Hotels in Auron
Auron was built around a lift: the Las Donnas cable car, opened on 30 January 1937 and the third in France, still starts from the village at about 1,600 m. From there the domain spreads over four sectors and 135 km of pistes up to about 2,450 m: 3 green, 17 blue, 15 red and 8 black runs, plus a snowpark, a boardercross and a family park. The village is compact, so sleep in it and walk to the lifts: Hôtel Chastellares is about 20 m from the lifts and the ski school. Families get two snow gardens with the Piou-Piou club and the Les Marmottes daycare, which takes children from 6 months to 6 years. A useful alternative base is Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée down in the valley, linked to the ski area by the Pinatelle gondola, so you can ski without driving the road up. Non-skiers can book a guided visit of the Saint-Érige chapel and its frescoes. The trap is the drive from Nice: it takes about 1 hour 30 up the Tinée valley, so on a Saturday arrival in snow, leave early and carry chains.
Auron is the Alpes-Maritimes ski village at about 1,600 m, at the edge of the Mercantour, and its hotels sit right by the lifts that fan out over 135 km of pistes up to about 2,450 m. It suits families and confident intermediates from Nice and the Riviera, about 1 hour 30 by road, not skiers looking for a car-free alpine town.
Auron in numbers
Résidence Odalys Le Mont d'Auron
Family residence with pool, kitchenettes, and mountain views
Why guests love itOdalys Le Mont d'Auron was a practical, family-friendly choice. Our unit had a kitchenette and mountain views, so we could cook simple dinners after skiing. The daily continental buffet breakfast meant one less meal to organise. The indoor swimming pool was the kids' favourite place, and the ice-skating rink added a fun change from skiing on our rest day. Ski storage kept the apartment tidy. Easy and good value.
Hotel l'Ecureuil
Comfortable stay with regional dining in Auron
Why guests love itHotel l'Ecureuil is a straightforward base I recommend in Auron, the ski resort of the Alpes-Maritimes. Its strongest point is the restaurant, which serves authentic homemade regional cuisine, along with a bar and a terrace for the end of the ski day. Rooms have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bathroom, and parking is free. Rated 8.3 from 192 reviews, it suits skiers who value good food and a friendly setting over spa extras.
Hôtel Chastellares
Slopeside comfort with panoramic views and a cozy bar
Why guests love itHôtel Chastellares is my practical pick in Auron for families with children in ski school: the lifts and the ski school are 20 metres from the door. Balcony rooms overlook the resort, and the restaurant has panoramic views over the mountains. In the evening, the bar with its piano and fireplace is the natural meeting point. My advice: book it for its central, slopeside position rather than for a quiet retreat away from the resort.
Hôtel Le Chalet d'Auron Restaurant et Spa
Seventeen-room chalet hotel in Auron with a heated pool and slope-view rooms
Why guests love itI see Le Chalet d'Auron as a small, quiet base for families who want a pool after skiing and a proper dinner without leaving the hotel. Auron itself suits that rhythm: a sunny plateau village at around 1,600 m, 135 km of slopes spread over four sectors and a drive of about an hour and a half from Nice. There is one family room and several triple and quadruple set-ups, so book early for a group. Guests give it 7.7 out of 10 across 125 reviews, a middling score that I would weigh against the spa and the views. Note the season: the hotel opens from December to mid-April, then again in July and August.
What to expect
- Extensive ski area with 135 km of pistes for all levels.
- Sunny, south-facing slopes for enjoyable skiing.
- Family-friendly resort with dedicated amenities.
- Located in the scenic Mercantour National Park.
- Traditional alpine village ambiance with modern facilities.
Local tips
- ✓Consider flying into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) for the easiest access.
- ✓Book your ski pass in advance, especially during peak season, to save time.
- ✓Explore the various sectors of the ski area, including Sauma Longue and Demandols, for diverse terrain.
- ✓Take advantage of the free shuttle buses within the resort to get around easily.
- ✓Don't miss trying local Niçois specialties in addition to traditional Savoyard dishes.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
What is the ski area of Auron like?
Auron offers a diverse ski area with 135 km of pistes, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging runs for experienced skiers. It is divided into several sectors, providing varied terrain and striking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Is Auron suitable for beginners?
Yes, Auron is very suitable for beginners. The resort has several dedicated learning areas and gentle green and blue runs, making it an excellent place for those new to skiing or snowboarding to gain confidence and improve their skills.
When is the best time to ski in Auron?
The ski season in Auron typically runs from early December to late April. Mid-January to mid-March often offers the best snow conditions, while late March and April provide warmer, sunnier days, ideal for spring skiing.
How do I get to Auron?
By road from Nice, about 1 hour 30, up the Tinée valley; the last part is mountain road, so carry chains when snow is forecast. Another way in is through Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, in the valley below, where the Pinatelle gondola links the village to the Auron ski area.