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Val Cenis Ski Holidays
Sitting right on the French–Italian border, this resort brings together the charm of five traditional mountain villages: Lanslebourg, Lanslevillard, Termignon, Sollières-Sardières, and Bramans, each with its own unique character and rustic beauty.
Val Cenis is often described as a ‘hidden gem’, and for once, that label is actually deserved. It offers excellent value for money, a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere, and the kind of authentic Alpine vibe that’s hard to find in more commercialised resorts. With its mix of stone-and-wood chalets and genuine village life, you feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of Savoyard mountain culture - with fewer crowds and a bit more elbow room on the slopes.
This is a resort that appeals especially to families, beginners, and intermediates. The runs are long, wide, and confidence-boosting, while more advanced skiers will still find some fun challenges up high and off the beaten track. Snow reliability is a major draw too, thanks to Val Cenis’ predominantly north-facing slopes.
Getting here is refreshingly straightforward for such a tucked-away corner of the Alps. The nearest TGV stop is Modane, just a 30-40 minute transfer away. If you’re flying, you can reach Val Cenis from Turin, Chambéry, Grenoble or Lyon in around two to three hours. The main villages of Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard sit at 1,300-1,500m, providing a solid base for a week of stress-free skiing and Savoyard charm.
Incredible value and charm with 125km of slopes and some of the longest green and blue runs in Europe!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Val Cenis tops out at 2,800m at the peak of the Met chairlift, dropping all the way down to 1,300m in the villages below - a satisfying 1,500m vertical. Across 125km of pistes, skiers and snowboarders can explore around 62 runs, connected by a modern and efficient lift network of 29 lifts (including two gondolas and thirteen chairlifts).
The pistes are well-balanced, and there’s plenty to keep things fun between runs: a snowpark, boarder-cross, timed slalom zone, and even two Mickey’s Diary fun runs for younger skiers. If you’ve still got energy after skiing, the Val Cenis Turbo toboggan run (900m long!) is an absolute laugh.
Snow conditions in Val Cenis
Val Cenis has built itself a solid reputation for snow reliability - not because of massive altitude, but because of its clever orientation and microclimate. Most slopes face north, which helps maintain high snow quality well into the spring. The resort also benefits from the so-called ‘easterly returns’ - localised snowfalls that sweep in from the Italian side, often topping things up when neighbouring areas miss out.
Snow quality is generally excellent, especially at higher elevations and throughout the mid-mountain tree zones, where shelter keeps conditions consistent. Half the resort’s ski area also benefits from snowmaking, ensuring good coverage on vital links and lower slopes.
Bad weather? No problem. The mid-mountain is heavily treelined, which means great visibility even when the clouds roll in. The only trade-off is that being in a narrower valley can make mid-winter days a bit shadowed - but it’s a small price to pay for such good snow consistency.
Skiing in Val Cenis
Val Cenis is a dream destination for both beginners and intermediates. Gentle, wide slopes and long, forgiving descents make it an ideal place to learn, with L’Escargot - a 10 km green run winding down from 2,100m - offering confidence-building practice and stunning views along the way. Both Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard have dedicated beginner zones and easy access to ski schools, making first-time skiing a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Those comfortable with blues and reds will find plenty to love, too. Val Cenis’ terrain sits firmly in the intermediate sweet spot, with scenic, confidence-boosting runs like Ramasse and MJ St Genix stretching across multiple valleys. More advanced skiers can tackle short but challenging blacks, such as Michèle Jacot de la Met, or venture off-piste into tree-lined powder stashes that remain untouched for days. For breathtaking views, the Col de la Met area and the Canopée des Cimes viewing platform at 2,800m deliver pure Alpine drama and unbeatable photo ops.
Snowboarding in Val Cenis
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Val Cenis’ uncrowded, wide slopes are a dream for snowboarders who like space to carve. The terrain variety is spot on: high alpine bowls for wide, sweeping turns, followed by rolling, forested runs lower down that twist and flow beautifully.
Freestylers can lap the snowpark or boarder-cross, which are compact but well-designed for progression. The real prize for freeriders, though, is the off-piste. It’s lift-accessible, interesting, and, crucially, tends to stay untouched longer than the better-known French resorts. If you’re hunting for quiet powder lines, Val Cenis will not disappoint.
Accommodation in Val Cenis
Accommodation in Val Cenis mirrors the resort’s overall feel: traditional, cosy, and refreshingly unpretentious. The majority of places are built in that classic Savoyard chalet style - think timber balconies, stone façades, and views that make you want to move in permanently.
All Accommodation in Val Cenis
What's available at Val Cenis ski resort?
Après-ski in Val Cenis
Après-ski in Val Cenis is exactly what you’d expect from a resort that values authenticity over glamour - relaxed, sociable, and centred on good food, good company, and genuine mountain charm rather than champagne spraying. The pace is unhurried, the smiles are genuine, and the atmosphere feels more like a friendly village gathering than a party scene.
- Start your evening with a drink at Bar du Centre or Le Barbichette, where locals and visitors mingle over craft beers, vin chaud, and hearty post-ski snacks.
- For dinner, Restaurant L’Artemisia serves refined regional dishes in a warm, intimate setting.
- Hoping for a lively buzz and classic Savoyard specialities? Head to Phelipeau Patrick if you’re picturing fondue, tartiflette, and enough cheese to refuel for the week.
- If you prefer to keep moving, try night skiing under the stars on the Colomba chairlift, or round off the day with some family-friendly fun on the evening sledge runs - perfect for both kids and anyone who never grew out of loving a bit of snow-fuelled chaos.
Facilities in Val Cenis
Val Cenis’ villages have everything you need for a seamless ski holiday, with supermarkets, bakeries, ski hire shops, cash points, and tourist offices all close at hand. Convenience is key here - nothing feels far away, and the resort’s layout makes it easy to settle into the rhythm of mountain life. Many of the modern residences also feature spa and wellness facilities, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes. Indoor pools, saunas, and massage rooms are common, especially in the newer apartment complexes, giving you every excuse to indulge in a bit of après-ski relaxation.
If you fancy a break from skiing, Val Cenis offers a surprisingly rich line-up of activities beyond the pistes. You can lace up your skates for a spin on the village ice rink, try guided ice climbing or frozen waterfall excursions, or explore the surrounding forests on snowshoes or marked walking trails. Thrill-seekers will love the Val Cenis Turbo sledge run, while cross-country and ski touring routes cater to those craving a quieter, more adventurous escape into the mountains.
Facilities for children in Val Cenis
Families are incredibly well looked after in Val Cenis. Kids under five ski for free, and the resort’s gentle nursery slopes are perfect for first-timers. The fun Mickey Mouse-themed runs are a hit with younger skiers, making the learning process feel like playtime.
The ESF and several independent schools offer group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. For the youngest ones, there are childcare and kids’ club facilities, both indoor and outdoor, so parents can enjoy some child-free ski time.
Add in fun runs, snowparks, and that epic 10km green descent, and it’s easy to see why families keep coming back.
Why choose Erna Low for Val Cenis skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Enjoy authentic Savoyard villages and spectacular, sheltered, tree-lined skiing right down to the valley floor!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
