At 1,380 metres altitude, nestled on the Col du Barioz, between the Grésivaudan valley and Haut-Bréda, the small Barioz resort offers a dual vocation: alpine and Nordic, in a preserved natural setting. Easily accessible from Grenoble or Chambéry, it’s a family, local and committed resort, run by a volunteer association. In winter, it offers a small alpine beginner area and a vast, well-regarded Nordic space on the slopes of the Belledonne massif. In summer, the site becomes a viewpoint over the peaks, ideal for hiking and contemplation. Far from large facilities, Le Barioz is an alternative to the big resorts near Chambéry and Grenoble.
Le col du Barioz
Overview
Le col du Barioz
📏 Altitude: 1380 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 2 km
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 52 km
🌟 Resort style: Snow stadium
💰 From 10 €/day (2025-2026)
Overview of Le col du Barioz
The Barioz resort develops above the eponymous pass, on the road between Theys and Allevard. Its centre consists of the Nordic Lodge, the Refuge du Cret du Poulet (one hour’s walk away), a small drag lift for alpine skiing and two altitude car parks. The whole is sober, alpine and perfectly integrated into the forest environment. The atmosphere is simple and rustic, focused on nature — no large buildings here. The Barioz Nordic ski area extends like a balcony over the Grande Roche and Grand Rocher ridges, with a 360° view over the Belledonne massif, the Chartreuse, the Bauges and the Vercors. A well-kept little paradise known to those in the know.
Our review — Le col du Barioz
2.8/5
Ski area — key figures — Le col du Barioz
- 🌟 Snow stadium (Isère)
- 📏 1380 m Village altitude (1690 m Top altitude)
- 🎿 5 runs
🚠 3 ski lifts
Average lift age: 39 years
When to visit
Le col du Barioz in summer
In summer, the Col du Barioz is a popular starting point for hiking, notably towards the Cret du Poulet, the Grand Rocher or the Pierre Roubet. The high pastures open up and the panorama over the entire Belledonne massif becomes exceptional. Families appreciate the accessible trails, picnic tables and the coolness of the undergrowth. The Refuge du Cret du Poulet also operates in summer, offering meals, rustic accommodation and sometimes yoga courses or astronomy evenings. The site is very calm and natural — ideal for reconnecting.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Le col du Barioz in winter
In winter, people come to the Barioz for gentle skiing or endurance. The modest alpine ski area is suited to initiation, with two drag lifts (880 m and 240 m) serving 5 runs (green to black). Ideal for children or first descents — and also for skiing at a low price. The Nordic ski area is one of the most well-regarded in the Belledonne massif. Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and ski tourers share trails laid through ridges, woods and clearings. The calm and beauty of the setting attract a loyal, often local clientele. The Refuge du Cret du Poulet, accessible on snowshoes, becomes the venue for an afternoon hot chocolate or a winter night in the heart of nature.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Le col du Barioz: Le Col du Barioz (Le Grand Plan) (alpin), Le Barioz (nordique).
Ski area — Le Col du Barioz (Le Grand Plan)
⛰️ Altitudes: 1380 m – 1690 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 2 km
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 52 km
💰 Day pass: 10 €
The Barioz alpine ski area is an association-run snow area, ideal for learning to ski or skiing at very low cost. It has two drag lifts and a carpet lift serving 5 runs: one green and one blue. There is no ski school on site, but volunteers sometimes offer initiation lessons. The site operates mainly at weekends and during school holidays, depending on snow conditions. The daily rate is low (6 euros), making it a popular choice for learning without pressure. The atmosphere is relaxed, family-oriented and almost communal. Perfect for a fun half-day with children or a first confidence-builder.
Cross-country ski area — Le Barioz
⛰️ Altitudes: 1350 m – 1840 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 52 km
💰 Day pass: 8.5 €
With 52 km of trails, the Barioz Nordic ski area is one of the finest and most discreet in the Isere. The routes wind between 1,400 and 1,800 m altitude. To reach the plateau, a 250 m climb is required. Loops are available through forest and across the plateau, up to the ridges at 1,830 m altitude (the Cretes black run). All are prepared for both skating and classic technique. It is also possible to stay at the refuge and ski the plateau trails. From the plateau, the panorama is striking — particularly from the Grand Rocher and the Cret du Poulet, ideal for a picnic. Marked snowshoe routes and a ski touring sector complete the offering. The ski area is entirely run by volunteers, with a genuine Nordic culture.
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Ski pass prices — Le col du Barioz
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Le col du Barioz.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Col du Barioz (Le Grand Plan) (alpin skiing) | 10 € | N/A | 53 € | 2025-2026 |
| Le Barioz (nordique skiing) | 8.5 € | 45 € | 60 € | 2025-2026 |
Additional information
- Le Col du Barioz (Le Grand Plan): Le tarif du forfait est différent le samedi et le dimanche.
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