Nestled in the heart of the Haute Maurienne-Vanoise valley in Savoie, the winter sports resort of Val Cenis invites you to recharge your batteries in the spectacular scenery surrounding the Col du Mont-Cenis. Just a stone's throw from the Italian border, the mountain resort reveals its many facets: restful, lively, sporty, authentic and infinitely generous. In winter, winter sports enthusiasts are delighted by its vast ski area and abundant snow cover. But Val Cenis is not just about skiing: a multitude of activities invite you to vary your pleasures in this veritable jewel of the Alps. Discover the 11 must-do experiences in Val Cenis this winter.
1. Skiing with breathtaking views
Val Cenis offers 1,400 m of vertical drop and 125 km of pistes for downhill skiing, with optimal snow conditions and exceptional panoramic views. Lanslevillard offers sensational views of the Vanoise National Park and the Dent Parrachée (3,697 m). From Termignon, you can ski while keeping an eye on the marvellous Aiguilles d'Arves, one of the most beautiful spots in Savoie. Also not to be missed is the Canopée des Cimes, a platform offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Italy.
2. Snowshoeing, a must in Val Cenis
In Val Cenis, one of the best destinations for mountain vacations, the Parc national de la Vanoise is home to numerous snowshoe trails. It's a gentle way to enjoy unspoilt landscapes, visit wild spots and observe local wildlife. For the record, ibex can often be spotted near Vallonbrun. You can go snowshoeing on your own or with a guide, during the day or at night. For example, you can follow the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, which passes through spruce and larch forests.
To book: We recommend booking this snowshoe hike to the Col and Lac du Mont-Cenis in Val Cenis. You'll see some remarkable winter scenery, including the Italian slopes, and perhaps catch a glimpse of some of the chamois found in the Savoy region!
3. Discover snowkiting, a new activity in Val Cenis
Everyone knows kitesurfing from the sea, but Val Cenis has come up with a variation: snowkiting! With skis on, participants are fitted with a harness that connects them to a sail to be piloted, which resembles a large kite. The equipment allows you to glide, jump and feel the thrill of the wild, snow-covered Val Cenis plains. The meeting point is on the Termignon side or on the Col du Mont-Cenis sector.
To book : Another unusual option is snowscooting, a winter sport that's accessible to all, fun and easy to learn! A hybrid between a BMX and a snowboard, it opens up a whole new world of freestyle fun. Click here to book your Snowscoot initiation in Val Cenis.
4. Tobogganing, of course!
What to do in Val Cenis in winter? Tobogganing is one of the most fun activities you can enjoy on a mountain vacation. Accessible via the Val Cenis le Haut gondola, the 900 m-long toboggan run is full of surprises for families and groups of friends, including banked turns and bumps. The track is reserved for tobogganing and is open all day. Children aged 5 and over can take part, accompanied by an adult.
5. Diving under the ice
An unusual activity to discover in Val Cenis. Head to the aqualudic base to dive under the ice, equipped with a wetsuit, mask, fins and bottle, just as you would in the sea. Professionals offer this stunning winter activity to beginners and experienced divers alike. A great opportunity to get a closer look at what goes on under the ice during the winter months in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise resort.
6. Yooner initiation
What to do in Val Cenis in winter? A new invitation to go sliding in this top destination for skiing with children. The Yooner is a hybrid machine, halfway between a toboggan and a ski, that's very easy to maneuver. With a seat that's 20 cm off the ground, it lets you hurtle down the slopes and experience thrilling, surprising sensations. Everyone is welcome to try this activity, which guarantees lots of laughs, including children aged 8 and over. Ready to give it a try?
7. What to do in Val Cenis in winter? Cross-country skiing
Savoie is one of the best places to hike or cross-country ski in France. This latter mountain activity, although physical, is also very much about contemplating the landscape. The mountain resort of Val Cenis offers two Nordic ski areas in Savoie. The Val d'Ambin Nordic ski area offers magnificent panoramic views of the Vanoise National Park, its glaciers and high peaks. The Aussois-Val Cenis Sardières Nordic ski area also immerses you in magnificent scenery. It's particularly suitable for families.
8. Airboarding at the end of the day
What to do in Val Cenis in winter? TheAirboard is an inflatable sled equipped with wrists, on which you lie on your stomach. For 1h30, participants race down the snow-covered slopes at top speed. A fun, sporty and sensational activity, which takes place at the end of the day when the slopes are closed to skiers. Children aged 12 and over can take part in Val Cenis, a family ski destination. The equipment is very maneuverable and, just like the luge or the Yooner, there's a lot of fun to be had on the way down!
9. Try ice climbing
One of the best outdoor activities in Val Cenis for a change from skiing. Well-equipped, holidaymakers discover the techniques for climbing icefalls. It's a great opportunity to test your agility, but also to discover some beautiful wilderness sites. There's no need to worry about safety, as the activity is supervised by a state-certified instructor. This sport allows you to discover an absolutely fascinating mineral universe in the heart of the Alps.
To reserve: Would you like to discover the thrill of climbing frozen waterfalls in the middle of winter? Click here to book your ice climbing experience in Bessans. Armed with your ice axes and crampons, you'll have to strike the ice to create your own holds: thrills guaranteed!
10. Enjoy a ski-traction session
Ski-tracting originated in Scandinavia. Over the past twenty years, it has become a popular sport in the Alps. During a stay in Val Cenis, a destination worth considering for a January vacation, couples, families and groups of friends can discover ski-tracté or luge-tractée, which consists of riding through the heart of the countryside pulled by a horse. The session lasts 30 minutes and, rest assured, you don't need to be a rider to take part. However, a 1-star level is required for skiing.
11. Take to the skies in a two-seater microlight
What to do in Val Cenis in winter? There's nothing likea microlight flight to take in the magnificent natural surroundings of Val Cenis. This is a two-seater activity, piloted by a professional. It's a great way to take in the pristine Alpine scenery and spot its iconic peaks. What's more, it's not uncommon tocatch a glimpse of local wildlife, such as an eagle or a chamois. This extraordinary trip is accessible to people with disabilities.
What can you do in Val Cenis if you don't ski?
Val Cenis is delighted to welcome everyone, skiers and non-skiers alike. There's a whole range of things to do when you're not skiing. You can enjoy fun activities like tobogganing, yooning, airboarding or snowtubing. You can take a dog sled or fatbike ride, or spend some time at the ice rink in the Parc de Loisirs des Glières. You can also take the time to discover the religious heritage of some of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps, such as the Saint-Laurent church, and stroll through the rich collections of the Sollières archaeological museum.
Have you fallen in love with Savoie? Discover the 11 most beautiful hikes in the department and beyond its borders, the must-sees of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region!
