Valberg is one of the original French ski stations. The first ski-lift was installed as long ago as 1936. Long before the rushed construction of Tignes, Avoriaz, Les Arcs and the like, this authentic ski station was accommodating the needs of the many thousands of people who wound their way up from the Cote d’Azur via the tortuous Gorge du Cians. Where growth occurred it was organic, sustainable and importantly with minimal impact to the environment. Over time the number of ski-lifts grew, piste management became highly mechanised and snow making facilities were introduced. In 2002 the Garibeuil and Croix du Sapet lifts were replaced with equipment that can handle more people, more quickly and more efficiently. During the Summer of 2006 a new reservoir was constructed. This helps to water the 350 snow canons which ensure that 85% of the runs are open all of the time. The 2005/6 winter sports season saw over 2,000,000 journeys made on the Valberg ski lifts. In addition to this a new run from The Dreccia down into the Barzes region was created. The Aigles run has a vertical fall of 520m and opened in February 2007. Today there are some 52 pistes, totalling ninety-five kilometres. The 22 lifts can meet the needs of 22,200 people per hour.

Having started as a winter resort Valberg matured into a year round destination. Its’ pure air was highly prized. The winter pistes and service tracks were adapted for summer use as cycle routes, or as it is known locally, VTT. In 1979 the Maison Valbergane was built and became the main centre for the newly established Mercantour National Park, which stretches as far as the Italian border. The Gorge du Cians and neighbouring Gorge du Daluis now cater for all manner of water sports including; rafting, canyoning and kayaking. For those who have ever contemplated the bobsleigh experience, the luge d’ete at the Garibeuil lift may well be the closest you come this side of St. Moritz. The Parc des Sports contains facilities for swimming, tennis and basketball and is the base for Valbergs’ newest attraction EVA. EVA is a series of treetop ropes, ladders, wires and slides designed to test one’s nerve, co-ordination and teamwork.

As Valberg has developed, so has the infrastructure around it. The road from Nice which originally wound its’ way through the Gorge du Cians is no more. Every year since 1990 new sections of road have been built, tunnels have been created and bends straightened. What was once a twisty, barrier free nerve wracking road is now a safe and pleasant, but spectacular journey. Nice airport is now just over an hour away. The improved transport links work both ways, with the bonus being the accessibility of the coast. Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Cannes and St.Tropez are no more than a couple of hours away and ideal for a day out. Valberg itself is a rarity as there are few places in the Alps where one can have lunch in a mountain restaurant and dinner around the harbour in Monaco!

Valberg welcomes visitors from near and far but does so whilst still retaining its French culture. It has not become anglicised like Val D’Isere or Meribel. It is not heaving with tourists and trippers’ so parking is never a problem. English is spoken, but despite speaking English, the locals always appreciate a few words in their own language. At heart this is a French resort and French predominates

Today Valberg is a resort that offers something for everyone. There are year round activities for the restless. There are trips for the adventurous. There are bars and restaurants for the lanquid. There are beautiful surroundings for those in need of rest and recuperation. Whatever your mood, there is something here for you.

Winter

The Valberg – Beuil – Les Launes ski area was first established in 1936. It was one of the original French ski stations. The altitude range is from 1,460m rising to 2,010m. Being in the Southern Alps is not the hindrance it may first appear to be. Firstly, being at a slightly lower height reduces the chances of altitude sickness. Secondly, being so close to the coast means that transfers are much shorter. Finally, by keeping away from the main ski airports like Geneva you avoid all the hustle and bustle and stress normally associated with this type of travel.

Valberg is a resort to suit all styles and abilities, as well as catering equally well for skiers and snowboarders. There are 52 pistes, of which 11 are green, 13 are blue, 22 are red and 6 are black. That’s a total of 95km. In addition to this there are 350 snow cannon, just in case. Of the 22 lifts, 6 are modern 3-4 seat chair lifts. In total, the lifts can carry 22,200 people per hour. At the start of 2006/7 winter season the "Valberg Liberty" hands free lift pass was introduced to speed things up at the lifts and reduce the burden on the skier or snowboarder. Valberg was the first resort in the Azure Alps to introduce such a scheme.

For the inexperienced, equipment can be rented and the ESF is on hand to provide lessons. All tutors speak very good English. For the experienced there is off piste skiing and and a snowboard park for the daring!