Plenty of ideas for fun-filled evenings in the Nice Côte d’Azur ski resorts
28 February 2023
When the evening sets in and the slopes close, the fun doesn’t stop. If you’re up for more adventure or partying, the resorts have plenty of options to offer!
After a day of skiing, why not explore the other side of the mountain? From forest aperitifs to snowmobiling and sledging, to enjoying fine dining at high-altitude restaurants and lively parties, we have a range of suggestions to make the most of your evenings in the Nice Côte d’Azur resorts.
Embark on a thrilling night-time hiking adventure
Snowshoes or skis? The choice is yours, but personally, I prefer the former! I highly recommend joining our guide for an adventure in the forest. We’ll meet at the end of the afternoon, all bundled up with gloves and hats, ready to conquer the heights. Once I’ve strapped on my snowshoes, I’m off!
From afar, the resort appears tranquil, but as the lights flicker on one by one, it’s a breathtaking sight to behold. It’s almost as if we’re on the edge of the world! As we make our way back, we’ll stop for an aperitif and sample some of the local cheeses and charcuterie. As night falls, the sound of our footsteps and whispers add rhythm to the walk. Suddenly, we hear branches crackling under the trees, and we stop, our senses heightened. Was it a fox or a deer that fled into the bushes? We’ll never know, but the thrill of the moment is unforgettable!
Here are some night-time activities you won’t want to miss in the ski-resorts:
- ESI Isola 2000 : Join the instructors for a night hike from the resort on snowshoes, skis or snow. To register or for more information, please contact ESI of Isola 2000 at +33 (0)4-22-49-00-22.
- ESF Auron : Enjoy an aperitif and watch the sunset from the top of the slopes under the guidance of ESF. The cost is 30€/person, plus a Blainon pedestrian pass at 5€. Equipment (skis or snowshoes) is not included. This activity is available for ages 12 and up. To register, contact ESF at +33 (0)4 93 23 02 53
- Guides Tinée Mercantour: Indulge in a sunset aperitif or a candlelit fondue walk to end the day in style. For more details, check out the programme on Guides Tinée Mercantour ‘s website.
Enjoy a snow groomer ride before dinner at a high altitude restaurant
Enjoy a unique dining experience by taking a groomer ride to one of our high-altitude restaurants! Share a delicious meal with your loved one in a tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the village. Indulge in invigorating dishes, mountain specialties, or grilled meats. This unforgettable evening is one to be repeated and shared with others.
- Restaurant La Valette in Isola 2000 please make a reservation by calling 06 22 25 87 65 or 06 09 87 11 71
- Restaurant La Buttière in Auron reservations are available every Saturday during the season and can be made by calling 04 93 02 41 62 ou 06 23 76 71 52
Experience the ultimate thrill on a sled!
Experience an exhilarating activity on the slopes by trying out sledging with multiple people! Known as Snake gliss, this thrilling descent involves several sleds nested inside each other and, for added safety is only available when the slopes are closed. Don’t miss out on this exciting new activity in our resorts!
In Isola 2000, there are two sled tracks available to cater to different fitness levels. The Découverte ++ track starts from Belvedere (accessible on foot and by the resort’s shuttle bus), while the Sensation course is accessible from the Pélevos telecabine. The Découverte track is perfect for families with children as young as 4 years old. With your guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy a safe descent down the slopes. Pro tip: for an even more thrilling experience, position yourself at the back of the pack. If you’re a teenager or a sporty adult seeking an adrenaline rush, the Sensation course with longer and steeper slopes is perfect for you. However, please ensure you dress appropriately, wear a helmet (not supplied), and gloves as you’ll experience speed peaks and turns, and it can get chilly at higher altitudes in the evening.
Discover the exciting Snake Gliss activity in Auron with ESF instructors by calling 04 93 23 02 53. They also offer another unique sliding sensation called the Airboard sledge for adults and teenagers aged 12 years and above. On an inflatable sled, you can slide down the slopes on your stomach and control your direction using your body weight. This close-to-the-snow experience offers a sensation of flying over the slope while enjoying the thrill of sliding at high speeds.
Experience the freedom of riding a snowmobile or a green bike!
If you’re a fan of vast and open spaces, snowmobiling is the perfect activity for you. Despite being so close to Nice, driving this machine will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Canada. This activity is only available at the end of the day. Your instructors will meet you after the slopes have closed for a briefing on the basics of driving. They will then take you along the slopes, giving you exclusive access to the ski area. As you master your speed and trajectory and take in the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the evening will fly by in a thrilling blur.
- Auron motoneiges : +33(0)6 14 01 39 85
- Isola 2000 motoneige : +33(0)4 93 23 91 32 ou contact@sportsloisirs.net
New ! In Isola 2000, a new activity has been introduced – the Green Bike Session on electric scooters. This activity combines the simplicity of electric bikes with the speed of motorbikes. You can choose to enjoy introductory courses or more adventurous outings with these eco-friendly vehicles. Contact +33 (0)6 62 24 08 44 for further details.
Enjoy a unique cinema experience in a ski resort!
While you’re in the mountains, don’t miss the opportunity to catch the latest movie releases. It’s an experience worth having and highly recommended. For less than 8 € per person, you can enjoy a movie outing! Throughout the winter, the cinemas in Auron and Isola 2000 offer a selection of national releases and even previews.
Moreover, the travelling cinema run by the Alpes Maritimes department brings films to the villages of the Haut Pays. So, no matter where you’re staying, you can enjoy a movie night during your vacation.
Check the cinema schedule on your resort’s website for more information.
Party into the night
To kick-start your evening, the resort centre is the perfect place to begin, with its quintessential bars and live gigs. It’s the hub where seasonal workers and holidaymakers gather, and where the party’s at. No need to dress up, just come as you are in the evenings and savour the warmth of the mountain welcome, and the genuine spirit of great encounters.
In Isola 2000, a resort renowned for its lively atmosphere, there are three hotspots that are a must-visit for a fantastic night out:
- Le Crocodile Pub: it is a legendary spot that has set the pace for the resort’s history. With DJ sets, themed evenings, and sports broadcasts, there’s always something going on at the Crocodile..
- Txupito: it is a Basque bar located in the shopping centre, where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat with all the party people of the resort. From aperitif time to guest DJs and disco nights, there’s always something happening at Txupito!!
- Le Spot : it is the place to be if you want to meet all the people of the resort! It’s known for its great atmosphere and value for money, and is located at the bottom of the resort.
Auron is a charming village resort where the central square serves as a great starting point for your evening activities. You can enjoy drinks and music around the ice rink with many options available. The L&M’S Coffee, the Spot, and the Brasserie are popular meeting places for early evening gatherings.
If you want to continue your night near the pool, head to the Dandy which opens from 5pm and offers affordable aperitif tapas. This night bar amps up the music as the night progresses and turns into a club until 5am. Another popular spot in Auron is the Refuge which is located near the Riou car park. This establishment has a varied programme of live concerts throughout the season, attracting visitors to come for the food, drinks, and to discover new bands.
Lastly, on the slopes, Les Canailles is a lively restaurant with music and DJs, making it the perfect spot to spend a pleasant afternoon on the terrace. Come evening, you can enjoy the cozy indoor lounge.
In the family-friendly resort La Colmiane, Chez Franky is the place to be in the evening. This snack bar transforms into an après-ski bar with a musical ambiance.
Discover all of our recommended spots for a festive night out in the resort: