Ski
Two valleysThree ways to slide
In the Pays des Écrins, the snow lends itself to all desires: on the slopes, Puy Saint-Vincent and Pelvoux-Vallouise offer slopes with grandiose panoramas and authentic atmospheres in the heart of the larches. For Nordic skiing enthusiasts, three cross-country ski areas await you: the slopes of Puy Saint Vincent to the Plateau des Têtes, the peaceful loops of the Freissinières valley and the varied routes around Vallouise. Finally, lovers of freedom and effort will find their happiness in ski touring, linking passes, couloirs and ridges to discover the territory in a different way.
- SKI ALPIN
- SKI NORDIQUE
- SKI DE RANDO
SKI ALPIN
2 100% pleasure nature resorts
Want to ski without breaking the bank or queuing? Welcome to the Pays des Écrins, between Puy Saint Vincent and Pelvoux-Vallouise. Two complementary, family-friendly, accessible resorts… and damn snowy.
The station of Puy Saint Vincent
Between 1,400 and 2,750 m above sea level, 75 km of slopes, 12 lifts and a well-deserved reputation: protected from the winds, top snow cover until April. Want to have fun? Slopes for all levels, snowpark, boardercross, covered beginner’s carpet… And the view? XXL on the peaks of Pelvoux, Vallouise and Fournel. Here, teenagers enjoy themselves, parents breathe, and everyone skis at their own pace.
“Varied area, cool atmosphere, decent prices. We breathe far from the big resorts.”
The station of Pelvoux-Vallouise
Small resort, great moments. Just a stone’s throw from Vallouise, Pelvoux offers 25 km of slopes from 1,250 to 2,300 m, larches, calm, an ultra-practical snow front, a free baby-lift and a good dose of authenticity. Here, you can ski, hike (towards La Blanche), enjoy the terraces… and we extend the day at night.
“Great for kids. Few people, great beginners’ area, sublime setting.”
Why choose the Pays des Écrins?
- Resort-village atmosphere, far from the bling
- Affordable rates, natural snow, easy access
- Everything on site: ski schools, rentals, shops
SKI NORDIQUE
70 km to breathe deeply
Looking for silence, gentle effort and snowy landscapes away from the crowds? The Pays des Écrins is more than 70 km of cross-country ski trails to practice skating or alternatively, depending on your mood (and your thighs).
Three stations, three atmospheres, one thing in common: space, calm, and a breath of fresh air.
Nordic areas
Puy Saint Vincent
Panorama and good difference in altitude
At an altitude of 1,650 m, 28 km of groomed slopes every day. We start “quietly” with the Villaret loop, then we climb (with a little chairlift) to the Pousterle and the Tour des Têtes.
Up there, a breathtaking view of the Durance, the Vallouise and the Écrins. Ideal for isolating yourself in beauty… and heat the legs.
Vallouise-pelvoux
Easy, fun, family-friendly
22 km of slopes between villages, valleys and larches.
Here, the terrain is gentle, perfect for beginners, progress or “quiet” warm-up. A free loop to test the sensations, trails accessible to all and a gentle link between the villages. To be done alone or with a tribe.
Freissinières
Raw nature and varied circuits,
Wild and authentic atmosphere
20 km of trails between Ubac forests and clearings, with routes ranging from the free discovery loop to very technical routes. It’s the place to reconnect with the mountains, far from everything, close to yourself (and a few squirrels).
SKI DE RANDO
The bellE breakaway
Want to leave the crowds behind and draw your own line? The Pays des Écrins is the ideal playground for ski touring in the Alps: larches, ridges, D+ à la carte… and a real mountain spirit.
Two resorts – Pelvoux-Vallouise and Puy Saint Vincent – put you in orbit, without any headaches.
Our must-haves 7 hiking ideas
- Sentier des Lutins (Vallouise → Puy, 4.3 km, easy, 1h–1h30)
A fun walk in the forest, accessible to all, punctuated by little elves and views of the valley. Departure near the Pont de Gérendoine. Slightly uphill loop through undergrowth and clearings, with explanatory panels and rest areas. Ideal for a family warm-up. - Pré Rouge + Rocher Noir ridge (Puy Saint-Vincent, 600–1,000 m elevation gain, medium to committed, variable 3h–6h)
A demanding high-altitude course to work on the difference in altitude with wide panoramas of the Écrins. Climb from the Puy Saint-Vincent sector towards Pré Rouge, then extend to the Crête du Rocher Noir. Terrain often used for ski touring and summer hiking; sometimes steep portions, good physical condition recommended. - Les Têtes (Puy Saint-Vincent, ~450 m elevation gain, easy, 2h–3h)
Short and panoramic ascent, perfect for half a day. Departure from the Pousterle plateau. Well-marked trail to Les Têtes (approx. 2,044 m) with 360° views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Loop possible; It is best to follow the recommended direction to avoid steep climbs at the end of the route. - Tête des Raisins (Freissinières, ~1,240 m elevation gain, fairly difficult, 4h30–6h round trip)
Demanding grand ascent with vast views of the valley and peaks. Departure from the outskirts of Freissinières (Testa Moute valley or equivalent access). Sustained climb with sections sometimes off trail and tricky orientation. Requires good stamina and experience. Summit at 2,655 m with extensive panorama; Possibility of take-off for paragliding depending on conditions. - La Blanche (Pelvoux / Vallouise-Pelvoux, ~700 m elevation gain, medium, full day)
Mountain route accessible by hiking or ski touring, with beautiful views from the ridge. Departure from the summit of the Crête chairlift. We follow the ridge towards La Blanche (2,953 m), avoiding certain forks. Return possible by the lifts or descent. In winter, reliable outing with generally stable conditions. - Peyre-Eyraute / Pic de Peyre Eyraute (Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières, ~1,700 m elevation gain, difficult to very difficult, 5h–7h)
Long and steep alpine hike, with sometimes technical passages and wide views. Access via the nearby valleys, climb to the Pic de Peyre Eyraute (2,903 m) via routes such as the Crête de Serre Chapelle. Steep elevation, aerial portions and sustained effort. Reserved for experienced hikers. - Pas des Aupillous (Vallouise, ~1,950 m elevation gain, very difficult / high mountains, long run)
A major alpine crossing, technical and committed, in a very wild setting. Often approached from the Bans refuge, this crossing crosses the Pas des Aupillous in the Cirque des Bans. High mountain passage involving rocks, altitude and orientation; Requirement of alpine experience and suitable equipment. Marked alpine atmosphere, framed by peaks such as the Pic des Aupillous.
Pelvoux-Vallouise
The good deal with the hiking ticket
Perfect for lovers of beautiful climbs. Thanks to the ski touring ticket, you can take two chairlifts and start your outing at 2,300 m. Head for La Blanche (2,953 m) via the Croix du Chastellet: a signposted, alpine and spectacular route. The estate closes at 4:30 p.m. for grooming. Always go equipped: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe… What if you are a beginner? A guide is mandatory!
Puy Saint Vincent
Quiet or invigorating, it’s up to you
Want to try it? The Pré Rouge circuit is ideal to start: 600 to 1,000 m of D+ on a regular climb, in the woods. More playful? Try Les Têtes: 450 m of vertical drop, larch atmosphere and view of the Pelvoux. Snow is often excellent, marked terrain, and a relaxed atmosphere guaranteed.
Some ideas for outings
Our selection of activitiesSki
