Nestled at an altitude of 1,340 metres in the Southern Alps, the Ancelle ski resort charms visitors with its authenticity and friendly atmosphere. Ideal for families and skiers of all abilities, it offers 30 km of varied slopes, served by several ski lifts, accessible beginner areas and more technical runs such as the black run at Les Lauzières. Thanks to its 280 snow cannons covering 80% of the ski area, Ancelle guarantees excellent skiing conditions throughout the season.

The Ancelle ski area

Created in 1953, the ski resort has been managed by the municipality ever since. Thanks to its exceptional location, nestled in the heart of an open, snow-covered plateau, Ancelle is a superb resort for Nordic activities. You can choose from a wide range of walking routes through the forest and meadows. A total of 18 kilometres of cross-country ski trailsare available. For the more adventurous, the resort is linked to eight other cross-country ski resorts, offering around 200 kilometres of trails, allowing you to explore the Champsaur valley.

The ski slopes of Ancelle

The Ancelle ski resort has 25 kilometres of slopes spread over 30 hectares. In total, it has 23 slopes accessible by 13 ski lifts (including 2 chairlifts). It is worth noting that 80% of the ski area is covered by a network of snow cannons (one of the densest and most efficient in France), which guarantees sufficient snow cover throughout the winter.

The Ancelle resort is divided into three sectors, between a minimum altitude of 1,350 metres and a maximum altitude of 1,807 metres, linked by slopes and ski lifts.

Activities in the Ancelle resort

If there’s one place where you can try dog sledding during your holiday, it’s in the Hautes-Alpes. A trail to admire the magnificent landscapes, accompanied by 16 Eskimo dogs from the Nordic countries. A superb experience!

Opt for a morning of skating with the family! The youngest will put on their skates for the first time, while the older ones will have to remember the correct posture to avoid falling over. Between straight lines and less stable turns, ice skating will give you moments of intense pleasure that will mark your holiday in the mountains.

Who said that a holiday in the mountains has to mean a skiing holiday? Snowshoeing is an unmissable activity for discovering the alpine landscapes in a different way. And you’re in luck, as the Champsaur-Valgaudemar valleys are full of marked trails.

It’s worth noting that there are many other activities to enjoy in the resort, such as ski joering, tobogganing and mountain biking.

The Ancelle ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Climate and energy

The resort is committed to an ambitious energy transition, notably with the hydrogen-powered snow groomer project, which aims to introduce this clean technology in mountain areas. All ski areas will have to carry out a carbon assessment within three years. In addition, eco-driving training is being rolled out across the board: all snow groomer drivers will be trained within five years, and ski lift operators within two years. An energy-efficient automatic control system is also being deployed. During off-peak periods, the resort adapts the use of ski lifts to limit their energy consumption.

Water and agriculture

Water management is optimised through the creation of water reserves to smooth out artificial snowmaking requirements. Resorts with more than six snow groomers will accurately measure snow depth to produce the right amount. In the event of drought, water sharing with livestock farmers and for essential needs (firefighting, drinking water) is planned.

Biodiversity

Within five years, each operator will have an ecological inventory of their territory (fauna, flora, sensitive areas), which will be updated during works. Particular attention is paid to the protection of mountain galliformes: all cables that could be dangerous to their flight will be marked.

Landscapes

The resort is committed to systematically replanting areas disturbed by works with local seeds and dismantling obsolete installations in order to preserve the integrity of the landscape.

Waste

Every year, a waste collection operation is organised and an awareness campaign for skiers and hikers is carried out in 100% of resorts, often in partnership with associations.

These commitments demonstrate a strong desire to integrate environmental issues into the daily and strategic management of the resort.

Unforgettable experiences in Ancelle

Do you like thrills? Snowkiting is a hybrid sport combining free flight and skiing, the ‘little brother’ of kitesurfing practised on water. Pulled by a sail, you explore the snow-covered expanses using only the force of the wind. A daring and fun activity. Put on your skis and discover new sensations!

In addition to snowkiting, the resort has plenty of original ideas to spice up your holiday. Try ski joëring, a discipline combining skiing and horse riding, where you are pulled by a horse on the snow — a unique blend of gentle sensations and speed. For thrill seekers, sledding on specially designed tracks promises laughter and adrenaline. And when the snow begins to melt, make way for surprising activities such as mountain biking on snow or trails, to explore the mountains in a different way. These unusual leisure activities will allow you to experience the mountains in a fun and original way, far beyond simple downhill skiing.

The mountain resort of Ancelle in summer

Renowned for its ski area in winter, Ancelle reinvents itself in summer as a real playground for enduro mountain bikingenthusiasts. From the summit of Chatégré, eight marked trails – green, blue and red – allow everyone, from beginners to experienced mountain bikers, to set off into the heart of unspoilt natural surroundings. The green ‘Collet’ trail offers a gentle introduction, winding its way under the Croix Saint Philippe to the Ancillas woods. For more thrills, the blue trails offer more direct routes, featuring banked turns and Canadian bridges, particularly on the magical wooded descent of ‘Zénith’. The red ‘Vallon’ trail is for the most experienced riders, with technical passages on the rocky areas of the ‘casses’ of Saint Philippe. Along the way, it’s not uncommon to come across marmots or cows grazing in the mountain pastures, adding a wild touch to this unique summer experience.

Take a hot air balloon or paragliding flight! There are many ways to discover the landscapes of the valleys. With exceptional aerology and 300 days of sunshine a year, it is possible to fly all year round. Whether paragliding or hot air ballooning, take advantage of the clear skies and calm of the day to familiarise yourself with the peaks of the Écrins.

You can make the most of your stay at the Ancelle ski resort to visit the farms and producers in the mountains. There’s nothing better for families than meeting a cheese maker accompanied by his dairy goats! At the Ferme du Bois Noir in the pretty village of Ancelle, you can discover the secrets of cheese making. A friendly, curious and simple experience awaits you.

Webcams in Ancelle

If you want to see the current conditions in the ski resort and the surrounding area, you will find webcams of the Ancelle ski resort below.

Resort webcam

Where to stay in Ancelle ?

Hôtel Les Autanes ***

The Hotel Les Autanes is located in the mountain village of Ancelle, in the Hautes-Alpes region. It offers traditional chalet-style accommodation with an indoor swimming pool. Wood-panelled rooms feature private bathrooms and overlook either the mountains or the Champsaur valley. Guests can enjoy a wide range of regional specialities, including fondue. At the spa, relax in the hammam, hydromassage shower, or soak in a bathtub with pool views. Just a few metres from Ancelle resort, the hotel offers easy access to skiing, snowboarding, and other alpine activities.

Les Écrins Ancelle **

The Résidence Les Écrins is located in Ancelle, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, close to the Ancelle ski resort. All rooms have a balcony with a beautiful view. A ski pass sales point and ski rental service are available on site. Skiing and hiking are popular activities in the area.

Hôtel Le Chamois

Located in Ancelle, Hôtel Restaurant Le Chamois is 500 metres from the Ancelle ski resort. It features a seasonal indoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, a shared lounge and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Each room has a desk, a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Many activities can be enjoyed in the area, including skiing and hiking.

Skiing in Ancelle: the resort’s advantages

• Natural environment and landscapes: the slopes are surrounded by larch forests, offering a picturesque setting and a skiing experience in the heart of nature.
• Facilities for beginners and families: Ancelle has a ski school and a snow garden, making it an ideal resort for families and beginner skiers looking for a safe and friendly environment to learn.
• Variety of slopes: With 26 slopes totalling 30 km, the resort offers options for skiers of all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers.
• Additional activities: In addition to downhill skiing, Ancelle has a 300 m² outdoor ice rink, offering visitors additional leisure options.
• Authentic atmosphere: The village of Ancelle has retained its traditional charm, allowing visitors to enjoy the typical architecture of the Hautes-Alpes and a warm atmosphere.