Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine

Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine is a small ski station in the commune of La Condamine-Châtelard, deep in the Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Its quiet, family-oriented character and wild, uncrowded surroundings make it a good pick for skiers who want slopes without the queues.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The ski area spans altitudes from 1,830 m to 2,400 m, sandwiched between the Mercantour National Park and the Queyras Regional Park. It sits within the commune of La Condamine-Châtelard, on the banks of the Ubaye river, right where the Haute-Ubaye — the wildest, most mountainous stretch of the valley — begins. Access is via the roads running through the Ubaye Valley, with Barcelonnette and Jausiers as the nearest larger towns.

What does the ski area offer?

The domain covers 35 km of pistes: six green, four blue, two red and one black run. That mix skews clearly toward families and beginner-to-intermediate skiers — difficult runs are scarce, but easy, relaxed skiing is plentiful. Lift infrastructure consists of three drag lifts, two chairlifts, a beginner tow and a dedicated children's ski garden (ages 4–7, during school holidays, subject to availability), plus a sledging area.

Thanks to its altitude and east-facing slopes, snow cover here holds up reliably through the season, and the station still logs around 2,500 hours of sunshine a year — a generous figure for a resort in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

What is there to see beyond skiing?

In winter, beyond downhill runs, visitors can try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer and the shoulder seasons, the Ubaye Valley draws hikers and history enthusiasts exploring the region's military heritage. A few kilometres from the station stands Fort Tournoux, an imposing fortress built directly into the mountainside — one of the valley's defining defensive landmarks. Also worth knowing about is the Parpaillon Tunnel, a former military tunnel 520 metres long, cut through the rock at over 2,700 m altitude, linking Alpes-de-Haute-Provence with the Hautes-Alpes; it remains a popular, if demanding, target for hikes and off-road drives.

When should you visit?

The ski season typically runs from December to April, depending on snow conditions. Given the station's family focus, school holiday periods are the busiest — that's also when the children's ski garden operates. Travelers after quieter slopes and shorter lift lines are better off visiting outside peak weeks, such as in January or early March. In summer, the valley opens up for hiking and exploring its fortifications.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine best suited for? Mainly families with children and beginner-to-intermediate skiers — most of the runs are easy or moderately difficult, and the station has a well-developed offering for young children.

What altitude is the ski area? The domain spans from 1,830 m to 2,400 m above sea level.

How many runs and lifts are there? 35 km of pistes (6 green, 4 blue, 2 red, 1 black), served by 3 drag lifts and 2 chairlifts, plus a dedicated lift and ski garden for children.

What's worth seeing nearby? Fort Tournoux, a historic military fortress, and the Parpaillon Tunnel, a former military tunnel at over 2,700 m altitude linking the region to the Hautes-Alpes.