Le Dévoluy

Superdévoluy, on the western edge of the Hautes-Alpes in the central part of the Dévoluy massif, forms a ski area with a hundred kilometres of pistes together with its sister resort, La Joue du Loup. It is a typical "test-tube" ski resort, built on empty ground among the mountain peaks. With its apartment-block architecture the village certainly lacks the charm of mountain hamlets, but the views from the top floors of its tower blocks, built at 1,500 m, are truly beautiful. The resort was built on the "station integrée" model, which means that all the facilities, from the supermarket to the restaurant, fit under one roof. This arrangement, though very practical, can feel rather monotonous. The undoubted strengths of the ski area are its mild climate, above-average sunshine and modern pistes and lifts. Skiers of every ability will find areas to suit them. The ski area spreads out around the summit of Le Pierra d’Agnières (2,510 m), which acts as its hub. At the foot of the slopes right next to Superdévoluy there are gentle pistes that are ideal for learning. Higher up there are many sunny, not too difficult slopes, perfect for polishing your technique. The small number of difficult pistes is made up for by their length. Advanced skiers who like freeriding can also use the many ungroomed runs. In the central part of the ski area, at 2,000 m, snowboarders and freestyle fans have a snow park with a wide variety of features. Cross-country skiers have a network of trails 79 km long in total, from easy to really demanding. Superdévoluy holds the "P’tits Montagnards" label, awarded by the Ski Club of France to resorts that specialise in holidays for families with children. Besides many activities on and off the slopes, this means family discounts, slopes and lifts adapted specially for children, and childcare and professional instruction in ski schools and ski kindergartens. Superdévoluy has a relatively long list of sports away from skiing. Outdoors there are prepared winter walking paths, and you can also go snowshoeing, paragliding or take a ride on a snowmobile or a dog sled. Indoors there is a leisure pool complex with a swimming pool, sauna and gym. A special attraction is the astronomical observatory at 2,500 m. The village's designers made sure that winter holidaymakers would not be bored in the evenings either. Superdévoluy therefore has a cinema, games arcades, many restaurants and bars and, for those who like to party harder, a disco.