Les Sybelles stands tall as France’s fourth-largest ski area, melding six charming resorts in the Maurienne Valley; La Toussuire, Le Corbier, Saint Sorlin d’Arves, Saint Jean d’Arves, Saint Colomban des Villards, and Les Bottières, into a seamless 310+ km (193+ mi) of slopes. Formed in 2003, this domain caters especially to beginner and intermediate skiers yet rewards advanced riders with select black runs and four designated freeride zones. Visitors appreciate lower prices, authentic Savoyard hospitality, and panoramic summits up to 2,620 m (8,596 ft), all beneath the watchful presence of the Aiguilles d’Arves.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Les Sybelles ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let’s get started!
Les Sybelles is located in south-eastern France, on the Savoie–Hautes-Alpes boundary within the Maurienne Valley.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
The domain comprises six distinct villages all linked via lifts or short shuttle routes, forming a single, cohesive ski domain. Each resort comes with its own style and family-friendly vibe, focusing on local produce, convivial bars, and subtle evening entertainment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4th largest ski area in France | Limited advanced ski terrain |
| Affordable compared to other French ski areas | Some older lifts remain |
| Authentic Savoyard vibe | Nightlife is subdued |
| Family-friendly | Limited freeride terrain |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Les Sybelles has to offer.
Les Sybelles is an excellent introduction to skiing, with safe, dedicated learner zones across all villages, often featuring free lifts. In La Toussuire, a large beginner area on the snow front suits families; Le Corbier’s Etoiles sector has two covered carpets and a short ski lift, while Saint Sorlin and Saint Jean d’Arves each position gentle carpets or draglifts away from busier slopes. Saint Colomban’s Tapis Débutant is free, as is Les Bottières’ Cabris drag.
Intermediates revel in 60 blue and 35 red runs blanketing the domain. The gentle rolling terrain fosters comfortable, scenic cruising, like heading from Saint Sorlin’s sunnier slopes across to La Toussuire or tackling the moderate red descents near Le Corbier. Such variety ensures a week’s worth of exploration without feeling repetitive.
While predominantly mid-level, Les Sybelles yields about 11 black runs plus four freeride slopes for advanced visitors. Black pistes in Saint Sorlin’s high altitudes or near Saint Colomban’s forest edges offer short, sometimes mogulled sections testing technique. Truly extreme terrain is limited, so genuine experts may look to day trips at Tignes or Les 2 Alpes for more challenge.
Freeride potential is moderate: the domain’s four marked freeride slopes, three in Saint Sorlin, one in Le Corbier, provide a safer environment for advanced skiers seeking unpisted lines without full off-piste risk. Since altitudes below ~2,620 m can mean variable coverage, timing a powder day is crucial. After storms, soft stashes appear between wooded sections in Saint Colomban or around the Ouillon ridges.
Snowboarders find plenty of wide pistes to hone carving, especially midweek when slopes are less crowded. Though not famed for massive terrain parks, the Snowpark des Sybelles at Ouillon includes green/blue/red/black lines plus a shred zone and chill space. Boardercross fans can ride the 1.5 km (0.93 mile) route in La Toussuire or the 600 m (1,969 ft) track at Saint Colomban.
The ski season in Les Sybelles for 2024/25 began on December 14th and is expected to run until April 11th, although the official closing date has yet to be confirmed. If you're planning a ski holiday this winter, be sure to explore our Les Sybelles deals for the best ski offers available.
La Toussuire (Les Sybelles) offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 39 cm (15.35 in) and 34 cm (13.38 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 29 cm (11.41 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in La Toussuire, with an impressive 51 cm (20.07 in) of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 20 cm (7.87 in) of snow over 2.8 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 39 cm/15.35 in | 3.0 days |
| January | 34 cm/13.38 in | 3.0 days |
| February | 29 cm/11.41 in | 3.1 days |
| March | 32 cm/12.59 in | 3.4 days |
| April | 20 cm/7.87 in | 2.8 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Across six villages, diners sample traditional Savoyard fare, cheese-based dishes (fondue, raclette, tartiflette), charcuterie, plus simpler pizza or grill options. Highlights include:
A total of 12 mountain restaurants complement these, offering self-service or panoramas (like L’Ouillon).
Après-ski in Les Sybelles is low-key. Most evenings revolve around traditional meals, fondue, raclette, and possibly a warm vin chaud. Some resorts occasionally organise themed nights or small shows, but travellers generally appreciate the overall tranquillity. Highlights include:
Download Les Sybelles piste map here
