With its four alpine ski resorts and one of the largest Nordic ski areas in the Southern Alps, Queyras offers an authentic, unspoilt mountain experience.
Far from the bustle of major resorts, its characterful villages, generous sunshine and snow-covered landscapes invite you to make the most of winter.
Alpine skiing from Saint-Véran, Nordic skiing through the valleys, snowshoe hikes to the peaks: so many ways to discover Queyras at your own pace. After a day in the fresh air, the Alta Peyra spa and restaurant extend the pleasures of the mountains in a warm, soothing atmosphere. Here is what you need to know before you hit the slopes.
01
Alpine skiing from Saint-Véran
The Molines-Saint-Véran ski area is the largest in Queyras. Set between 1,750 and 2,800 metres above sea level beneath Château Renard Peak, it offers 35 kilometres of slopes and 13 lifts, including two chairlifts, La Burge and Les Cassettes. Eleven kilometres are equipped with snowmaking facilities, and thanks to its altitude, snow conditions remain among the best in the valley. The slopes start from the village, and Alta Peyra hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access.
This ski area is ideal for families and for those who want to ski without waiting. There is a dedicated beginner area, two green runs served by drag lifts, a boardercross course, and for experienced skiers, high-altitude terrain and open slopes with views of peaks above 3,000 metres. The Queyras lift pass, valid from two days, also gives access to Abriès-Ristolas, Arvieux and Ceillac, all 20 to 40 minutes away by car. Prices change each season, so it is best to check them on lequeyras.com before you go.
02
Cross-country skiing, Queyras’ true speciality
Starting from Saint-Véran and Molines, the Vallée des Aigues ski area, certified Nordic Alpes du Sud, offers 21 kilometres of groomed trails for skating and classic skiing. They follow the two streams: the Aigue Blanche towards the Clausis Chapel, and the Aigue Agnelle towards Col Agnel, beneath Grand Queyras and its 3,114-metre summit. You set off from the village and return to the village.
The valley’s other sites complete the offering: Arvieux-Brunissard and its 32 kilometres in the Izoard Valley, and Ceillac and its 48 kilometres in the Cristillan Valley. Every winter, the Traversée du Queyras, an iconic cross-country ski race in the Southern Alps, brings together skiers from across the region. Equipment can be hired in the village or through the hotel, and the ski room keeps everything warm for the next day.
03
Ski touring and snowshoeing, away from the lifts
Between unspoilt valleys, forests and high mountain passes, the Queyras offers exceptional terrain for ski touring. From Saint-Véran, numerous routes lead to the Col de Saint-Véran, the Col de la Noire or the slopes of Pic de Château Renard. To discover these landscapes safely, the concierge service at Alta Peyra can arrange outings with high-mountain guides, who tailor routes to snow conditions and individual ability levels.
Snowshoeing offers the same scenery at a more leisurely pace, along marked routes to hamlets and chapels. And however you choose to ski, the day ends at the hotel spa: a heated indoor pool extending outdoors with views of the peaks, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and Nuxe recovery massage, every day from 12 noon to 8 pm. The season follows the hotel’s opening dates, from 18 December to 28 March, and from 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory on the roads of the Hautes-Alpes.
