Large chalet in fantastic location for Summer or Winter holidays

Saturday 23 February 2013

Introduction to La Joue du Loup and Dévoluy

These charming resorts nestle in the southern French Alps (officially les Hautes-Alpes), close to the Italian border. This can mean a better chance of good weather compared with ski areas further north - sunshine figures for the Hautes-Alpes average around 300 days per year. Despite this, snowfalls here are often significant.
 
Getting there
  • By car - It is possible to drive from the UK in a day although most stopover on the way. 
    The approach to the resort, via Gap, offers spectacular mountain views.
  • By plane - The nearest airport is Grenoble, alternatives are Marseille, Turin and Cuneo.
 
The Ski Experience
The Dévoluy lift-pass covers the combined ski areas of La Joue du Loup and SuperDévoluy, which are linked by an efficient lift system and offer well-signed pistes.

While not overly demanding, the skiing is varied and the style relaxed, with the emphasis on blue-graded cruising. Reds are not far behind, although there's nothing which need deter confident intermediates.

The apparent high proportion of drag-lifts is deceptive, as these mostly serve novice and advanced terrain, while the majority of skiers will take the 4- and 6-seater high-speed chairlifts. Finally, the beauty of the surroundings will surprise those more accustomed to narrower, more confined valleys.
 
The Resort Experience
Although they belong to the same resort and are well connected, the architecturtal styles of La Joue du Loup and Devoluy are very different.
  • La Joue du Loup has more of a village feel with predominently chalet style blends successfully into the surrounding landscape.
  • The building of SuperDévoluy, whilst appearing more purpose built and high-rise, is nevertheless upstaged by the majesty of the surroundings.
Each side of the mountain has its devotees, and there is a high proportion of private ownership, as the area has long been a favourite of skiers from Marseille, Provence and the Mediterranean Coast. The relaxed style is unmistakably that of the sunny South. So it's very French and moving steadily upmarket (with self-imposed limits on further development in La Joue du Loup).

La Joue du Loup
The shops and facilities of La Joue du Loup are mainly clustered around a circular pedestrian area in the centre of the village, with a choice of restaurants, bars and ski shops just a few steps away at the foot of the pistes.  There is a good range of ski clothing shops and equipment hire outlets, also an teriors shop, a 'quincaillerie' (hardware store), delicatessens, a mini-supermarket and a boulangerie.

A new Tourism Office situated at the entrance to the village offers a welcome service to guests on their arrival.

Great for Families, Beginners and Intermediates
This resort is ideal for those who prefer to enjoy their skiing in a safe, relaxing environment with great scenery and no nasty surprises. Not that it lacks the occasional challenge, once you know where to look. So mixed-ability groups should be happy.

While coming here instead of the more familiar areas further north requires something of a leap of faith, those looking for an affordable, quality, no-nonsense ski experience combined with a surprisingly good snow record will find the Hautes-Alpes a revelation.

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