800 metres. There are 9 Green runs, 3 Blue, 15 Red and 3 Black. The resort located just 45 km from Antibes and Nice and is just 20km from the coast. The proximity of the Mediterranean sea means that the season is shorter than other local resorts such as Isola 2000 but 7 pistes are covered by snow canons ensuring a Christmas opening. The slopes are situated on a north facing bowl which means the pistes can get quite hard and are in shadow by the early afternoon. Many of the ski lifts are old and quite slow.
Geraldine, Panda and the Gréolières Pistes
The little village of Gréolières is worth a visit as is the nearby mountain top village of Gourdon.
The first ski lifts were installed in 1963.
The view from Jerusalem over the Mercantour mountains
When you start this tour don't be put off by the proximity of ski runs and lifts. It has all the aspects of a mountain trek, of spirit, philosophy and effort.
Firstly, Spirit, since it is a question of connecting the ski station to the eponymous village. Next, the philosophy, because the route crosses some varied terrain and offers typical panoramic views around every corner. Finally the effort needs to be managed. Just because the trekker has reached the summit of Jerusalem doesn't mean the walk is over.
The first steps are made through small, gentle valleys which climb progressively in a sweeping arc giving a panorama over the solid mass that is the Mercantour mountains. The landscapes that greet the walker are astonishing, being composed of massive limestone 'gendarmes' and the snow covered moor of the Audibergue peak. Looking to the north, the walker sees the detail of the villages of the Estéron nestling at the foot of white summits. Continuing gives spice to the trek, the path drops to the col which crosses the summer GR (grande randonnée), the absence of the village gives an impression of emptiness.
The Ruail plateau consolidates the feeling of a trek: cars are forgotten, the hectic buzz of skiers and their lifts is left far behind. The presence of knarled pine trees mark the start of gorges and transports the hiker far from his usual playground. At the end of the walk, via a path crossing cliffs overhanging the village, snow shoes are unnecessary. But this return to dry land, after so long on snow is not unwelcome.
This crossing, from ski station to village, should ideally be made in good weather and not undertaken when the frequent mists sweep in from the Mediterranean sea, especially the descent down to the village of Gréolières. However there are cairns, some of them enormous, to guide the hiker.
Nearest Airport(s): Nice Côte d'Azur 45km
Road: Nice -> A8 to the Cagnes sur Mer exit then Colle sur Loup. The road climbs through the pleasant Gorges du Loup via Pont du Loup (take care for ice in the depths of winter) to reach the village of Gréolières. Continue on the D2 then D802 to Gréolières les Neiges.
Rail: Nice mainline station or Cagnes sur Mer.
There are appartments to rent and a hotel at the bottom of the slopes.
Le Foulon is a British run bed and breakfast in the village of Gréolières itself. It would make a good base for exploring the surounding area such as Nice, Antibes and Gourdes as well as skiing at Gréolières-les-Neiges and l'Audibergue http://www.le-foulon.com/
Tell readers about any good restaurants and bars in the resort
Only include guides and instructors who cater for off-piste or backcountry. Please specify whether they take snowboarders.
OFFICE DU TOURISME: Tél : 04 93 59 97 94
Mairie: 04 93 59 95 16
Piste Services: 04 93 59 70 02
Ski School (ESF): 04 93 59 70 03
Bus Service: 04 93 42 40 79
Respect copyright. Contributions must be your own work and not copied from other web pages or elsewhere.
Category: Ski Areas
<< Beuil - Les Launes | Alpes Maritimes | Isola 2000 >>