Isola 2000 introduction
General Information
Isola2000 is a ski resort located in the French Alps. The resort is at an elevation of 1,810 meters or 5,900 feet. The top of the highest lift is at 2,610 meters or about 8,500 feet. The Isola village is at 2,000 meters or about 6,600 feet elevation. Isola2000 is about 80 minutes travel time away from Nice. The area gets an average snowfall of 405 cm or 13 feet every year. The resort was built in the late 1960’s. The village has been restored to its medieval color. Beaches of the Mediterranean are an hour and a half away from the ski slopes. The 12th Century Sanctuary of St. Ann is located next to the resort.
Winter Activities
There are 46 runs, 47 slopes, and 25 ski lifts so there is something for every level of experience in skiing. The ski season begins in December and runs till the end of April. Besides catering to downhill skiers, there are several trails for cross-country skiers and back country skiers and snowshoe-hiking as well. There is ice-diving as well as an ice skating rink. Snowboarders will find many runs for them and a school for those who want to take some lessons on snowboarding. There are opportunities to ski in areas which are only accessible by helicopters. For those who wish to practice ice driving, there is an ice race track; the Trophee Andros is held every year at Isola2000. And there is ice kart racing on a circuit as well as quad racing on another circuit. There is an outdoor ice rink for ice skaters. During the school holidays, there is night skiing wherein one of the slopes is highly lit and the corresponding ski lift is open.
Summer Activities
There are hundreds of miles of trails so hiking, as well as mountain biking is popular during the summer months. There are options for rock-climbing and mountaineering but other activities include horseback riding, fishing, skating, and para-sailing. There are also tennis courts, and an archery range. For those interested, there is also paintball. There are thermal baths to visit as well as a Turkish pool and a swimming pool and several hot tubs. The large swimming complex at Isola2000 has a water slide, gym, Jacuzzi, and pools. There is a cinema and bowling for those looking around for some indoor fun.
Other Information
Auron, another ski resort, is across the valley from Isola2000. There are several museums with exhibits of traditions and arts and chapels from the 15th century to the 17th century to visit nearby. Horse drawn carriages are available all year round. The historical museum in the village was originally a municipal oven and the exhibits display former village life. St Etienne de Tinee is about nine miles away.