COUNTRY OF SNOW AND SUN
The département of the Hautes-Alpes (departmental code 05, there are about 95 such départments in France) is characterised by immense geographical and climactic variations, largely linked to its broad range of altitudes (from 400 to 4000 metres). This diversity guarantees that every visit will be special. Nature blossoms in two National Parks: the Parc National des Ecrins and the Parc Régional du Queyras; each season has a very different landscape in the Hautes-Alpes, and with each season comes a fresh set of activities.
In winter, from November onwards, the upper slopes of the mountains are covered with snow. The sky is a deep blue and the larch woods are full of wildlife. The département is a dream for snow and winter sports lovers: there are 31 ski areas and 22 cross country ski circuits, offering all the fun and games that you could possibly want. With 1,400 km of ski slopes there is plenty of room for everyone. The resorts are well equipped, catering for children and offering numerous activities; there is competition to provide the best family environment with aqua parks, snow gardens, clubs for juniors, discovery days, snow parks, and international events?more than enough to keep you busy during your holiday.
Skiers can enjoy the snow until April when spring arrives and the flora of the valley begin to reawaken. There is an explosion of scents and colours, and by June the last snow on the glaciers is melting, leaving long white streaks on the green mountainside. Water is flowing everywhere: there are more then 500 km of navigable rivers, mostly tributaries of the Durance.
Summer is a time for walking and hiking, and contemplating the serenity of the lakes in their beautiful mountain setting. The best known is Lake Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in Europe, which has sailing and beautiful surrounding walks.
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