The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Valberg / Beuil les Launes extends across 90 kilometres of piste between 1,412 and 2,020 metres, delivering 608 metres of vertical drop across 42 marked runs. The terrain splits 50% beginner, 39% intermediate and 11% advanced, serviced by 23 lifts connecting the linked villages of Valberg and Beuil les Launes. Positioned on the edge of Mercantour National Park in the Alpes-Maritimes, the resort operates 350 snow cannons covering 45 kilometres of piste to supplement natural snowfall at altitudes where tree-lined runs predominate.
Founded in 1936, Valberg holds the distinction of being the oldest ski resort in the Alpes-Maritimes, celebrating 90 years of operation in 2026. The first ski lift in the department was installed on the Sapet slopes that year, launching winter sports development in France's southern Alps. Today the resort carries the Flocon Vert label recognising environmental commitment and the Famille Plus certification reflecting family infrastructure. Three terrain parks serve freestylers, whilst 25 kilometres of Nordic trails operate from the Beuil les Launes sector.
The resort village sits at 1,700 metres in an open plateau configuration offering views towards Mont Mounier at 2,817 metres and the Mercantour peaks. Below-treeline skiing through larch and spruce forests defines the character, with runs averaging shorter length than high-altitude destinations but providing sheltered conditions. The linked area between Valberg and Beuil accommodates spread-out terrain rather than concentrated vertical, suiting progression skiers over steep-seekers. On clear days visibility extends to the Mediterranean Sea 85 kilometres distant.
Just 90 minutes from Nice Côte d'Azur airport, Valberg targets weekend visitors from the French Riviera alongside destination tourists seeking accessible Southern Alps skiing. The resort books solid for beginner and early intermediate skiers, families utilising discounted youth passes, and those prioritising sunshine over extreme terrain. The 2025-26 season runs 20 December to 6 April, covering a typical mid-December through late March window with extensions dependent on snowpack. Valberg suits learners, Mediterranean-climate converts and those sampling ski culture without committing to major Alpine altitudes.
608m
Vertical
42
Runs
90 km
Piste
4m
Annual snow
The Terrain
42 runs across 90 km of piste
Valberg / Beuil les Launes spreads 42 runs across 90 km of piste of terrain. It leans beginner at 50%, with 21 beginner runs to find your feet and 5 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
42
runs
42 runs across 4 grades
Beginner21 runs · 50%
Intermediate16 runs · 39%
Advanced5 runs · 11%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Valberg / Beuil les Launes
The 2025-26 season operates from 20 December 2025 through 6 April 2026, spanning 108 days across the Christmas-to-Easter corridor typical of Southern Alps resorts. Valberg opened 13 December for the 2025 season, with closures historically falling late March to early April depending on cover. The resort enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually thanks to its southern plateau location, though this Mediterranean influence moderates snowfall compared to northern Alpine counterparts. Annual snowfall averages 4 metres at altitude, requiring active snowmaking deployment.
Snow reliability leans heavily on the 350-cannon system covering 45 kilometres across 85% of the ski area, with operations concentrated on north-facing sectors and lower-altitude links. January and February deliver optimal natural conditions with southern sunshine enhancing on-piste experience, whilst December and March depend more substantially on machine-made base. The resort's 1,412-metre base elevation sits low for assured natural coverage, making the snowmaking infrastructure essential for season-length operations. Peak snowfall arrives in early March historically, with February delivering the most consistent coverage.
Quiet periods include early December before Christmas, early January post-New Year, and late March as temperatures warm. Peak crowds concentrate around February school holidays when Riviera families and international visitors overlap. The resort programmes torchlight descents, fireworks and Christmas markets through December, whilst the Mountain Festival in early August brings summer programming. Night skiing does not feature in the standard offer. Spring conditions from mid-March favour softening snow and extended daylight, appealing to recreational skiers over powder hunters.
The shoulder seasons prove variable, with opening dependent on early December snowfall or snowmaking windows and closing driven by April warmth. Valberg's Mediterranean proximity means rapid melt once temperatures rise, limiting the extended spring season found at 2,500-metre resorts. The resort communicates that optimal skiing occurs January through mid-March, with December and late-season representing compromise periods. Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing extend viability through marginal conditions when alpine terrain contracts.
Season 2025-2026
20 Dec 2025
Opens
6 Apr 2026
Closes
107
Days open
4 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Valberg / Beuil les Launes, and where to stay
Valberg sits at 1,700 metres on a mountain plateau in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, positioned at the junction of three valleys: the Cians, Haute Vallée du Var and Tuebi. The resort spans the municipalities of Guillaumes, Péone and Beuil, with the linked Beuil les Launes sector located adjacent. Mercantour National Park borders immediately east, whilst the Mediterranean coastline lies 85 kilometres south. Mont Mounier rises to 2,817 metres north of the ski area, dominating the skyline above predominantly forested skiing terrain.
Nice sits 86 kilometres southeast via the RN 202 and either the D28 through the Gorges du Cians or the D2202 through the Gorges de Daluis, both offering dramatic red-rock canyon scenery. The medieval villages of Guillaumes and Péone provide valley-floor context 12-14 kilometres from the resort, with Beuil preserving alpine architecture including 17th-century churches and historical wash houses. The Cians and Daluis gorges create natural gateways from the coast, with the roads climbing through narrow passages carved by mountain rivers. The region's name derives from "Val" for valley and "Berg" referencing shepherds who historically grazed the high pastures.
Road access from Nice requires the RN 202 towards Digne, then either the D28 at Touet-sur-Var via Beuil or the D2202 via Daluis, with journey times averaging 90 minutes under normal conditions. The A8 Autoroute La Provençale serves as the primary motorway, with exit 51.1 Mercantour for westbound traffic or exit 52 Nice-St Isidore from Italy. Winter driving demands caution through the gorges, with chains or winter tyres compulsory during snow. The winding mountain roads climb steadily from sea level, making the drive scenic but requiring concentration.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport lies 86 kilometres distant, offering the closest international access with year-round connections across Europe. Transfer options include seasonal bus line 770 from Nice SNCF railway station, private shuttle services, and rental cars for independent access. Cannes airport sits within two hours, whilst Turin Cuneo serves as an alternative three-hour option. Rail connections require arrival at Nice Ville station followed by coordinated bus transfers during winter operations. The proximity to Nice enables day-tripping from Riviera bases, with several transfer operators servicing the resort throughout the season.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Valberg / Beuil les Launes, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
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Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
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31 Aug 2026
Valberg / Beuil les Launes Webcams
3 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Valberg / Beuil les Launes's live webcams
Check live conditions across Valberg / Beuil les Launes with 3 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Summit of Eguilles Cam1880m
- Witness breathtaking Alpine panoramas through this spectacular Valberg webcam positioned at the summit of Tête des Eguilles at 1880 meters elevation. This high-altitude Valberg live cam delivers commanding views across the entire ski domain, extending toward Mercantour National Park while showcasing snow quality and visibility across the resort's challenging terrain.
- Resort Centre Live Cam1654m
- Experience the vibrant heart of Valberg ski resort through this essential Valberg webcam positioned at 1654 meters elevation in the bustling resort center. This Valberg live cam captures village activity, guest arrivals, and current mountain conditions in real-time, providing crucial visibility updates for planning your Alpine adventure just 80 kilometers from Nice.
- Central Place Live Cam1654m
- Monitor the pulse of Valberg village through this strategically positioned Valberg webcam focused on the central plaza at 1654 meters elevation. This Valberg live cam offers comprehensive views of the main gathering area where skiers congregate, providing real-time insights into resort activity and current conditions at this historic Alpes-Maritimes destination.
Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams FAQ
How often do Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams update?
All Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Valberg / Beuil les Launes.
Which Valberg / Beuil les Launes webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Summit of Eguilles Cam webcam at 1,880m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Valberg / Beuil les Launes webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Valberg / Beuil les Launes lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams?
Check Valberg / Beuil les Launes webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Valberg / Beuil les Launes lift tickets?
Use our Valberg / Beuil les Launes webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Valberg / Beuil les Launes webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Valberg / Beuil les Launes snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Valberg / Beuil les Launes intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.