Val Cenis
Why Val Cenis Ski Resort?
- Ideal for beginners and intermediates with green and blue runs down through the trees
- A good variety of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars
- Very friendly and charming resort, only 30 mins drive from the motorway
- Val Cenis, the largest resort, is certified ‘Flocon Vert’ by the association Mountain Ride
- Holders of a 6+day lift pass for Val Cenis are allowed 1 day in La Norma, Valfrejus and Aussois until early April. You can also pay a small upgrade fee locally and ski in Val Thorens
- Easy access to other resorts like Orelle, the back door into the 3 Valleys for the likes of Val Thorens – is a 30-minute drive away (a new fast, super modern cable car has been built for 21/22 season in Orelle making access even easier up to Orelle and Val Thorens)
- Great off-piste for experts, especially above Bonneval
Val Cenis Information
Val Cenis is the largest resort in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise and comprises two traditional villages - 'Lanslebourg' and 'Lanslevillard' - which have been combined into one resort. It has retained its charm and tradition and visitors are guaranteed a genuinely warm welcome from the local people who run the resort themselves - so there’s no need for uncommitted seasonal labour here!
Seasoned travellers can visit the Centre des Glières in Lanslevillard which has an ice rink, swimming pool and whirlpool. It’s great value for money!
Away from the slopes in Val Cenis, enjoy a visit to the fromagerie or the 12 chapels culture trail. The weekly welcome drinks, street animation and torchlight descents are not to be missed. The après ski in Val Cenis is quiet but the many restaurants and bars and two cinemas should keep everyone happy. A good variety of shops and supermarkets ensure that those self-catering will find all they require. Val Cenis ski resort is only half an hour's drive from Modane and the motorway.
Haute Maurienne Vanoise, one of the cradles of mountaineering, boasts exceptional ski touring for every level of skier in each one of the destination’s 6 resorts. Bessans and Bonneval sur Arc boast the sought-after certification 'Terre d’Alpinisme' – awarded since mountaineering became a part of UNESCO World Heritage. Haute Maurienne Vanoise is home to the 2023 and 2024 Ski Mountaineering World Cup winner and leader of the French team, Thibault Anselmet. The discipline will be making its first Olympic appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Peak Retreats offers a range of Val Cenis accommodation options. All of Val Cenis' ski apartments have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (3 & 4*), providing the ideal base for a Val Cenis ski holiday.
Read about Sainte Foy in our blog - The Inside Track
The Inside Track: Skiing in Val Cenis with kids
The Inside Track: Favourite family-friendly slopes in Val Cenis
Val Cenis ski area
With more than 125km of marked piste and a vertical drop of 1,400m, Val Cenis has a varied ski area. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediates with green and blue runs down through the trees as well as opportunities to access even the highest runs at 2,800m.
Among the forests of larch and cembra pine, 125km of trails offer something for everyone. Below 2,000m the slopes are beautifully tree-lined.
A fleet of comfortable lifts, trails groomed every night, snow culture that guarantees good snow ... and ultimately, a resort of high quality – is ideal for all types of skiers. At the top of the Val Cenis slopes at 2,800m, you can enjoy a splendid view across the Mont Cenis lake and the Parc National de la Vanoise.
Val Cenis skiing info
Beginners
Val Cenis is ideal for beginners with over 15 green runs to practise on – many of them between resort level (1,500m) and 2,000m. The majority of the resort runs back into either of the Val Cenis villages are green. There are some enjoyably long blue runs to progress to. The green Escargot run is 6 miles long - plenty of slope time to practise on this one, even if you don’t ski at snail’s pace! Access it via the Ramasse chairlift in Lanslebourg.
Intermediates
About three-quarters of Val Cenis’s ski area is dominated by blue and red pistes. Above 2,000m, you’ll find many red runs to keep you occupied - some of them quite challenging. If you want to explore further, try the red runs above Termignon and take the blue Forestière run right the way down to Termignon village.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Although advanced skiing is limited, there’s some great north-facing off-piste terrain and two free-ride circuits. From the top of the ungroomed Michèle Jacot or the Moraine slopes, you can enjoy powder and bumps!
Mountain fun zones
Snowboarders will enjoy the park and natural half-pipe. There are 2 boardercross (Solert chairlift, below the Familiale slope).
Nordic skiing
There is lots of beautiful cross-country skiing available in Val Cenis and the surrounding resorts, open from mid-December to mid-March.
Val d'Ambin Nordic ski area - free access!
29km of trails.
1 x green of 1 km, 1 x blue of 10 km, 1 x red of 5 km, 1 x black of 13 km.
Free shuttle service to the Planay plateau. There is a high-altitude farm restaurant: 'l'Etoile du Berger'.
Cross country situated between 1,230m-1,800m.
This suspended ski area on the Italian border offers magnificent panoramic views of the Vanoise National Park, its glaciers and high peaks.
A Nordic area for walkers and snowshoers: for winter hiking enthusiasts, the Bramans and Planay plateaus offer numerous snowshoe itineraries as well as groomed trails for walkers.
The routes are optimised every year to discover Maurienne's oldest church, Saint-Pierre d'Extravache, or the marvellous 'Planay' plateau, opening onto wild and magnificent Vallons such as Etache.
A 60m Himalayan footbridge was launched in 2023 over the Ambin gorges. The footbridge, accessible via a path that starts behind the Nordic chalet, is suspended almost 100m above the torrent at its highest point. It provides access to 2 belvederes with 2 completely different views of the valley, and above all a chance to admire the spectacular "Glacenost" icefall that forms in January-February.
Monolithe Nordic ski area
39 km of skating and alternating trails.
15-minute walk from the village in the direction of Sardières is all it takes to get to the start from 'La Croix' (also accessible by car and shuttle bus).
2 x green runs, 3 x blue runs, 3 x red runs, 1 x black run.
Val Cenis Sardières and Aussois benefit from privileged sunshine thanks to their southern exposure.
1 picnic room and toilets. Food and beverage outlet.
Situated at 1,500m-1,600m between Aussois and Val Cenis Sardières.
It owes its name to a 93m-high geological curiosity made of cargneule, a sedimentary rock, located in the forest near the pistes, which resembles a needle or a huge menhir. Once you've got your skis on, the plateau around the Chalet Nordique is the perfect place for children and beginners to discover their first gliding sensations in classic style, or to learn straight away how to skate. For the more experienced, this area is a good warm-up before setting off to conquer the numerous ascents and descents in the area.
You can also find out more about biathlon at the Chalet Nordique.
Val Cenis ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Val Cenis ski hire and/or Val Cenis lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Val Cenis group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years in Val Cenis (including some childcare in the nursery alongside ski lessons with meals, please enquire) with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Val Cenis private lessons (pre-bookable)
Private lessons can now be booked through Peak Retreats. Please call us for prices.
Val Cenis childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 3 months-4 years (non-skiers)
They can look after your children from 3 months old at 'La Maison des Enfants' childcare centre so you can enjoy your time in Val Cenis knowing that your little ones are in good hands. indoor games, stimulating activities, soft play, going outside, manual activities, naps...
Please contact La Maison des Enfants direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 05 92 43.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Val Cenis!
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.
Airboard (lanslevillard)
From age 8. The thrilling experience of body-boarding on real snow, where participants zoom down the slope on a specially designed air inflated board!
Dog sledging (Lanslebourg)
From age 2 years. You sit down in your sledge and the guide, called musher, carries you through the Mont Cenis wide open space thanks to his complicity with his dogs. Booking at the ESF Val Cenis.
Snowshoe outings (Lanslevillard)
From 10 years. Snowshoe outings. Theme week: the path of history, fortifications, archaeology, villages, local heritage.
Toboggan run for over 5’s (Lanslevillard)
From age 5 years. At the arrival of the gondola Val Cenis Le Haut, find the start of the toboggan run 900 m long with bumps and turns taken. Skipass needed.
Toboggan run for over 5’s at night (Lanslevillard)
800m downhill lighted track. Children of -1m25 in a sledge with an adult. Children of 1m25 are alone driving their own sledge under the supervision of an adult. Pass on sale on the spot. Personal helmets allowed. Chairlift ride and equipment loan included.
Night skiing (Lanslevillard)
Night skiing in Val Cenis Lanslevillard, every Thursday on the Colomba chairlift. Accessible to holders of valid ski pass of the ski area.
Snake gliss (Lanslevillard)
The Snake Gliss is a set of sledges, fixed to each other. The sledge snake descends along the blue track "Chamois", the pilot, a professional activity, directs the head. Duration: 45 mins.
Snowkite (Lanslebourg)
From age 13 years. Slide on your skis, pulled by a wind-inflated kite. Possible in the afternoons, subject to weather conditions.
Snowpark (Lanslevillard)
New snowpark on the area of La Met. Free access.
Snowscoot (Lanslebourg)
From age 5 years. Come discover the Snowscoot with Edgar, passionate and former snowscoot competitor. He will introduce you to this slide that he wants to share with everyone. The snowscoot is a very fun and accessible activity, no notion of gliding is necessary.
Snowtubing (Lanslevillard)
At more than 2,500m altitude, the Base-2500 offers a descent in buoy 60 meters in a natural valley. A helmet is mandatory. Accessible to holders of ski pass valid ski area or a pedestrian pass.
Wing jump (Lanslevillard)
Discover news skiing sensations.
Yooner (Lanslevillard)
Once the skiers have deserted the slopes, come and try out this modern, lightweight, easily manoeuvrable and comfortable snow sport and enjoy a sensational new activity!
Ice climbing (Bonneval-sur-Arc)
Full of natural sites, the Haute Maurienne is a ‘must-visit’ destination in the world of ice, especially in Bonneval-sur-Arc. Remaining accessible right up to the end of the season, which is quite a rare occurrence in resort.
Top activities to experience in Val Cenis!
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.
Ice rink (Lanslebourg)
300m² of track. Improved glide. Speed/sensation. Hockey equipment is available. Gloves and helmet mandatory.
Ice rink (Lanslevillard)
Put your ice skates on and enjoy the ride. Educational equipment is available. Closed on Saturdays. Subject to climatic and technical conditions.
Carriage ride (Lanslebourg)
Take place on board for a little carriage ride in the streets of the resort, you will surely discover places you do not suspect! In the afternoon, on reservation.
Paragliding (Lanslebourg)
Paragliding Tandem flight with Michel.
Paragliding (Lanslevillard)
Enjoy a flight with a team of experienced passionate well-travelled guides with more than 30 years of experience. Antipodes has the record of the first tandem slight ever launched from the Everest at 8850m altitude.
Bowling (Lanslevillard)
From age 5 years old. 6 bowling alleys, lounge bar, billiards, pinball, table football. Daily from 10.30AM to midnight.
Escape game (Lanslebourg)
Real immersion game in real life scenarios and scenery! Our rooms "The Emperor's Room", "The Avalanche" and "La Coulée" are original creations based on local history. You will not find them anywhere else! The new room "La Coulée" is exclusively dedicated to children from 6 to 12 years old.
Leisure centre (Lanslevillard)
An aquatic area heated to 29 ° C with a 25m sports pool, a fun pool, whirlpools inside, an outdoor area dedicated to your fun with slide and paddling pool. Sale of bathing caps, jerseys, armbands, glasses.
Indoor activity centre (In nearby Sollières-Sardières)
Trampolines - Mini-motos - restaurant - snack & goûter. An indoor activity centre for 2 - 12 years old, trampolines for children and adults, mini motorbike circuit. Daily. Free for accompanying adults.
Cinema (Lanslevillard)
2D and 3D cinema with one screen with 166 seats.
Cinema (Lanslebourg)
180 places.
Cheese visit (Lanslebourg)
Visit of the Beaufort cheese making workshops (making in the morning Free access to the circuit of a visit with sight on the room of manufacture (manufacture in the morning).
Feed the animals (Lanslebourg)
Come and feed the young animals from the farm: veels, baby rabbits and lambs and meet the milking cows. From Monday to Friday, Free entry for children < 3 years.
Val Cenis Après-Ski, Bars & Restaurants
Bars and restaurants - 21 restaurants/bars in Lanslevillard, 18 in Lanslebourg, 2 cinemas.
The La Ferme du XVieme siecle restaurant (translates as The 15th Century Farm) - this is not one to miss on your visit! The glass floor allows you to see the cows in the barn below. The owner of this fascinating restaurant is a farmer the rest of the year.
Amenities
Val Cenis is served by a range of amenities including a welcome drink, weekly child torch-lit descents during school holidays, shows, sports tournaments, visit cheese-producing farms, Carnival in February… all organised by the Val Cenis Tourist Office.
Getting to Val Cenis, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais 595 miles (approx. 8 hrs 45 mins)
From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, then A43 Motorway Exit Modane. Follow signs to Val Cenis via the N6 (24 km from the motorway exit). Attention winter Iseran Pass and the Col du Mont Cenis are closed to traffic.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Val Cenis is roughly 24km away in Modane
4 international airports are nearby, see our flying page for information on airlines. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Samoëns is roughly 231km, approx. 2hr 15 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 135km, approx. 1hr 30 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 202km, approx. 2hr 15 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Samoens is roughly 212km, approx. 2hr 15 mins
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus transfers from some French/Swiss airports and SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with them), we invite you to do your own research.
Resort shuttle bus:
The shuttle bus runs between Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard every day for free.
Getting to other resorts in Maurienne:
LINE 1: Bramans - Bonneval sur Arc (including Val Cenis)
LINE 2: Termignon - Sollières-Sardières - Aussois
