Haut Asco: stage of the GR20 and ski resort
Discover Corsica
The ski resort of Haut Asco (Ascu Stagnu) sits at an altitude of 1422m, and it's hard to imagine the winter ski season when the valley acts as a heat trap in summer. Many walkers who reach this point, particularly those who have struggled, yearn for a day's rest. Those with more time and energy can consider climbing Monte Cinto. Some hikers, unfortunately, will have had enough and feel unable to cope with another day on the trail, and will look for a quick exit into the valley.
Skiing in Corsica, an unusual activity
After 24 years of closure, the Haut Asco ski resort came back to life in 2015, much to the delight of fans of skiing and thrills! In winter, this essential stop-off point on the GR20 is decked out in a blanket of snow, providing an ideal playground for snowshoe trekkers, skiers and snowboarders.
While many locals take advantage of the fine winter days to organise beach parties, others choose to head to the resort, whether with friends, family or on their own, to enjoy the powder. Since 2015, the resort has opened its slopes every year, every day from January to April.
On site, you'll find a hotel-restaurant, a snack bar serving local produce, an eco-museum - the Maison de la Montagne - to discover the endemic species of Corsica, a ski school offering group and private lessons for all ages, and an equipment hire shop.
Getting to Haut Asco
By car
Haut Asco is at the end of the D147, which is 30 km long. From Ponte-Leccia, head towards Balagne at the big roundabout (D47), then turn off a few hundred metres further on towards Asco! It's a lovely drive to the resort, which takes a good half-hour!
By bus
During the high summer season, there are two shuttle buses a day, except Sundays, to connect with the trains at Ponte Leccia. They are run by Grisoni Autocars Corsica Giru (tel. 04.95.38.25.13).
Accommodation in the resort
There is a choice of accommodation at Haut Asco.
- The most comfortable accommodation is at the 'Hôtel le Chalet, tel. 04 95 47 81 08, which has 22 rooms and a 25-bed gîte d'étape.
- The PNRC Refuge Asco-Stagnu is a beautiful building with 32 beds. Camping is available at the foot of the ski lifts and campers can pay to use some of the facilities provided by the hotel or refuge.
Accommodation in Ponte Leccia
There are only two accommodation options in Ponte Leccia.
- The Stuart Hôtel, tel. 04 95 47 61 11, is located close to the Genoese bridge and has 18 rooms.
- The Hotel Las Vegas, tel. 04 95 47 61 59, has eight rooms and is located along the main road towards Corte.
Food and drink
Most GR20 hikers will be happy to frequent the bar and restaurant at Hôtel le Chalet, where they can enjoy good Corsican food and drink, and may be tempted to take a day off to indulge further.
A more limited choice of snacks and drinks is available at the Snack l'Altore, on the other side of the car park. For GR20 hikers departing for Tighjettu or Carrozu, provisions can be obtained either from the hotel bar or from the GR20 refreshment hut run by the keeper of the Asco-Stagnu Refuge.