Val Cenis: 125km of north-facing pistes in Haute Maurienne
Haute Maurienne is the eastern extremity of the valley. Beyond it lies Italy. Above Lanslebourg, the Col du Mont Cenis climbs to 2083 metres and opens onto Piedmont by a road closed in winter. To the left of the pass, on the northern flank, unfolds one of the most understated ski domains in the French Alps: Val Cenis, a grouping of villages connected by pistes.
Val Cenis is not a purpose-built altitude resort. It is a village station: Termignon (1300m), Lanslebourg (1400m) and Lanslevillard (1500m), linked by pistes. Each retains its village identity, its shops, its church.
125 kilometres north-facing
The domain totals 125 kilometres of marked pistes and 29 mechanical lifts. The defining geographical characteristic is exposure: the pistes are virtually all north-facing, which allows snow to persist throughout the season, even in March, April. The domain spans 1300 to 2800 metres in altitude, with a skiable vertical drop of 1400 metres between the summit of the Met chairlift and the return to Lanslebourg.
The piste layout caters to all levels, with a majority of red and blue runs. The terrain suits families, intermediate skiers and those seeking long descents particularly well. La Canopée des Cimes, a suspended platform at the domain’s highest point at 2800m, commands views from the Vanoise glaciers to Mont Viso.
Three villages, three entry points
The organisation into hamlets is one of the elements that sets Val Cenis apart from most Savoyard resorts. A skier can begin the day at Lanslebourg, move through to Lanslevillard and finish at Termignon, skis on feet.
Each village has its own character. Lanslebourg is the most historic: shops, ski schools, traditional hotels. Lanslevillard is quieter, with its baroque church and stone chalets. Termignon, at the far end of the domain, opens onto the Vanoise and the Nordic terrain.
The signature piste
L’Escargot, Europe’s longest green run, follows the old Mont-Cenis road for 10km from the pass down to Lanslebourg, through forests and clearings.
Above 2100m, the domain offers extensive off-piste terrain, to be undertaken with a guide or instructor.
When to visit
The season runs from mid-December to mid-April. The north-facing aspect and altitude ensure stable snow through to the end of the season. For quietness, aim for January outside school holidays or the final week of March. February school holidays see steady numbers but without crowding, the multi-village setup dispersing visitors.
Planning a stay at Val Cenis
AEC Collection selects and represents chalets and apartments at Val Cenis and in the Maurienne valley. Lift passes, ski schools and restaurants are booked directly with local providers or the tourist office.
By the AEC Collection team
Our properties in Val Cenis
Exceptional chalets, villas and apartments, selected by our agents for their standing.
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