Super Devoluy introduction
General Information
Super Devoluy is a ski resort located in the French Alps at the southwest gate to Haute-Alpes in the same valley as the resort La Joue du Loup. the Col du Lautaret barrier is situated to the north-west and the col de la Bonnette is situated to the south of the Haute-Alpes making it quite inaccessible, although can be reached within three hours travel time of six airports with Grenoble being one and a half hours away. Even though Super Devoluy is linked with La Joue du Loup, Super Devoluy is more modern with all the sophisticated amenities whereas La Joue du Loup is more traditional with fewer amenities. The bottom lift is at 1,450 meters or 4,700 feet and the top point of the upper lift is 2,450 meters or 8,000 feet.
Winter Activities
There is plenty of skiing and snow boarding with 23 ski lifts and 4 chair lifts served runs. Besides catering to downhill skiers, there are 80 km of trails for cross-country skiers and back country skiers and also for snowshoe-hiking. Mountain walking and hiking are popular as well with picnic tables at the viewpoints, which allows the view of the mountains and valley quite seamlessly. Super Devoluy shares a snow park called the “Mushroom's Park” which is considered by some to be one of the best in the South Alps and is where freestyle skiers, snowboarders, and snowbladers like to gather. Many jumps, pipes, tables, ramps and rails fill up the park making it quite a challenge for all levels of experience. Every Tuesday night is Shrove Tuesday with fireworks, torches, or candle lanterns lighting up the area.
Summer Activities
There are several concerts in August. There are shows at night which include puppet shows, storytelling, cabaret, and karaoke. And there are theme nights as well. Mountain biking and hiking are popular during the summer months. There is horseback-riding in addition to walking ponies which aid in hiking similar to the ski jeering wherein the skier is towed behind a horse or donkey. Not only rock climbing and mountaineering are available, but also mountain climbing to the Great Head of the Obiou at an elevation of 2,790 meters or 9,100 feet and bungee jumping are available. There is a mini-golf course and a tennis court; basketball training is offered at the basketball court for those who are interested to learn the tactics of the game.
Other Information
Churches and chapels nearby can be toured and if interested can participate in the various competitions organized by them. There are mainly sheep farmers in the 4 adjoining villages and 30 hamlets that are in the Devoluy valley. Every week there are festivals and concerts scheduled so there is no lack of something to do. The tourist office building holds many exhibitions on plants and village life in the Alps. Also, there are tours of the nearby Montmaur Castle and Veynes Railway Museum.