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Ski resorts in Isola 2000

Just 90kms from Nice, Isola 2000 is the southern Alps’ leading ski resort. Its position and high altitude brings an excellent snow and sun record – on a clear day it’s even possible to see the sea. Like many purpose-built resorts, Isola 2000’s convenience and small size makes it an ideal choice for families.

Isola 2000 ski resort is designed to allow maximum convenience for all guests. The resort height is actually at 2,000m and skiing goes up to a breathtaking 2,610m on the summit of Sistron, with village level snow all season guaranteed.

A 90-minute drive from Nice will take you to the resort’s spectacular 47 ski slopes, which encompass 14 green, 18 blue, 16 red and 5 black runs. The slopes are between 1,800 and 2,610m altitude. One hundred sixty snow canons are available to make sure that there is not a lack of snow. The resort is at 2,000m and pisted runs reach a height of 2,610m on the summit of Sistron, from where it is possible to see the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day.

Snow boarding is popular in Isola, and there are many board-friendly lifts and a dedicated snowboard park. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for those wanting some off-piste adventure. Beginners will enjoy the green runs with their perfect inclination, while the experienced skier or surfer will adore the Méné Domain.

Isola 2000 is just 90 minutes drive from Nice - a much shorter transfer than for the more prestigious resorts farther north. Early spring (late January/February) is the best time to visit for excellent intermediate skiing.

Skiing in Isola 2000

Isola 2000 is the first ski terrain in the southern Alps to cover more than 2,000 hectares. The area is nestled in a circle formed by 15 summits, which tower between 2,450 and 2,974m.

Like many purpose-built resorts, Isola 2000’s convenience and small size makes it the perfect choice for families. It has all the necessary facilities and infrastructure, including: bars, nightclubs, a cinema, sport shops, an ice-skating rink and a heli-ski service.

The skiing domain at Isola comprises 47 slopes in total, made up of 14 green, 18 blue, 16 red and 5 black runs. A generous choice of chair lifts and ski tows, as well as a cable car and a funicular railway, ensure that skiers are kept on the move. Cross-country skiing through the larchwoods at an altitude of 2,000m is very popular. Other activities include: riding snow scooters, go-karting on ice, heli-skiing and the latest trend – ski-jöring (a combination of horseback riding and skiing!).

With 120kms of pistes, abundant doorstep beginners’ slopes, 16 red runs and 5 black runs, skiers of all abilities are well catered for. In fact, the resort has some of the best and longest beginners’ runs around, all at resort level, with perfect wide-open slopes. After having gained rapid confidence, you then have a mouth-watering choice of intermediate and advanced slopes on both sides of the valley.

The season begins in late November and runs until May. The best conditions are usually in early March and the lowest rates are in early December or April. With convenient flights and short transfers, Isola 2000 offers the ideal opportunity for weekend breaks and odd duration holidays as well as the normal seven-day holiday.

Apres-ski in Flaine

There are numerous shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and supermarkets adjacent to the slopes. The purpose-built complex allows you to maximize your time on the slopes, while plenty of terraced cafés and restaurants allow you to take a break and bask in the Mediterranean sun. There are lots of après-ski options, including: sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tobogganing, ice-skating and ice-driving. There is also an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna located in the old village, just 20 minutes’ drive from resort.

Evening and non-ski activities include: sleigh rides, tobogganing, skidoo excursions, ice-skating and ice-driving. There is also a swimming pool with slides, sauna and whirlpool in Isola village, 15 minutes away.

Transportation to Isola 2000

As the resort is just a 90-minute drive from Nice, travelling to Isola 2000 invariably involves passing through Nice at some stage, whether you arrive by car or plane. However, the ease and affordability of flying on Easyjet from Liverpool or Luton means that it makes more sense to fly to Nice and then hire a car, rather than drive the whole distance yourself.

If driving from Nice to the resort, take the A8/E80 and leave at exit 52 towards Digne and Grenoble. Continue along the A8, followed by the N202 and the D2205. Finally, take the D97, which is signposted for Isola 2000.

SNCF regional train services (tel: (0)8 9235 3535) run from gare Nice St Augustin, situated 500m from Terminal 1, and gare St Laurent du Var, three kilometres from the airport, serving all routes from Cannes to Vintimille; bus numbers 200, 1A and 1B connect to these stations. All other SNCF routes run from the central station in Nice, connected to the airport by bus number 99 (SNCF Direct) from Terminal 2 and route 23 from Terminal 1.The weekly Eurostar direct train service to Aime-La-Plagne, Albertville, Bourg-St Maurice, Chambéry and Moutiers runs from around mid-December to the beginning of April.

Nice International Airport is approximately 90 minutes drive (97kms) from Isola 2000. A regular and convenient bus operates between Nice Airport and the resort. Taxis are available 24 hours (tel: (0)4 9313 7878) to all destinations; stands are located outside the Arrivals levels of both terminals. Transfer by helicopter is also available.

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