Pra-Loup is a ski resort in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, one of the biggest resorts in the southern Alps. Pra Loup is one of two resorts ( plus Val d'Allos-La Foux) that make up the "Espace Lumière", a huge ski-field that links the Ubaye Valley to the Val d'Allos and which boasts over 180 km of pistes.
Founded in the 1960s, Pra Loup quickly became the number one resort for skiers from Marseille and Toulon. With cold, clear nights to keep the snow fresh and warm Mediterranean sunshine during the day, Pra Loup boasts a climate that few resorts can rival.
Pra Loup ski resort
Beginners will have easy access to the nursery slopes by taking the gondola lift from the 1600 village. In addition, getting back down into resort is just as easy via a green run which is also covered by snow canons.
A lot of its runs are wide and long, plus the lack of lift queues makes for a more relaxed and stress free ski holiday.
The Bergeries-Chemin du Bull and Clappe pistes take you back to the base station when you’re blue-run ready, while confidence-boosting favourites include the Marmottes from 2500m and Peguieou from 2479m.
Red piste skiers can really roam here, with runs streaming from every lift station. We love the Serre de l’Homme on Gimmette and the Quartiers-Chemin des Agneliers on the other side where you can really build up a rhythm on the wide stretches before dipping into the trees. The Pouret chair and Sources du Verdon run provide access into the Val d’Allos sector, where plenty more pistes can be conquered.
Some of the most challenging runs in the area lie in the Vallon du Pouret and up at Le Lac. There’s also the Surf run in Gimette, which is left ungroomed on good snow days.
Off piste is of abundance and easily accessible with untracked powder being a common feature that stays throughout the season due to its north facing slopes. A mountain guide will be able to show you the best freeriding in the area and the DVA Park runs avalanche awareness courses on certain days of the week.
Pra Loup village
At Pra-Loup, the wooden chalets built in the balcony blend perfectly into the landscape and offer an exceptional view of the valley. On the snow front, cozy little houses and charming hotels bring a touch of poetry to this resort and offer a relaxing setting. Thanks to the shops, you will be able to get everything you need during your holidays without having to leave Pra-Loup.
Pra Loup ski resort and La Foux are hugely popular with French skiers, many of whom bought apartments long ago and return frequently. So if the architecture isn’t always the most unified and traditional, there’s plenty of life here. Both purpose-built high-altitude areas have also been investing in improvements which are already obvious to visitors: Pra Loup 1600 is undergoing a major facelift, and nearby Pra Roustan is effectively a whole new ski village. Meanwhile, over in La Foux there are slopeside apartments and some worthwhile lift system upgrades.
Conveniently situated in the heart of Pra Loup 1600, the pedestrian shopping arcade contains a variety of shops, restaurants and bars plus some essential services such as cashpoint and post office. The crêche and a clean and pleasant children’s play area are within the same area, just a short distance from the foot of the slopes. For those staying in Pra Loup 1500, the regular shuttle service is essential to access the main village, which has limited parking.