• TO & Travel Agents
  • Medias
lautaret-brianconnais-chillioc-2015-1998.png

Villar d’Arêne ski resort

cross-country skiing and mountain pleasures in Le Briançonnais
  1. Home
  2. Get Inspired
  3. Resorts in The Alps
  4. Villar d’Arêne ski resort: cross-country skiing and mountain pleasures in Le Briançonnais

Set at the crossroads of breathtaking mountains, majestic reliefs, razor-sharp peaks and deep valleys, Villar d’Arêne is a small village resort with an endearing personality. A raw expression of nature, it stands guard over the outstanding gems of Vallée de la Haute-Romanche and Massif de La Meije in the Hautes-Alpes.

Villar d’Arêne in winter: cross-country skiing and tranquil slopes

Situated near Écrins National Park, at an altitude of 1,620 metres, the Nordic ski resort of Villar d’Arêne is the ideal choice for a holiday combining snowy fun and fitness. Whether you’re here to improve your skills or just for kicks, cross-country skiers will find something for every level and taste. The Pays de la Meije Nordic domain features 20 km of slightly-hilly cross-country trails, with varied, easy-going loops winding through woods and into the valley, or rising up onto the heights around Pied du Col. The footpaths and 11 km of carefully-maintained snowshoeing trails offer walkers and hikers plenty of relaxing forest forays. And if you want even more fresh air, there’s a natural skating rink and toboggan run too!
To find out more, check out the trail map and prices, then book your stay online.

piste-villar-darene-alpes-bipixabay.jpg

    Villar d’Arêne in summer: hikes and mountain refuges

    Hiking rules in summer in Villar d’Arêne and all of the local hamlets are departure points for hiking trails in the nearby Ecrins National Park. Switch into slow mode with a stroll through Vallon de l’Alpe for a foretaste of the mountains, or introduce your kids to the joys of nature walks. Breathe in, breathe out and recharge your batteries! Sportier visitors will enjoy slipping into their hiking boots and climbing up to the Park’s mountain refuges, steeped in a typical Alpine ambience. Head through the verdant meadows and rocky ridges of Vallon des Cavales to Lac du Pavé and the refuge of the same name, where you can spend a unique night with your head in the stars… You’ll come across traces of the local rural heritage around every corner, from stony terraces set facing the sparkling glaciers of La Meije to old stone sheepfolds tucked away in the prairies. You might well cross the path of a flock of sheep or cows heading to their summer pastures too.

    Villar d’Arêne, local culture and produce in every season

    Villar d’Arêne harbours a lasting legacy of pastoralism, including Chapelle Saint-Antoine with its plunging views over the valley. Traditional houses, fountains, a bread oven, mill and Alpine garden are just some of its not-to-be-missed heritage curiosities. The “Au fil des fontaines” fountain walk and mill-ecomuseum offer delightful shows of ancient tools and everyday essentials from the time of the Faranchins – the name adopted by village inhabitants who cast off the yoke of the Dauphiné rulers. The local landscapes still feature many traditional farms, adding to the site’s endearing character and – thanks to the gentle climate – producing an abundance of reputed local produce. “Tourtes“, “ravioles“, “pompes” and “crozets” are just some of the renowned specialities here, although Villar d’Arêne is particularly famed for its “pain bouilli”. Every year in November, this delicious bread is kneaded with rye flour and boiling water according to a recipe handed down through the generations. An absolute must!
    And if you’re a fan of fine arts, history, archaeology or natural sciences, delve into more of the secrets of the Hautes-Alpes with a visit to the local museums.

    Prepping your holiday at the Villar d’Arêne ski resort

    Prep your holiday at Villar d’Arêne by contacting the Hautes-Vallées Tourist Office on +33(0)4 76 79 90 05, or head over to see them at La Grave. You can also browse the Hautes-Vallées website, where you’ll find plenty of info including maps, activities, entertainment, etc.

    Shops & Restaurants

    You simply must treat yourself to a local restaurant while you’re holidaying in Vallée de la Haute-Romanche! Don’t miss the delicious valley specialities concocted using traditional recipes – just ask if you’re not sure what to order. You’ll also find a variety of shops on site including a supermarket, boulangerie and pharmacy.

    Accomodation

    Villar d’Arêne is home to four hotels open all year round: Gîte Hôtel Les Mélèzes with its character-packed old stone walls, plus Le Faranchin, Les Agneaux and Hôtel Auberge Les Trois Frênes. You can also book holiday rentals and B&Bs throughout the valley.

    Weather & Snowfall

    For guaranteed peace of mind, check out the forecast and snowfall in real time thanks to the online weather reports and webcams:

    NEAR BY RESORT

    Close