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.
Pra Loup ski resort - Espace Lumière ski area
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. Seolane black run, it is steep and demanding, making it a great choice for experienced skiers. The Seolane slope can be accessed from the upper lifts of the resort, often from Peguieone or nearby higher points.The slope offers breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including the Seolane massif and the wider Ubaye Valley.
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
Pra Loup is a classic, fully slope-side resort which offers excellent value for money. The village is in two parts, one residential part called Molanès or Pra Loup 1500 and Pra Loup 1600. Pra Loup 1600 concentrates residences, cosy chalets and a commercial area with many shops and services. 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. You can do all your shopping, find clothes and ski boots or book ski rental in Pra Loup.
Pra Loup 1500, also known as Les Molanès, known for its small typical restaurants where you can eat with pleasure. Free shuttles allow you to reach the heart of the resort and the ski lifts easily. The Molanès cable car takes you straight to the heart of the ski area, at an altitude of 1800 metres.
Pra Loup 1600 has the biggest après ski scene, with snooker tables at Le Piege a Loup and a traditional pubby environment at Edouard’s. Le Loup Blanc’s popular for good wines and nibbles, while New Gray’s has a gorgeous sun terrace with loungers where you can bask in the Mediterranean sunshine.
For food, nab one of the outdoor tables at Le Coq Noir for a pizza at the foot of the ski slopes, or grab a burger at La Pause. Le Down Hill is a good option for groups, with a range of Savoyard, European and American dishes.
You’ll find oodles of other activities to get stuck into, from relaxing at the Loup Blanc and Marmotel spas to bowling, pool, table football and video games at Bowling du Bachelard. There’s an outdoor ice rink in 1600 while snowshoeing and snowscooting are other fun things to try.