Isola 2000
Why Isola 2000 Ski Resort?
- Just 90 minutes from Nice
- Guaranteed snow - with slopes up to 2610m
- Plenty of sunshine
Purpose-built in the Southern Alps by a British property company in the late 1960s, and only opened in 1972, this car-free ski area is predominantly modern with some controversial style architecture.
If you’re looking for a touch of the Riviera in the Alps, Isola 2000 - the most southerly major resort in the French Alps and just an hour and a half’s drive from the beaches of the Mediterranean – has that magic combination: guaranteed snow (because of its altitude – the slopes reach 2610m) and sunshine that’s pretty much guaranteed!
Just 90 minutes from Nice – a spectacular drive through the Gorges de la Mescla and the ravines of the Tinée Valley - the resort is some 10 miles from the village of Isola (from which it takes its name) with its 12th-century Roman bell-tower and Baroque parish church. Since it's opening in 1972, the ski resort of Isola 2000 has now spread out - in complete contrast - with new hamlets of more luxurious, wood-clad buildings.
There’s a bus service from both the railway station and airport at Nice, so you could even throw in a stroll along the beach or go sailing in the Med if you fancy a day off from the mountain.
Isola 2000 ski area
The skiing is divided into three linked areas: St-Sauveur, Pélevos and Levant, which form a horseshoe around the resort. A gondola takes skiers and boarders from the resort centre to Pélevos at 2320 metres. From here there is also access to the St-Sauveur sector. The three sections of slopes have something to offer all levels of skiers. The St-Sauveur section is best for experts as it has some of Isola's most challenging runs as well as some good off-piste. Intermediates have a great choice of slopes in the Pélevos section and for beginners, the best slopes are in the heart of the resort.
Most of the skiing is above the treeline, and if you’re lucky, on a clear day you might be able to glimpse the Mediterranean. In spite of its southerly location, the resort gets a surprising amount of snow, with the Mediterranean winds dropping moisture as they are forced over the Alpes Maritimes - and the north-facing slopes of St-Sauveur and Pélevos ensure it lingers well into spring.
It is not unusual for Isola to enjoy better snow conditions than its more northerly neighbours, and the resort regularly remains open until May. But it has extensive snowmaking, just in case.
You can also try snowmobiling, ice-skating, ice-driving and even karting on ice. There’s heli-skiing too: accompanied by guides, you can access virgin snowfields on the Italian side of the border.
In fact, you can even arrive in Isola by helicopter: the flight from Nice or Monaco takes a mere 25 minutes. Definitely, some bragging rights if you do!
Isola 2000 skiing info
Beginners/intermediates
Isola 2000 has slope-side accommodation and a large, sunny nursery area at the base. Most of the skiing in Isola is fairly easy: over half the runs are suitable for novices, with about a third ideal for intermediates.
'Pélevous' where there are great blue runs for early intermediates. 'Levant', which can be reached by a chairlift from the resort centre, is host to some great intermediate runs in this sector which can be found below 'Col de La Lombarde'.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Although half of Isola 2000’s slopes can be used up to an intermediate level, there is also plenty to challenge the more demanding skier or snowboarder.
St-Sauveur has the most challenging slopes, with long cruising runs and some good off-piste opportunities. The black Lou-Mesclun piste is two-and-a-half miles long.
Other black runs include J.M. Morisset, Boumphrey, Super Vallon and Super Sapins. There are some 47 runs altogether totalling 75 miles of pistes, served by 25 lifts. The vertical drop is 770 metres (2526 feet).
Isola 2000 mountain fun zones
There is a snowboard fun park and a “biopark” with natural larch obstacles including a wooden wall and slide bars.
Tony's snowland (snowpark)
Located 2300m above sea level, in the “Marmottes” sector, the snowpark welcomes you every day to discover and experiment new sensations of gliding.
Come and discover Family Park!
You will find a beginner mini-boardercross, the Park with rails & kickers suitable for beginners and children. The video zone will allow you to record and immortalize your most beautiful rides on the FamilyPark.
Isola 2000 nordic skiing
There is only 4km of cross-country skiing trails in Isola 2000.
Isola 2000 ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Isola 2000 ski hire and/or Isola 2000 lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Isola 2000 group ski school (not pre-bookable)
We cannot pre-book group lessons for this resort. Please book direct via the number below. Lessons start from 4 years old.
Isola 2000 private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Isola 2000 for private lessons - 0033 4 93 23 28 00
Isola 2000 childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 3 months-6 years (non-skiers)
Les Pitchouns, near the centre of the resort and welcomes children from 3 months to 6 years old.
Please contact Les Pitchouns direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 93 03 47 36
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Isola 2000
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Racquet trail
A 1.5 km trail located near the snow front, departure located above the Chapel. A loop is accessible from the station (departure above the chapel) or since the arrival of the gondola Pelevos behind the first aid station (Red Cross).
The lombarde hiking
A groomed and secure trail links the resort to the Lombarde pass. At the top, you will discover a magnificent panorama of the resort.
Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.
Isola 2000 Tourist Office
www.isola2000.com
Top activities to experience in Isola 2000
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Aquavallee aquatic centre
25mx10m sports swimming pool, a 30m long slide, a warm pool of 30c for children and pools for toddlers with a waterfall. Cardio room, fitness room, 2 saunas, 1 steam room, 1 hot tub.
Cinema
Film shows from Monday to Saturday.
Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.
Isola 2000 Tourist Office
www.isola2000.com
Isola 2000 news & events
- Snow DUO Trail 3rd December 2022
Check out the latest news from Isola 2000 on the Tourist Office website: https://www.isola2000.com/en/
Isola 2000 aprés-ski, bars & restaurants
Isola 2000 has a dozen bars/restaurants and 2 nightclubs.
Amenities
Isola 2000 has a selection of amenities including a supermarket, grocery stores, doctors, pharmacy, bank, post office and sport shops.
Getting to Isola 2000, France
By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English. From calais, 752 miles, approximately 12hrs 25mins.
By air:
3 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Marseille Airport to Isola 2000 is roughly 163 miles, approximately 2 hrs 40
Turin Airport to Isola 2000 is roughly 120 miles, approximately 2hrs 30
Nice Airport to Isola 2000 is roughly 44 miles, approximately 1hrs 15
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
Isola 2000 opening dates
Isola 2000 is open from 03/12/22
