Isola 2000 · Auron · Valberg · La Colmiane · Gréolières · Limone
Ski resorts from Nice Airport: your transfer with a private chauffeur
From Nice Airport to the ski resorts of the southern Alps, the drive takes less than two hours. Your chauffeur meets you on arrival, loads the suitcases and skis, and drives you to the door of your hotel or chalet in a vehicle equipped for snow.
01 · Skiing from Nice
Ski resorts less than two hours from Nice Airport
Few regions let you see the sea in the morning and ski in the afternoon. The French Riviera does: behind the coast, the Mercantour mountains are home to several ski resorts, all reachable by road from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
The ski resorts of the Alpes-Maritimes attract local families, and more and more travellers from abroad. They land in Nice, enjoy a few days of snow, then finish their stay by the sea or in Monaco. All without changing airport.
Nice Airport Transfer runs these journeys throughout the winter season. Ours is a private chauffeur service: the transfer is booked in advance, the price is fixed before you leave, and the vehicle is yours alone. No shuttle to wait for, no connection, no hire car to collect and then fit out for snow.
On this page you will find the ski resorts we serve, the travel times to allow, how the pick-up works and our tips for planning your trip to the mountains.
02 · The destinations
The ski resorts we serve
We drive our clients to six ski resorts from Nice Airport, the railway station or your address on the French Riviera.
Isola 2000
The highest of the ski resorts in the Alpes-Maritimes, at the top of the Tinée valley. Its altitude usually means good snow cover, and the slopes start at the foot of the residences. It is the destination our clients ask for most.
Auron
A village resort set on a sunny plateau above Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. Families like Auron for its village feel, its shops and its large ski area.
Valberg
A family resort with a mountain spirit, reached through the Cians or Daluis gorges. Valberg is loved for its gentle slopes, its activities off the slopes and its calm.
La Colmiane
A small resort in the Vésubie valley, in the commune of Valdeblore. It is one of the ski resorts closest to the coast, ideal for a day or a short break.
Gréolières-les-Neiges
On the northern slope of the Cheiron, in the hills behind Grasse. It is the closest resort to Nice: a good option for a day’s skiing or for children’s first snow.
Limone Piemonte
Across the border, in Italy. Limone is reached through the Roya valley and the Tende tunnel, whose opening times should be checked before leaving. A resort with Piedmontese charm.
Is your resort not on the list? Mention it in your request: we also serve other ski resorts in the southern Alps on quotation.
03 · The journey
Distances and travel times from Nice Airport
These are the times to allow on clear roads. They are longer on school-holiday Saturdays and when it snows on the last part of the route.
- Gréolières-les-Neigesabout 1 hr 15
- La Colmianeabout 1 hr 15 to 1 hr 30
- Valbergabout 1 hr 45 · just over 80 km
- Isola 20001 hr 30 to 2 hrs · about 90 km
- Auron1 hr 30 to 2 hrs · 90 to 100 km
- Limone Piemonteabout 2 hrs, depending on the Tende tunnel
These times are estimates. For a return flight, we work out the departure time from the resort with you, keeping a safety margin: in the mountains, it is better to reach the airport early than the reverse.
04 · In winter
The road to the ski resorts in winter
From the airport, the first part of the journey is quick: you follow the Var valley on a wide, fast road. What comes next depends on your destination. Isola 2000 and Auron are in the Tinée valley, La Colmiane in the Vésubie valley, Valberg above the Cians gorge. The last few kilometres are on a mountain road, with hairpin bends as you approach the resorts.
In winter, these roads call for experience. The surface may be snowy or icy, visibility reduced, and some passes are closed until spring. Our chauffeurs know these routes, check road conditions before every departure and adapt their driving to the state of the road.
That is also the point of a chauffeur for reaching the ski resorts: you do not have to drive on snow after a flight, or fit chains at the roadside. You watch the scenery, your children sleep, and you arrive rested.
05 · Compare
Private chauffeur, shuttle or hire car?
There are several ways to reach the ski resorts from Nice Airport. Each has its place.
- The shuttle bus is the cheapest option for some resorts. It runs to a timetable, stops at a set point and takes longer. With children, skis and suitcases, the last stretch on foot can feel long.
- A hire car gives you freedom once there. You still have to collect it, check it has winter equipment, drive on mountain roads after your flight and find parking at the resort.
- A private chauffeur takes you from the arrivals hall to your door. The vehicle is equipped, the driver knows the road, and you pay a price agreed in advance.
For a family or a group of friends sharing a V-Class, the cost per person is often closer to the other options than people expect, for a very different level of comfort.
06 · Our vehicles
Vehicles equipped for the mountains
For journeys to the ski resorts, our vehicles are fitted with winter tyres or carry snow chains. The model depends on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage.
Mercedes V-Class
The ski-holiday vehicle. Up to seven passengers, a large boot for suitcases, and the skis travel on board, in the boot. It is the natural choice for families and groups of friends.
Mercedes E-Class
A comfortable saloon for one to three passengers who hire their equipment at the resort. Ideal for a couple or a solo traveller.
Mercedes S-Class
The top of the range, for one to three passengers, when the journey is already part of the holiday.
With skis, snowboards or a lot of luggage, we recommend the V-Class. Simply tell us what equipment you are bringing when you book. All our models are presented on the our vehicles page.
07 · Step by step
How your transfer works
- You book online or by message. You give your flight, your resort, and the number of passengers, suitcases and pairs of skis. The price is given before you confirm anything.
- Your chauffeur follows your flight. If the plane is late, the pick-up time adjusts. Waiting time is included for up to one hour after landing.
- He meets you at arrivals. You find him in the hall, with a sign bearing your name. He takes care of the luggage and equipment.
- You drive straight to the resort. A stop on the way is possible, for a coffee or some shopping before heading up.
- He drops you at your door. Hotel, residence or chalet: you arrive at the exact address, not at a shuttle stop.
The return works the same way: your chauffeur collects you at the resort at the agreed time and drives you to the airport, or to your next stop on the French Riviera.
08 · On the way
Ski hire, lift passes and shopping: a stop on the way to the ski resorts
We do not sell lift passes or hire equipment, but we can stop at your hire shop on the way to your accommodation. Many clients collect skis and boots as soon as they arrive, so that they are ready for the first lift the next morning.
If you have pre-booked equipment, give us the name of the shop when you book: we add the stop to the route. The same goes for a supermarket stop before the last climb, which is useful when you are staying in a self-catering apartment and arriving in the evening.
09 · Your stay
Families, groups, weekends: a ski trip for everyone
With the family
Children, suitcases, ski suits, skis: it all fits in a V-Class. A child seat is available on request; tell us the age when you book.
With friends
Up to seven people in the same vehicle. For a larger group, we coordinate several cars for the same time.
For a weekend
Arrive on Friday evening, return on Sunday: we book both journeys together, timed around your flights.
For the day
Staying in Nice, Cannes or Monaco and fancy a day’s skiing? With a chauffeur at your disposal, he waits at the resort and brings you back when you wish.
Many of our clients combine both: a few days in the ski resorts, then the end of their stay in Nice, Cannes or Monaco. We then organise every journey in a single booking.
10 · Sea and snow
After the slopes: extending your stay on the French Riviera
One of the pleasures of these ski resorts is what lies below them. In under two hours you go from snow to palm trees, and many visitors make the most of it.
A classic programme: four or five days in the mountains, then two days on the coast before flying home. Nice for the old town and the Promenade des Anglais, Monaco for an evening at the Casino, Antibes or Cannes for a walk by the harbour. In February, the Nice Carnival and the Menton Lemon Festival add a festive note to the trip.
We can plan the whole itinerary with you: airport to resort, resort to hotel on the coast, then hotel to airport on the day you leave. One contact, one booking, and a chauffeur who already knows your plans.
11 · The season
When to visit the ski resorts of the southern Alps
The season usually runs from December to April, depending on altitude and the year’s snowfall. The highest ski resorts, such as Isola 2000, often open first and close last.
- Christmas and New Year: a festive mood and plenty of people. Transfers are booked several weeks ahead.
- January: the quietest month, with clear slopes and fine cold snow.
- February: French and foreign school holidays follow one another. It is the busiest period of the winter.
- March and early April: longer days, sunshine and very pleasant spring skiing.
On weekdays, the roads and slopes are far quieter than at weekends. If your dates are flexible, a Sunday-to-Friday stay is often the best choice.
12 · Our tips
Our tips for a smooth ski departure
- Book early for school holidays. February Saturdays and Christmas week are the busiest of the winter.
- Tell us about all your equipment. Number of suitcases, ski bags and snowboards: that is how we plan the right vehicle.
- Choose a morning flight on the way out. You reach the resort in daylight, with time to collect lift passes and equipment.
- Keep a margin on the way back. After snowfall, the descent can be slow. We set the departure time with you.
- Check that the ski area is open. Opening dates for the ski resorts depend on snow cover; each resort publishes them on its website.
- Keep warm clothes to hand. Between the airport and the resort, the temperature can drop by fifteen degrees.
To prepare for your arrival, also read our article on how to find your chauffeur at Nice Airport.
13 · The terms
Price, waiting time and cancellation
The price of your transfer to the ski resorts depends on the destination, the vehicle and the time of day. It is given before you book and does not change afterwards: it includes the vehicle, the chauffeur, fuel and tolls.
- Waiting at the airport: included for up to one hour after landing.
- Cancellation: free of charge more than 48 hours before departure, 50% between 48 and 24 hours, 100% less than 24 hours before.
- Payment: by card online or in cash.
- Night hours: a supplement applies between 8 pm and 8 am.
Full details are in our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked
Ski resorts from Nice: your questions
Which ski resort is closest to Nice Airport?
Gréolières-les-Neiges and La Colmiane are the closest, about 1 hr 15 by road. Valberg, Isola 2000 and Auron take between 1 hr 30 and 2 hrs.
How long does it take to reach Isola 2000 from Nice Airport?
Allow 1 hr 30 to 2 hrs depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance is about 90 kilometres.
Are your vehicles equipped for snow?
Yes. For journeys to the ski resorts, our vehicles are fitted with winter tyres or carry snow chains.
Can you carry skis and snowboards?
Yes. With a Mercedes V-Class, skis travel on board, in the boot, with your suitcases. Tell us about your equipment when you book.
How many passengers can you carry?
Up to seven passengers in a V-Class, up to three in an E-Class or S-Class saloon. For a larger group, we plan several vehicles.
Can we ski for the day from Nice, Cannes or Monaco?
Yes. Leaving early, you are on the slopes during the morning. With a chauffeur at your disposal, he stays at the resort and brings you back in the evening.
Do you provide child seats?
Yes, on request. Tell us the child’s age when booking.
Can we book both journeys at once?
Yes, and we recommend it, especially during school holidays. Both journeys appear on the same booking.