Pra Loup and La Foux d'Allos share a large area in the southern Alps above Barcelonnette, in the Ubaye valley on the edge of the Mercantour national park. The valley has an unexpected Mexican history, because nineteenth century emigrants returned rich and built villas you can still see. The sun is the selling point. Wide tree lined intermediate skiing through larch forest, a good spread of easy terrain and quiet pistes, with off piste rather than marked runs for the strong skiers.

Apartments and small hotels are inexpensive, and Barcelonnette below is a real town with restaurants and a market. The Mercantour park is there for a day away from the lifts. You will want a car, because this valley is a long way from anywhere and the transfer is the price of the value.