With its extensive slopes, reliable snow conditions, and warm village atmosphere, Val Cenis is a hidden gem in the French Alps. This inviting village, known for its family-friendly vibe and diverse ski terrain, offers a quieter yet equally charming alternative to the larger ski resorts in France.
We've crafted this guide to simplify planning your Val Cenis ski holiday. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to dine or unwind after a day on the slopes. Additionally, we've included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with essential contact numbers and links.
Ready to explore? Let's dive in!
Val Cenis is located in the Savoie region of France, near the Italian border.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| State-of-the-art lift system | On-piste options for advanced skiers are somewhat limited |
| Remarkable vertical drop | Long, flat beginner trails may require snowboarders to walk sections |
| Extensive and reliable snowpac | Limited après ski & nightlife |
| Broad and excellent selection of trails | Lower regions around Termignon occasionally have sparse natural snow |
(Ref: Val Cenis Vanoise)
Val Cenis provides a welcoming environment for beginners, with both villages offering dedicated nursery areas, particularly in Lanslevillard. The "Escargot," Europe's longest green slope, serves as a scenic introduction to skiing. Novices can take advantage of the gentle slopes around Lanslevillard, well-serviced by the Le Haut gondola and Colomba chair, ensuring a smooth transition from beginner to more confident skier.
The resort offers 125 km of pistes predominantly suited to intermediate skiers, with an extensive selection of blue and red runs stretching across interconnected villages. The Maurienne pass expands access, allowing intermediates to explore varied terrains, including the neighboring resorts. Notable intermediate trails like Ramasse and MJ St Genix provide exhilarating experiences within the mid-mountain forest area.
Advanced skiers can find challenging descents at Val Cenis, especially on pistes like "Michèle Jacot de la Met" which starts from an altitude of 2,800m. Although the resort isn’t known for extremely steep pistes, the higher lifts such as Met, Solert, and Plan Cardinal offer broad, rolling pitches that cater well to advanced skiers looking for less crowded runs during powder mornings. Nearby Bonneval-sur-Arc offers additional freeriding opportunities with significant vertical drops.
Val Cenis is enriched with diverse off-piste opportunities, particularly around the steep sections of the upper areas and the quieter Termignon sector. The resort's forested runs winding down to the valley are both beautiful and challenging. Skiers seeking adventures off the beaten path can explore the sub-alpine forests accessed via older lifts in the Termignon sector, though caution is advised in protected or prohibited areas.
Snowboarders will find Val Cenis accommodating with its two snow parks designed for various skill levels and equipped with boardercross tracks. For those seeking broader freestyle experiences, the nearby Les 3 Vallées offers advanced parks such as the "DC Area 43 Snowpark" in Meribel. The extensive backcountry terrain above the lifts provides ample space for explorative rides in both Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis and Termignon sectors.
The ski season in Val Cenis for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 2nd and run until April 9th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Val Cenis this season, be sure to explore our Val Cenis ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Val Cenis offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 25 cm and 26 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 24 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Val Cenis, with an impressive 39 cm of snow over 4.0 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 16 cm of snow over 3.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 25 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 26 cm | 3.0 days |
| February | 24 cm | 3.3 days |
| March | 26 cm | 3.6 days |
| April | 16 cm | 3.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Evenings in Val Cenis are typically calm, so don't expect the lively après-ski venues found in nearby resorts. Here, the highlights of après-ski activities include enjoying a drink in a cozy bar, visiting the cinema, dining at a restaurant, or spending time at the bowling alley.
Download Val Cenis resort map here
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