It’s the best-kept secret of a winter stay on the French Riviera: about one hour’s drive from your hotel in Nice, Cannes or Antibes, there is a real ski resort. Gréolières-les-Neiges, perched between 1,400 and 1,800 m, is the closest resort to the coast — 21 km from the sea as the crow flies. Breakfast facing the Mediterranean, lunch facing the slopes: nobody will believe you.
A typical day
- 8:30 am — leave the coast. Via Cagnes-sur-Mer and the Loup gorges, or via Grasse: allow 50 min to 1h10 depending on your starting point.
- 9:45 am — arrive at the free car park (2,800 spaces) at the foot of the slopes. Rent your equipment at Bogho Sport in 15 minutes.
- 10 am – 4:30 pm — ski on around 30 km of runs, lunch break on the terrace of Le Chalet du Parc.
- 5 pm — head back down. By 6:30 pm you’re back for an aperitif by the harbour.
Zero logistics: everything rents on site
No need to have packed anything in your suitcase: Bogho Sport rents skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, sledges and snowshoes at the foot of the slopes — full adult pack from €25, kids’ skis from €13. The adult day pass stays under €30, one of the cheapest in France. Just bring gloves and sunglasses.
Not skiing? There’s a plan B
A snow day trip is for everyone: the Gréo’Luge (the four-season rail sledge — our article), classic sledging runs, snowshoe trails with sea views, and the Gréo’Parc for kids. Beginners can book a lesson with the local ESF ski school, which has English-speaking instructors — handy for international families.
Good to know
In winter, snow chains or winter tyres are compulsory on the last few kilometres (coastal car-rental agencies offer chains). Without a car, the ZOU! 652 bus leaves from Grasse train station and an Envibus snow shuttle runs from Antibes. And if you’re settling in the area, our town-by-town guide details every driving time.