France
Nestled between the majestic Lake Serre-Ponçon and the peaks of the Écrins National Park in the Southern Alps. The ski resort of Réallon is a peaceful retreat for families and nature lovers. Created in 1985, this small-scale resort charms visitors with its warm atmosphere, accessibility and the unspoilt beauty of its alpine surroundings.
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The Réallon ski area
The Réallon ski area, nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, stretches over 30 kilometres of slopes perfectly integrated into a magnificent natural landscape. Small and easily accessible, it is ideal for beginners and more experienced skiers alike, with 14 slopes ranging from green to blue, red and black.
Thanks to two chairlifts, visitors can quickly reach the peaks at an altitude of 2,150 metres, with spectacular views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières in the background.
The resort also offers a range of fun activities for a variety of tastes: a snowpark for beginners to try out tricks, a boardercross for speed enthusiasts, and the famous La Ripaaa toboggan run, which is 4 kilometres long and ideal for thrills with the family.
The snow front, equipped with a free-access magic carpet, is perfect for beginners. It is powered by solar panels, demonstrating the resort’s commitment to the environment.
The Réallon ski resort is committed to sustainable development
The Réallon resort is fully committed to sustainable development, adopting environmentally friendly practices to preserve the richness of its Alpine territory. It stands out for its energy-independent facilities, such as the snow front conveyor belt, which is powered by photovoltaic panels that produce twice the energy needed to operate it, with the surplus being fed back into the local grid. Réallon also takes care to
minimise the visual and ecological impact of its infrastructure by favouring local and recyclable materials for its buildings and facilities.
But the commitment does not stop there. The resort runs biodiversity awareness campaigns for its visitors, with educational trails such as the ‘Le Peuple des Oiseaux’ (The People of the Birds) trail, which showcases local wildlife throughout the year.
Finally, Réallon is diversifying its offering to promote four-season tourism, limiting its dependence on snowfall: a concrete way of adapting to climate change while promoting a lively and preserved region.
Unforgettable experiences in Réallon
In Réallon, winter rhymes with La Ripaaa, a unique natural toboggan run. Stretching over 4 kilometres with a 600-metre drop, it offers around 40 minutes of thrilling descent from the top of the ski area to the resort’s snow front.
The term ‘Ripaaa’ means ‘slide’ in the local dialect, a name perfectly suited to this activity that appeals to young and old alike. The track is punctuated by banked turns, bumps and forest passages, guaranteeing thrills in a preserved natural setting.
For those looking for something new, the resort organises the annual Ripaaa Race, a friendly toboggan race open to all, with a mass start and prizes for the fastest riders.
Take to the skies with a paragliding flight over Lake Serre-Ponçon. Accompanied by a qualified instructor, you will fly over the peaks of the Écrins massif in absolute silence, punctuated by the wind and breathtaking views.
The mountain resort of Réallon in summer
In summer, the resort of Réallon becomes a real playground for nature lovers and thrill seekers. You can enjoy a variety of hikes on marked trails offering magnificent views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains. The chairlift is open to facilitate access to viewpoints and the starting points for walks.
For thrill-seekers, the resort offers activities such as electric mountain biking and fat biking, ideal for exploring the trails at a leisurely pace or with a bit more adrenaline. All-terrain electric scooters are also very popular for hurtling down the trails in complete freedom.
Finally, for a gentler experience, families can discover the nature trails and themed paths, perfect for observing the local flora and fauna while enjoying the peace and beauty of the Alpine landscape.
Webcams of the Réallon ski resort
Réallon – Chabrières webcam
Snow front webcam
Hotels in the Réallon resort
Le Balcon des Écrins ***
The 3-star Hotel Club ‘Le Balcon des Écrins’, ideally located at the foot of the slopes, offers an enchanting setting for a getaway in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes. The hotel has a 300 m² panoramic terrace overlooking the majestic Aiguilles de Chabrières, providing a breathtaking natural setting in which to relax. Recently renovated, the hotel has modernised its rooms, bar and restaurant to guarantee comfort and conviviality in a warm atmosphere. This place is ideal for stays with family or friends, conducive to rejuvenation and relaxation.
Skiing in Réallon: the resort’s highlights
- Exceptional panoramic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains.
- Family-friendly ski area with 30 km of varied slopes and fun areas suitable for beginners.
- A wide range of activities all year round, from skiing and sledging in winter to hiking, mountain biking and fat biking in summer.
- Strong environmental commitment with energy-independent infrastructure and environmentally friendly materials.
- Festive events and entertainment such as torchlight descents and the ‘La Ripaaa Race’ toboggan race.
- Four-season sustainable tourism, allowing you to enjoy the mountains to the full all year round.
Useful tip for enjoying Réallon to the fullest
Start your day by taking the Clos des Aurans chairlift to quickly reach the higher slopes and enjoy cooler, firmer snow in the morning. Midway through the day, switch to the slopes that descend towards the Front de Neige sector, which are sunnier and more comfortable for recharging your batteries.
If you’re traveling with your family, spend some time at the Aiguilles de Chabrières play area, with fun modules for younger children. On clear days, don’t miss the descent from the Belvédère slope, one of the most beautiful in the southern Alps: a 700-meter drop with a 180° panoramic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon. And to end the day, enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the mountain restaurants, where Savoyard cuisine and the evening light blend in with the landscape.
