Ubaye & Mercantour : le paradis du ski de randonnée
Nestled south of the Alps, between the Italian Piedmont, the Queyras and the Écrins, the Ubaye valley is a well-kept secret… well, not so secret anymore.
Ski touring enthusiasts meet there every winter to trace in its wild valleys, explore its well-hidden corridors and climb its immaculate peaks. Snow cover is often generous
Generous snow cover
Here, we regularly take advantage of the returns from the East, these disturbances from Italy that deposit their white gold while other massifs remain dry. Result:
- Good conditions from the start of the season above 2000 m
- Snow is often of good quality on the northern slopes until spring
- Unforgettable outings in March/April, when “spring skiing” becomes a real pleasure: mild temperatures, clear nights, transformed snow, and breathtaking panoramas.
Between couloirs, valleys and long crossings, the Ubaye has nothing to envy to the great classics of ski touring. And above all, it offers you a luxury that has become rare: space. The real thing.
Rich wildlife
But be careful: in this season, animals expend a minimum of energy to survive. If you come across one, stay at a distance, avoid shouting, photos that are too close or running in their direction. Preserving these rare moments also means preserving their tranquility. Just enjoy!
One of the great privileges of ski touring in the Ubaye and Mercantour is the possibility of evolving in an environment that is still preserved, where the alpine fauna is very present, even in winter. Chamois, ibex, ptarmigan, mountain hares, golden eagles or even wolves sometimes leave clues of their passage on the snow… and, with a bit of luck, let themselves be discreetly observed. Just enjoy!
Varied terrain
In the Ubaye and the Mercantour, each ski touring outing has a different taste. Here, the routes take you from light-drenched larch forests to mineral canyons and then to panoramic ridges as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re looking for a gentle outing in the alpine pastures or a more challenging summit, you’ll always find a route that lives up to your desire for the day
It is a real playground for all levels, with a topographical richness rare in the Southern Alps.
3 marked ski touring routes to explore the mountains in a different way
Thanks to our 3 marked and secure routes, you can learn or practice ski touring with confidence. Far from the noise, but always in a framed setting. Each route is mapped (GPX files available) and designed to give you an accessible, progressive and immersive experience.
With these trails, Pra Loup opens a gentle and reassuring gateway to this practice that is becoming more and more attractive. You don’t have to be a mountain pro to experience this unique sensation : climbing with the strength of your legs alone, in the silence of fresh snow.
Go up serenely, go back down the slopes, discover the mountains in a different way!
In Pra Loup, ski touring is a breath of fresh air… Marked.
