One of the great surprises of living on the French Riviera: the mountains are closer than you think. The first ski slopes are less than an hour from Nice, and within 1h30 you have access to three proper Alpine resorts with over 100 km of pistes each. For those willing to drive 4 hours — or cross into Italy — some of the finest ski terrain in the Alps is within reach. This guide covers all the options, from the closest local resorts to the large domains accessible for a weekend trip.
⛷️ Key facts:
- Gréolières 1400 is the closest ski resort to Nice — under 1h15, with views of the sea on clear days.
- Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg — the three large resorts closest to Nice — are all within 1h30, with 90–135 km of pistes each.
- In 1h45, you can ski in Italy at Limone Piemonte (80 km of pistes) via the Tende tunnel.
- For large guaranteed-snow domains, Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre are around 4 hours away.
- The Three Valleys (600 km) are reachable in 4h20 via Italy and Orelle — or Valloire, Valmeinier and Aussois in the Haute-Maurienne in similar time via the Fréjus tunnel.
- See our complete table of 17 ski resorts near Nice.
Gréolières — the closest ski resort to Nice
Gréolières 1400 (also known as Gréolières-les-Neiges) is the closest ski area to Nice — around 1h15 by road (61 km), northwest of the city. A snow stadium rather than a full resort, it sits between 1,400 and 1,760 m and offers affordable, family-friendly skiing: mainly red runs, with around 30 km of downhill pistes and 30 km of cross-country trails on the plateau. On clear days, the sea is visible from the top. Day pass: around €27. Note: snow at this altitude is not guaranteed — always check webcams before setting out.
The three large resorts closest to Nice — within 1h30
For better snow reliability and more terrain, three resorts are reachable in around 1h30 from Nice — all with serious Alpine domains:
- Auron (1h25) — 135 km of pistes across 4 sectors, up to 2,450 m. Mainly north-facing with a good mix of blue and red runs. Day pass: ~€44.
- Isola 2000 (1h30) — 120 km of pistes between 1,830 and 2,585 m, with north, east and south-facing sectors. Views of the sea from the summit on clear days. Day pass: ~€44.
- Valberg / Beuil-les-Launes (1h40) — a linked domain of 90 km between 1,400 and 2,000 m. Lower altitude makes snow less reliable, but affordable and attractive. Day pass: ~€37.
- Limone Piemonte, Italy (1h45) — across the border via the Tende tunnel, the Riserva Bianca domain offers 80 km of pistes between 1,350 and 2,500 m. Entirely north-facing with a strong snow reputation. Day pass: €29–46 depending on season.
The full selection — from Nice to the large Alpine domains
Gréolières 1400 — 1h from Nice
Northwest of Nice at 1,400–1,760 m — the closest skiing to the French Riviera. Affordable family skiing (mainly red runs), 30 km of downhill pistes and 30 km of cross-country trails on the plateau. Sea views on clear days. Day pass: ~€27. Always check snow conditions before going — altitude is not always sufficient for natural snow.
L’Audibergue — 1h from Nice
North of Cannes and close to Gréolières — 23 runs between 1,400 and 1,650 m, very affordable at around €18 per day. Also 30 km of cross-country trails. Small views of the sea from the summit. A good low-cost option for a first day on snow.
La Colmiane — 1h15 from Nice
Between the Tinée and Vésubie valleys — 17 runs between 1,500 and 1,780 m, day pass ~€25. La Colmiane is also known for one of the longest zip lines in France (2,663 m, descending 287 m). Nearby: Parc Alpha (a wolf park) and Vésubia Mountain Park (climbing, canyoning, aquatic centre). A good option for a family day combining skiing with other activities.
Auron — 1h25 from Nice ⭐
The best all-round resort within 1h30 of Nice — 135 km of pistes across 4 sectors between 1,600 and 2,450 m. Mainly north-facing with good natural snow and a substantial snowmaking network. A strong majority of blue and red runs makes it accessible for all levels. The most reliable choice for a day or weekend from the Riviera. Day pass: ~€44.
Isola 2000 — 1h30 from Nice
A purpose-built high-altitude resort in the upper Tinée valley — 120 km of pistes for all levels between 1,830 and 2,585 m. North, east and south-facing sectors give a good variety of snow conditions and sunshine. Sea visible from the summit on clear days. Day pass: ~€44.
Beuil / Valberg — 1h40 from Nice
A linked domain of 90 km between 1,400 and 2,000 m — 4 green, 13 blue, 11 red and 5 black runs across several small massifs at the Col de Valberg between the Var and Tinée valleys. Lower altitude means snow is less reliable than Auron or Isola 2000, but it is more affordable and equally accessible for families. Day pass: ~€37.
Limone Piemonte, Italy — 1h45 from Nice
Via the Tende tunnel and just across the Italian border — the Riserva Bianca domain at Limone Piemonte offers 80 km of pistes between 1,350 and 2,500 m. Entirely north-facing (“riserva bianca” — white reserve — speaks to its snow reputation), with 56 runs: 11 green, 11 blue, 28 red and 6 black. Day pass: €29–46 depending on season. The largest Italian resort within easy reach of the Riviera.
Val d’Allos — 2h40 from Nice
At the source of the Verdon river — two village resorts (Le Seignus and La Foux d’Allos) with a combined domain of 180 km when linked to Praloup. A good step up in size and quality for a weekend trip. Day pass: ~€48.50.
Montclar — 3h10 from Nice
South of Lac de Serre-Ponçon, via Castellane and Digne-les-Bains — 45 km of pistes between 1,330 and 2,460 m across two slopes. An unusual resort: run as a cooperative by local residents, seasonal workers and holidaymakers — giving it a genuine community character. Day pass: ~€33.50.
Orcières-Merlette — 3h30 from Nice
A dynamic high-altitude resort on the southern flanks of the Écrins — at the junction of the Northern and Southern Alps. 100 km of south-facing pistes up to 2,720 m, generally well-snowfed and very sunny. An aquatic centre and an altitude zip line add non-skiing options. Day pass: ~€46.
Le Dévoluy — 3h30 from Nice
Between the Northern and Southern Alps — a 100 km domain across two villages: the modern Superdévoluy and the chalet village of La Joue du Loup. Mainly north-facing between 1,460 and 2,500 m. The striking detail: a radio astronomy observatory at the summit — twelve giant 15-metre antennas pointing at the sky, creating an extraordinary sci-fi backdrop above the slopes. Day pass: ~€44.
Les Orres — 3h40 from Nice
Above the Lac de Serre-Ponçon on a north-facing slope — 100 km of pistes from 1,550 to 2,670 m across two sites (Les Orres 1550 and Les Orres 1800). Good value outside school holidays. There is also a hotel with igloo-shaped dome rooms for something a little different. Day pass: ~€44.50.
Bardonecchia, Italy — 4h from Nice
Via the Italian motorway through Savona and Turin — Bardonecchia is a large Italian resort that hosted events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. 100 km of pistes across 3 sectors (1,280–2,707 m), plus around 20 km of Nordic trails. Lift passes slightly cheaper than French resorts: €39–49 per day. Sestrières and Oulx nearby give access to one of Italy’s largest ski areas (Via Lattea). Day pass: ~€39–49.
Briançon / Serre Chevalier — 4h10 from Nice
The largest ski domain in the Southern Alps — 250 km of pistes between 1,200 and 2,770 m, linking several beautiful villages along the Guisane valley. Briançon itself is a UNESCO-listed Vauban fortified town. Les Grands Bains du Monêtier is one of the finest thermal spa experiences in the Alps. The most complete destination for a full ski week from the Riviera. Day pass: ~€65.50.
Montgenèvre — 4h10 from Nice
A handsome border village above Briançon — 110 km of Franco-Italian cross-border pistes between 1,850 and 2,590 m, linked to Clavières in Italy. Also a good wellness centre and 80 km of Nordic trails through the Clarée valley. One of the highest villages in France. Day pass: ~€52.
Orelle / Three Valleys — 4h20 from Nice
Via the Italian plains — the fastest access from Nice to the Three Valleys, the world’s largest linked ski area (600 km). At Orelle, a cable car climbs from 900 m to 3,150 m in around 20 minutes, giving access to Val Thorens and the full Three Valleys traverse to Courchevel. Orelle itself is a small village with modest, affordable accommodation — the budget entry point to a prestige domain. Day pass: ~€81.80.
In similar drive time via the Fréjus tunnel, the Haute-Maurienne resorts are also reachable: Valloire, Valmeinier, Aussois, Valfréjus and La Norma — all good alternatives to the Three Valleys for those who prefer smaller, less expensive resorts.
Alpe d’Huez — 4h50 from Nice
The sunniest large resort near the French Riviera — nicknamed “the sun island” for its exceptional sunshine record. 245 km of south-facing pistes between 1,850 and 3,330 m, with the highest Nordic ski domain in the Alps. A premium resort with good hotels and a lively atmosphere. Famous as the legendary Tour de France climb. Around 4h50 from Nice via Manosque, Sisteron and Gap. Day pass: ~€66.
Summary table — ski resorts near Nice and the French Riviera
| Resort | From Nice | Downhill pistes | Altitude | Day pass (2026) | Nordic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gréolières 1400 | 1h15 | 30 km | 1,400–1,760 m | ~€27 | 30 km |
| L’Audibergue | 1h | 28 km | 1,400–1,650 m | ~€18 | 30 km |
| La Colmiane | 1h15 | 30 km | 1,500–1,780 m | ~€25 | — |
| Auron | 1h25 | 135 km | 1,600–2,450 m | ~€44 | 5 km |
| Isola 2000 | 1h30 | 120 km | 1,830–2,585 m | ~€44 | 5 km |
| Beuil / Valberg | 1h40 | 90 km | 1,412–2,020 m | ~€37 | 15 km |
| Limone Piemonte 🇮🇹 | 1h45 | 80 km | 1,350–2,500 m | €29–46 | 8 km |
| Val d’Allos | 2h40 | 180 km | 1,600–2,550 m | ~€48.50 | — |
| Montclar | 3h10 | 45 km | 1,350–2,500 m | ~€33.50 | — |
| Orcières-Merlette | 3h30 | 100 km | 1,850–2,720 m | ~€46 | — |
| Le Dévoluy | 3h30 | 100 km | 1,460–2,500 m | ~€44 | 20 km |
| Les Orres | 3h40 | 100 km | 1,550–2,670 m | ~€44.50 | — |
| Bardonecchia 🇮🇹 | 4h | 100 km | 1,280–2,707 m | €39–49 | 20 km |
| Briançon / Serre Chevalier | 4h10 | 250 km | 1,200–2,770 m | ~€65.50 | 146 km |
| Montgenèvre | 4h10 | 110 km | 1,250–2,230 m | ~€52 | 80 km |
| Orelle (Three Valleys) | 4h20 | 600 km | 1,100–3,230 m | ~€81.80 | — |
| Alpe d’Huez | 4h50 | 245 km | 1,250–3,330 m | ~€66 | 50 km |
Drive times from Nice city centre in normal conditions. Lift pass prices for the 2025–26 season — check resort websites for current pricing. Italian resorts (🇮🇹) require crossing the border.
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