Skiing
All the Alpine ski resorts close to Cannes are open and the snow this season (2011) is exceptional.
Only the nearest, Greolieres, is using its snow canons.
Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg can be reached by a special ski-express bus from the railway station at Nice each day, costing just 8 euros return. The journey takes about two hours leaving at 7.30am and returning about 5pm. On Saturdays there is a a bus at 1pm.Advance booking required.
Ski Biking
Up to the 26 April, speed your way through Isola 2000's beautiful snow-capped peaks on your very own motoneige, or ski-bike. Trips are organised by tour group AT2000 and all outings are accompanied by a qualified guide.
Both day and night-time trips are offered. Night trips include a meal at a mountain chalet.
€35-€80
Please visit the AT2000 website for further details.
By car, from Nice take the A8 until exit 52. Follow the signs for Isidore/Digne and then take Route National 202 for about 28km towards Digne/Grenoble. Exit on the right following the D2205 to Saint Sauveur sur Tinée/St Etienne. Isola Village is signposted from here. Once in the village, follow the D97 to Isola 2000 ski resort itself.
Crazy Taxes: ski lifts are taxed twice - 3% to the ski station and 2% to the department (county). But if you think you can escape this by taking a dog sleigh or doing cross country skiing, think again. Taxes on all forms of winter sports raised 39m euros in 2009.