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Superdévoluy Ski Holidays
But tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of the Southern French Alps lies a resort that often flies under the radar for British skiers, yet offers a uniquely sun-drenched and stress-free experience. Welcome to Superdévoluy.
Superdévoluy is a purpose-built resort that was designed with one thing in mind: convenience. Unlike the sprawling, disconnected villages of the Northern Alps, Superdévoluy is a compact, ski-in, ski-out hub. You can essentially roll out of bed, click into your bindings, and be on a lift within minutes. It forms one half of the Dévoluy ski area, sharing its 62 miles of groomed pistes with its more traditional sister village, La Joue du Loup.
The vibe here is decidedly laid-back. It lacks the pretentious see-and-be-seen culture of larger resorts, instead offering a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Because it’s located in the Southern Alps, it benefits from a Mediterranean influence - meaning you’re much more likely to be skiing under a brilliant blue sky than shivering in a whiteout.
This purpose-built hub offers ultimate convenience with ski-in, ski-out access and a fantastic snowpark for all levels!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
When you look at the raw data, Superdévoluy punches well above its weight. The ski area spans from a base altitude of 1,500m up to a respectable peak of 2,500m at the summit of Le Pierra. This vertical drop offers a wealth of variety for a week-long stay.
The network is serviced by approximately 25 lifts, and while you’ll still find a few of the traditional drag lifts that keep you on your toes, recent investments have seen faster chairlifts and gondolas added to the mix. With over 55 individual runs, the terrain is cleverly distributed. If you're looking for a change of pace, the resort also offers about 22 miles of Nordic trails. These cross-country loops are among the most scenic in the region, winding across high plateaus with panoramic views of the Dévoluy Massif.
Snow conditions in Superdévoluy
Superdévoluy is blessed with a curious microclimate. The surrounding peaks act as a sort of snow trap, capturing weather systems that many other resorts miss.
Because the slopes are predominantly north and east-facing, the snow stays crisp for longer than you’d expect. Furthermore, the resort has invested heavily in its snow-making infrastructure. A vast army of snow cannons ensures that the home runs - the lower-altitude links back to the resort - remain open even during those warmer spring weeks. You get the best of both worlds: the high-altitude crispness of the peaks and the sun-soaked terraces of the base.
Skiing in Superdévoluy
For many, the skiing here is the definition of soul skiing. It’s not about clocking hundreds of motorway miles; it’s about the quality of the turns. Beginners are beautifully catered for, with wide, gentle nursery slopes right at the foot of the resort - perfectly placed for parents to supervise from a café terrace, beverage in hand. Once those first wobbles are out of the way, the Plateau de la Chau becomes the ideal training ground: a high-altitude plateau that stays wonderfully flat and forgiving, giving novices that exhilarating ‘I’m really in the mountains’ feeling without the accompanying panic.
Intermediates, however, are where Superdévoluy truly flexes. The majority of the 62 miles of runs are blues and reds, perfect for long, flowing days of cruising. Mornings can be spent gliding down the winding blues from the top of the Sommarel chairlift, before tackling the more challenging reds dropping into the La Joue du Loup side of the valley. The connection between the two resorts is seamless, giving the whole area a lovely, mini-road-trip-on-skis feel. Experts aren’t short-changed either: the Le Pierra sector delivers severe steepness, and on powder days the off-piste beneath Bonnet Rouge offers outstanding terrain - relatively friendly by big-mountain standards, but still more than enough to keep experienced skiers grinning all the way to the bottom.
Snowboarding in Superdévoluy
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Snowboarding is part of the DNA here. The resort has a very youthful, freestyle energy, thanks in large part to The Mushroom’s Park. Located at an altitude of 2,000m, this snow park is a local legend. It features a half-pipe that stretches roughly 330ft, alongside various rails, tables, and a cool zone with music where riders hang out between runs.
The natural terrain also lends itself to boarding. The mountain is full of natural gullies and hits - small banks and rolls that act like a natural skatepark. Because the pistes are generally wider and less crowded than those in the Three Valleys, boarders have the space to carve big, sweeping turns without worrying about colliding with a ski school snake.
Accommodation in Superdévoluy
With curving complexes and wood-and-stone apartments, there’s plenty to choose from here. To help, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites.
What's available at Superdévoluy ski resort?
Après-ski in Superdévoluy
Après-ski here is more about relaxed socialising than table-top dancing in your ski boots, though there’s plenty of fun to be had.
- Accro'Pâtes is a mandatory stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their crêpes are legendary, and it’s the perfect place to refuel with a hot chocolate after the lifts close.
- For a proper alpine dinner, L'Establou is the place. It’s cosy, rustic, and serves the kind of melted cheese dishes that dreams are made of. Think pierrade, fondue, and raclette.
- If you’re looking for a beer and some music, Station is the heart of the resort's nightlife. It has a great atmosphere and is usually packed with a mix of locals and holidaymakers.
- Pronto Pizza is perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to dress up for dinner. Their pizzas are thin, crispy, and highly regarded by the local seasonaires.
Facilities in Superdévoluy
While Superdévoluy is your base, the wider region, including nearby Risoul, offers facilities that complement your stay. If you fancy a day off the skis, the Skiseo Aquatic Centre is a must-visit. There is nothing quite like swimming in a heated outdoor pool while the snow falls around you.
For the thrill-seekers, the Dévale Toboggan offers a luge experience on rails that stays open year-round. It’s a great way to see the forest at high speeds. There’s also a beautiful outdoor ice rink for a more classic winter experience, and for those who haven’t had enough of heights, ziplining through the larch forests provides a different perspective of the Hautes-Alpes.
Facilities for children in Superdévoluy
Superdévoluy is a Famille Plus-rated resort, a prestigious French label awarded to destinations that go above and beyond for families.
The Garderie and nursery take children from a very young age, providing a safe and fun environment while parents explore the higher peaks. The ESF Snow Garden is a brilliant enclosed area where little ones can learn to stop and turn using colourful characters and magic carpet lifts.
Away from the skis, the Dévoluy Sports Centre is a massive asset. It features climbing walls, indoor sports courts, and a wellness area. For something unique, kids can head to the Scoot Kid circuit to drive mini electric snowmobiles, or visit the equestrian centre for a pony ride through the snow. It’s almost impossible for a child to be bored here.
Why choose Erna Low for Superdévoluy skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Enjoy 100km of sunny, varied slopes in the Dévoluy massif, linked seamlessly with the charming village of La Joue du Loup!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
