Pelvoux-Vallouise Resort: Great skiing in the Écrins
Micro-Adventure : Downhill and Freeride Skiing in the Écrins
As early as Monday, the forecast called for glorious weather for the following weekend. That was all it took for Émilie, Jocelyn, Patti, and me to plan a long weekend of winter sports at our favorite resort in the Hautes-Alpes. After just a few hours’ drive, we arrived in Pelvoux-Vallouise, a ski resort in the Écrins National Park. With early January upon us, we were itching to hit the slopes.
A Return to the Pelvoux-Vallouise Ski Resort
Although we’re athletic, our physical conditioning for downhill skiing leaves something to be desired. We haven’t skied in several months. After renting our gear and buying our lift tickets (at a great price!), we take the Préron chairlift, leaving behind the vast beginner’s area, where children and adults take their first runs under the guidance of their instructor. We ascend among the larch trees, majestic conifers typical of the region. Thrilled by the call of the peaks, we head straight for the second chairlift, the La Crête chairlift, which takes us to the top of the ski area, at an altitude of 2,300 meters.
The view from up there is magical: it feels as though we’re towering over all the surrounding mountains… or almost, since Mount Pelvoux, at 3,943 meters, towers far above us.
Warm-up on the slopes
We take the red trail at La Crête, which starts on a wide, sun-drenched slope. It’s such a joy to get back into the groove of skiing! After a few warm-up runs on both the Pelvoux and Puy Aillaud slopes, we feel that our legs are ready to take it to the next level. We head for the black run, La Combe du Loup. It’s a magnificent descent through the larch trees and the most challenging run in the ski area.
Great skiing guaranteed at this resort in the Écrins National Park! Our thighs are getting tired… Heading back to the base area on a blue run, we can feel ourselves starting to get tired. We need to save our energy for tomorrow.
Pelvoux-Vallouise Ski Resort: A Freerider’s Paradise
Without giving up on the trails, we’re in the mood for freeriding. Among the ski resorts in the Hautes-Alpes and even beyond, Pelvoux-Vallouise is known as a freeride spot—and we want to be there! We carefully plan our off-piste excursions. We check the Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin as well as the resort’s information. Finally, we get information from reliable sources. Being accompanied by a professional is, in fact, the best option for maximum safety.
Equipped with an avalanche transceiver*, a shovel, and a probe, we hurtle down beautiful powder-covered slopes. We glide over the pristine snow and have fun weaving through the trees. This ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes lives up to its reputation— the snow quality is exceptional. We experience moments of intense freedom; it feels like we’re flying over the snow.
Blue skies, light snow, the great outdoors: unique and unforgettable moments, especially when shared with friends. Everyone’s in a cheerful mood!
* Avalanche victim locator
Between runs on the slopes, you need to recharge your energy
The Pelvoux-Vallouise ski resort has set up a self-service dining area at the top of the ski area. Griddles, chairs, tables, and lounge chairs are available. My three friends and I buy what we need from local producers and shops and give the concept a try: we highly recommend it! Preparing and enjoying a meal while taking in the breathtaking panorama of the Écrins Mountains is a truly magical experience.
Since we really enjoy being waited on (yes, that’s just how we are!), we also have lunch on the terrace at the Préron mountain restaurant. We love the atmosphere so much that we go back for a drink. The base area isn’t to be outdone, treating us to the Lauzières bar-restaurant, which faces the slopes. That’s where Jocelyn and I wait for the others on the last day, too tired to keep going…
Nothing but good kind of tiredness!
Yes, we’re coming home tired from our long weekend at the Pelvoux-Vallouise resort. But it’s that “good kind of tired,” as they say. After a night of restful sleep, we’ll feel full of energy for days and days.
