Col de Rousset

The Col de Rousset is a different ski resort. It offers a varied leisure offer in the heart of a unique setting at the crossroads between the Alps and Provence. The diversity of the slopes of this resort makes it an special destination for the whole family. Nestled at the gates of the Vercors Nature Reserve.

Beginners will find an idyllic space at the top of the resort to discover the joy of skiing. In turn, the most experienced skiers will enjoy its famous black trails.

Winter sports enthusiasts will find a snowpark and boardercross, with powder snow during the day, and slightly wetter snow in the afternoon.

Location of the Col de Rousset ski resort

It has 25 ski trails spreaded over 28 kilometers. Its 10 lifts (including 1 chair lift) would carry the skier throughout the Col de Rousset ski area, between 1255 and 1700 meters above sea level.

It is also one of the natural borders between the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps, between Diois and Vercors himself. Its peculiar location constitutes an authentic climatic barrier beyond the simple adret / ubac phenomenon. The vegetation, the climate and the sunlight are different depending on the slope we find ourselves. We encounter humid and hard alpine conditions, to an almos Mediterranean, dry and sunny environment.

Layout of the slopes at Col de Rousset

Due to its variety, the Col de Rousset ski slopes will delight skiers and snowboarders, whatever their level. Beginners and people debuting in the snow will access the 15 green slopes through the ski lifts; ideally designed to allow everyone ski in excellent conditions. Once familiar with the basics of skiing, intermediate level skiers will slide down the 4 astonishing blue trails of the resort.

The most skilled skiers will carve and turn on the 4 red slopes (Marcel Algoud, Econdus, Cabri and Chamois). For the bravest and most intrepid, the 2 black trails (including the Bouquetin trail laid out under the chair lift) alternating between bumpy walls, steep slopes and grooves of terrain gracefully distributed along its slopes.

In addition to skiing, the Col de Rousset resort offers many other winter activities. Like the summer sled, or the always challenging snowshoeing. The Nordic ski area has more than 40 km of marked and conditioned trails that will take you to Vassieux Sud, and further on to Font d’Urle – Chaud Clapier; on an exceptional route that is part of the Grandes Traversées du Vercors.

Fun goes further than just descending

Additionally, cross-country ski enthusiasts will also find their own private playground by going to the Stade Raphaël Poirée (located just 4 km from the Col de Rousset), which offers 20 km for skating and classic modalities.

In Col de Rousset we find an interesting alpine ski area; a chairlift and six teleskis serve 26 trails of all colors (all levels of difficulty). Nearby there is also a snow stadium, the Raphael Poirée stadium, with Nordic ski runs and dog sledding (mushing). The Col is the start of the Grande Traversée du Vercors (GTV), which leads to Villard-de-Lans; Cross-country ski area in winter and mountain biking in summer, through the high plateaus of Vercors.

The resort offers activities throughout the year, including summer: off-road scooters, summer sled, mountain bike, dropbag, or hiking. Just a quick example among the many activities offered. The chairlift allows families and hikers to enjoy an exceptional view of the Diois and Vercors highlands. You can watch vultures from the Grand Veymont, the highest peak in Vercors. The orientation tables also identify the summits.

Cultural offer at the resort

The Col de Rousset is one of the few crossing points, along with the Col de la Bataille, which provides access to South Vercors. It communicates Die, to the south, with Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors in the north, through a tunnel located 1254 meters above sea level and a length of 769 m. The Col (mountain pass) itself, is nestled at the top of the ridge that dominates the tunnel, is 1367 meters away and is accessible on foot. The village of Rousset on which the pass depends belongs to the commune of Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, in the Drôme department.

Winding and impressive, the Col de Rousset route has spectacular views of southern Vercors and the start of Pays Diois. The area has maps, so the visitor is encouraged to stop by and admire the magnificent surroundings that surround this charming resort.  One of them is at the exit of the tunnel that connects with Die. While the other is in the city of Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors. At the top of the ski resort, it is accessible on foot or by chair lift, depending on the season.

Leisure and eating places at Col de Rousset

An almost mandatory visit, we find the creperie and snack bar at the foot of the slopes of the Col de Rousset ski resort, with a beautiful terrace with 110 covers. Crêpes and galettes with milk and organic flour. Homemade organic milk chocolate. During summer, mixed salads and ice creams.

Moroccan mint tea, homemade mulled wine with raspberries, newspapers and magazines, and free wi-fi.

Located on the edge of the slopes, it is the ideal place for a short break, even if the children continue to ski or jog on the magic carpet.

Savoy diots (a typical sausage of the area) in wine sauce are worthy of those that generally can only be eaten at home: delicious and generous.

Skiing at Col de Rousset: the highlights of the ski resort

Col de Rousset is a mountain resort located in the Vercors massif, in the Drôme department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region), between Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors and Die, within the Vercors Regional Nature Park. Here are its main attractions:

1. A resort on a human scale with varied access

• The alpine domain has ≈ 29 km of slopes served by 11 ski lifts in its official configuration.
• It is located between 1,255 m and 1,700 m, with a modest vertical drop of around 445 m.
• Approximately 76% of its slopes are easy (green/blue), with ~22 km in this category, while ~5 km are intermediate and ~2 km are more demanding (black/difficult).
• This configuration makes it an ideal destination for beginners, families, and skiers looking for relaxed days without great technical demands.

2. Natural surroundings and unique views

• Col de Rousset is located in the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park, guaranteeing a protected landscape, wooded scenery, and magnificent views over the Vercors plateaus and the Diois valley.
• From the upper ski lifts, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Vercors peaks and the plateau towards the Drôme.

3. A variety of complementary activities

• It’s not all about downhill skiing: the resort offers numerous options for families and tourists who want more than just hitting the slopes:
  • Rail sledging, tubing, downhill scooters, guided panoramic walks.
  • Cross-country ski trails nearby or at the “Stade Raphael Poirée,” as well as biathlon, sledding, and snowshoeing.
  • In summer, activities such as downhill mountain biking, electric scooters on trails, climbing, etc. are available.
• These possibilities broaden the appeal of the destination, making it less dependent on the alpine slopes.

4. Favorable rates and accessibility

• A daily ski pass for the high season costs approximately €26 for adults, which is competitive with large Alpine resorts.
• The resort operates from mid-December to the end of March, although the exact dates may vary depending on conditions.
• Access from Die and from the Vercors itself is relatively direct by road (D518).

5. Focus on families and intermediate skiers

• Due to the high percentage of easy slopes and its moderate scale, Col de Rousset is ideal for families with children, beginners, or people who are not looking for huge domains or high mountains.
• The resort promotes an accessible, peaceful atmosphere without the pressure of large crowds, which is an important value for many travelers.
• The mix of “light off-piste” and recreational activities makes it a suitable destination for non-technical skiers.

6. Limitations to consider

• The maximum altitude is not high by modern Alpine standards; in seasons with little snow, the lower slopes may be at risk.
• The vertical drop (≈ 445 m) is modest compared to large resorts, which limits the spectacular nature of long descents.
• Demanding slopes (black/technical) are scarce, so it is not the best option for those looking for permanently aggressive terrain.
• During peak periods (school holidays), the modest ski lifts could lead to waiting times.