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
- Easy access - only 30mins 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
Read 'five reasons to ski Val Cenis this (or next) season' by welove2ski.com's Felice Hardy!
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 (near Les Balcons du Village residence) which has an ice rink, swimming pool and whirlpool. It’s great value for money! You get free access when you book accommodation with the Val Cenis Les Balcons du Village and Les Balcons en Haut.
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 Fraser Wilkin's weather review on weathertoski.com where he says Val Cenis has "good snow reliability, good sunshine record and (last but not least) plenty of trees to play in should it decide to be stormy."
VAL CENIS SKI AREA
With more than 125kms of marked piste and a vertical drop of 1400m, 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 2800m. Skilled skiers will also enjoy Val Cenis with its 22 red slopes and its 5 black runs.
Among the forests of larch and cembra pine, 125km of trails offer something for everyone. Below 2000m 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
VAL CENIS BEGINNERS
Val Cenis is ideal for beginners with 16 green runs to practise on – many of them between resort level (1500m) and 2000m. 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 a six 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.
VAL CENIS INTERMEDIATES
About three-quarters of Val Cenis’s ski area is dominated by blue and red pistes. Above 2000m 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.
VAL CENIS EXPERTS
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!
VAL CENIS SNOWBOARDERS
Val Cenis Snowboarders will enjoy the park and natural half-pipe. There are 2 boardercross (Solert chairlift, below the Familiale slope).
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 winter activities to experience in Val Cenis!
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.
Snowsport activities:
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.
Ski touring and freeride (Lanslevillard)
Ski touring, freeride, white trail. See the Bureau des Guides for more information.
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.
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.
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 2500m 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.
Other activities:
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.
Big airbag (Lanslevillard)
Lie on your board, let yourself slide and land gently. Blow-up board so you can jump and land quite safely.
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.
Library (Lanslebourg)
Media library with more than 4000 books (novels, literary prizes, comics, albums, magazines) 750 DVDs, audio CDs and games. The temporary exhibition, paid computer connections available, paid to print. Free Wifi and scanning.
Library (Lanslevillard)
Leave or take for free adult or children books. Free of charge.
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.
Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.
Val Cenis Tourist Office
Val Cenis Tourist Information
Tel. +33 479 05 23 66
www.valcenis.com
Val Cenis news
What's new for the 24/25 season:
- The replacement of the Roches Blanches 4-seater chairlift in Val Cenis involves the use of second-hand equipment made up of parts bought from other resorts (cable elements, seats, stations etc.). The new lift will also have fewer pylons, 7 less than the previous lift, 14 in total. Only 35 of the 400 tonnes of equipment (cables, nuts and bolts and station roof) were manufactured specifically for the Roches Blanches chairlift project. Once dismantled, the current chairlift, with its 21 pylons and 116 seats, will either be sold for spare parts or in turn be recycled!
Val Cenis events
Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:
- The resort celebrates 10 years of Tous en Piste 14th-15th December 2024: a great event to launch the winter season!
- The resorts of Aussois, Bessans, Bonneval sur Arc and Val Cenis will be hosting the 21st edition of La Grande Odyssée 17th-19th January 2025: one of the biggest sled dog races in the world. Numerous events are on the program,
- Festival National d'Accordeon 18th-25th January 2025: celebrates its 23rd edition in Val Cenis. On the program: concerts, "Off" evenings in the bars and artists from all over France.
Val Cenis Après-Ski, Bars & Restaurants
Bars and restaurants - 21 restaurants/bars in Lanslevillard, 18 in Lanslebourg, 2 cinemas.
New to Val Cenis for the 2021/22 season is 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 (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:
Modane station (24km)
There is a regular coach service to Val Cenis from the forecourt of Modane station.
For information, timetables and bookings: www.altibus.com
Tel. 00 33 479 68 32 96
Airports:
Chambery is 135km from Val Cenis (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Turin Airport is 145km from Val Cenis (2 hours)
www.aeroportoditorino.it
Grenoble is 202km from Val Cenis (2 ¼ hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Lyon Saint-Exupery is 212km from Val Cenis (2 ¼ hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com
Geneva is 213km from Val Cenis (2 ¼ hours)
www.gva.ch
Public shuttle bus transfers from airport
Lyon Airport - Val Cenis via Modane (www.lys-altibus.com).
Chambery Airport - Val Cenis via Modane (www.lys-altibus.com).
Val Cenis Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
Access around Val Cenis
The shuttle bus is running between Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard every day, for free, from 8:30 to 19:00 during the all season. In French ski school holidays this coach runs until 22:30 but there's only one per hour. In addition, on Thursdays of the season (until end of March) one bus is runs from 20:00 to 22:00.
A large car park (suitable for coaches) is opposite the Vieux Moulin cable car.
Other
A bag room (no charge) is available at the top of the Vieux Moulin cable car.
Getting to other resorts in Maurienne
Ecomobility Skibus: Open to skiers and non skiers. Service not intended for groups. Limited to the capacity of the vehicle seat. It connects all villages and resorts of the valley. Admission is free.
LINE 1: Bramans - Bonneval sur Arc (including Val Cenis)
LINE 2: Termignon - Sollières-Sardières - Aussois
Val Cenis Opening Dates
Val Cenis ski area is open: 11/12/22 - 21/04/23
