Auron

Auron is a ski and winter sports resort, created in 1937 and located at an altitude of 1600 m, in the territory of the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, in the department of Alpes-Maritimes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d ‘Azure. Its inhabitants are called auronians.

This former alpine village, formerly the barn of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, is today a dynamic winter and summer complex. 1 hour and a half by car from Nice, approximately, in the heart of the Mercantour massif, near the National Park of the same name.

The highest and closest peak to the complex is the Las Donnas summit, which reaches 2474 meters above sea level. The ski area ranges from 1250 meters to 2450 meters above sea level and covers 135 kilometers of slopes, making it the largest in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Auron, the ”great ski resort”

While Auron positioned himself in 1936 as the forerunner of downhill skiing in the Maritime Alps, his ski area became the department’s largest. With its 135 km of slopes, it provides skiers with a complete feeling of freedom. At Auron, snow is guaranteed with 55% of the area covered by its artificial snow machines, considered one of the most efficients in Europe. From 1600 to 2450 meters above sea level, the ski area of the Auron resort offers incredible 360 ° panoramas. It extends over 4 sectors with wide and varied slopes, in the heart of a valley decorated with traditional barns, in the middle of the forest.

It has 42 slopes, the majority intended for experienced skiers. The lifts are state-of-the-art and skiers benefit from “hands-free” packages (forfaits) that allow quick pass to the control terminals.

Fun, slopes and great views

Advanced snowboarders have a free snowpark at their disposal. The complex also has areas dedicated to cross-country skiing. For snowshoe enthusiasts, the Puy area is a dream site with proper, wooded and quiet trails. Speaking of entertainment, the Auron Family Park offers young people and adults the opportunity to have fun skiing or snowboarding in a unique environment. On the snow front, all beginners benefit from a wide green track located near restaurants. Aspiring skiers learn to cope and discover new sensations by sliding into the snowgarten from the age of 3. And the little ones, from 6 months to 3 years, are also welcome throughout the season at the “les Oursons” kindergarten. With the family, among experienced athletes or among novice amateurs, Auron is the ideal ski resort for a sunny getaway.

Auron, an authentic and friendly resort

After skiing, relaxation. The heart of the complex comes alive around the ice rink in a friendly atmosphere. At night, the fun doesn’t stop in the numerous and cozy establishments. If you want to discover the local heritage, go to Saint Etienne de Tinée. Connected to Auron by the Pinatelle gondola, this charming village can be reached in a few minutes by car from the ski resort.

Saint-Etienne de Tinée

Located at 1140 meters above sea level, Saint-Etienne de Tinée is at the gates of the Mercantour park, at the crossroads of alpine and high mountain skiing, with the Col de la Bonette, the highest in Europe (2802 meters altitude). This traditional town with 1300 inhabitants is distinguished by the beauty of its historical and cultural heritage. Its religious buildings from the 13th and 17th centuries, decorated with classic frescoes, are hidden monuments to discover for visitors. Saint-Etienne de Tinée also offers numerous events in restaurants and hotels, opened throughout the year.

Since 2003, at the initiative of Christian Estrosi, the Auron, Isola 2000 and Saint Dalmas le Selvage ski resorts merged within the Mercantour Stations Joint Union. The common factor is a strong desire for development, that has led to an ambitious development policy for all three ski resorts. Significant investments have made it possible to modernize and develop the Auron and Isola 2000. ski areas. But also preserve the historical heritage and authentic character of Saint Dalmas le Selvage.

A ski resort near the beach?  

The Syndicat Mixte des Stations du Mercantour is committed to provide Nice-Côte d’Azur resorts with the latest innovations in the world of skiing, freestyle and snowpark with state-of-the-art ski lifts, widening and reorganization of slopes and equipment installation digital.  The Syndicat Mixte des Stations du Mercantour is a guarantee of snow, with 55% of the snow-covered Auron ski area and 75% in Isola 2000. Christian Estrosi wanted these mountainous regions to possess the international fame of the city of Nice. Benefiting from privileged access 1 hour from the city and the second biggest airport in France, these resorts have become the showcase of the mountainous region a few kilometers from the Mediterranean.

Skiing the day and strolling by the sea in the afternoon is a dream come true. The exceptional insolation enjoyed by Auron, Isola 2000 and Saint Dalmas le Selvage, makes the getaway or the holidays unforgettable. Nice is not only stands out as a tourist destination at the gates of the Mediterranean border, but also for the beauty of its massifs. Which grants the impressive views of the sky and the earth, appreciable from the gondola. The three stations of Nice Côte d’Azur, Auron, Isola 2000 and Saint Dalmas le Selvage, await you to share an exceptional experience; between sea and mountains, sun and snow, great skiing and the air blown by the Mediterranean.