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| Beginners |
**** |
| Easy |
***** |
|
Intermediates |
***** |
| Advanced |
***** |
| Expert |
*** |
| Non-skiers |
*** |
| Apres
ski |
*** |
| Snowboarding |
***** |
| Village
height: |
1660m |
| Top
Lift : |
2600m |
| Marked
runs: |
170kms |
| Slopes
face: |
N,
E & W |
| Snowmaking: |
Superb,
Pra Loup has won awards for its state-of-the-art
snowmaking |
| Glacier: |
No |
| Lifts: |
53 |
| Cable
cars: |
3 |
| Gondola:
|
3 |
| Chair
lifts: |
12 |
| Drag
lifts: |
35 |
| Lift
Pass: |
Pra
Loup and Foux d'Allos |
| Photo
needed: |
Yes |
| Extension
areas: |
None |
| Ski
bus: |
Yes |
| Mountain
restaurants: |
3 |
| Kindergarten:
|
yes |
| Creche: |
yes |
|
Transfer time: |
3½
hrs from Turin
13½ hrs from Calais |
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OUR
SUMMARY
The 8th largest ski area in France with very
powerful uplift and snowmaking. Convenient and purpose-built
but with a friendly Provençal atmosphere.
A
surprise to many, but this friendly family resort
in the Southern Alps is one of France's largest
ski areas. The planners chose a spectacular site
for their attractive, purpose-built development
and named it after the previous inhabitants, the
mountain wolves. The scenery and friendly laid-back
style convey the unmistakable air of Provence, and
the height and north-facing slopes ensure a long
season. Pra Loup has the magic formula - superb
snow with plenty of sunshine. 
Pra Loup has always been fashionable with the French,
but because of the enormous long journey from Lyon
it has never been fully on the beaten track with
British skiers. This is fine by us because we like
the atmosphere just the way it is and because we
operate on Sundays to Turin, it's a more civilised
31/2 hours through the Col de l'Arche or 41/2hrs
if we have to operate through Montgenevre, including
a loo stop half way.
As a ski area, Pra Loup is firmly in the Premier
League having hosted many big competitions including
the Europa Cup. There is 170kms of runs, a modern
lift system of great power, and colossal snowmaking.
New cannons have been added this year at the top
of the telecabine ensuring better snow for beginners.
Pra Loup has won awards for its system. The village
is quite high at 1660m and the massive investment
in the lift system and village speaks for itself.
Most of the runs back to the village are protected
by snow cannons which are used early in the season
to build a good base. On a system of this size there
is plenty of skiing for everybody but our view is
that it's perfect for intermediates. They have the
whole area at their disposal, with either a blue
or red route to almost every lift. Therefore, developing
skiers have plenty of choice and interest, as do
good skiers who like fast runs and occasional difficult
stretches. There is plenty of skiing above the trees
in spectacular snow bowls. 
Beginners enjoy the amiable and sunny nursery slopes
at the top of the Pra Loup gondola. This is the
easiest type of lift for beginners to cope with
and gets them to altitude for the best conditions.
There is also a nursery drag in the village.
Advanced skiers enjoy the massive mileage and the
variety. There are also 6 black runs and some brilliant
off-piste. You need to be able to ski a black or
a red to access the Foux d'Allos side, but it's
worth it and a good skier can make an early start
and be back for tea. Here there is another huge
area which is enjoyed by good intermediates and
advanced skiers. Pra Loup has always proved a revelation
to skiers who have previously enjoyed massive areas
like the Three Valleys and The Milky Way.
Pra Loup has a really cheerful and friendly atmosphere.
You'll find none of the blasé indifference
of the Tarentaise in these parts. It is deservedly
one of our most popular resorts and we recommend
an early booking. All in all, the quality of the
skiing, convenience of the layout and attractiveness
of the area add up to a great package. |
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The surrounding mountains are part of a National
Park which features splendid unspoilt views of
craggy outcrops and Larch woods. Pra Loup is cheerful
and friendly and the locals are helpful. It's
a big village with shops, cafés and bars
conveniently at the foot of the slopes. It's well
equipped and pleasant, with few of the eyesores
one associates with purpose built villages.
•
natural ice skating rink •
bright attractive shops •
3 night clubs •
14 restaurants •
5 cafe/ bars •
2 creperies •
2 games rooms •
4x4 quad bikes •
torchlit descents •
tobogganing •
skidoos •
hang-gliding o•
parascending •
husky sleighs •
snowboard park •
snow scooters •
outdoor tennis •
attractive Barcelonette is only 7km by public
bus •
bowling (Barcelonette) •
snow-shoe walks •
cinema (French) •
9 sports shops •
cashpoint •
tourist office •
chemist physio •
doctor with x-ray •
mini golf •
post office
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EQUITY-RUN
HOTEL
Hotel La Patinoire (cap 95)
A
simple, friendly and spacious hotel with a pleasant bar and
lounge. Good location opposite skating rink and 2mins from
the lifts.
 This
friendly and informal two star has given sterling service
to Equity clients since '98/'99. It's convenient, well located
and has a nice warm, informal "feel".
La Patinoire has a perfect location opposite the skating rink
(hence the name), with village attractions all round, and
the main gondola less than a 2 min walk in ski boots.  The
Patinoire is part of a traffic-free gallery of shops and cafes,
so is safe and convenient. Our ski hire shop is literally
next door.
The Patinoire is a three storey building with south-facing
timber balconies and good sized rooms, mostly for 2, 3 or
4. There are three larger rooms for up to 6. All rooms have
full private facilities. The public rooms are excellent. The
dining room has large picture windows overlooking the resort
and skating rink and there is a well equipped bar with direct
access from outside.
•
reception •
dining room •
sun terrace •
buffet breakfast •
bar with fireplace and lounge area •
TV, pool table and video games •
lift •
ski room
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