Last year my son Alex was invited to go skiing with a college friend and her family together with a set of extended friends. This year Alex was again invited and the invite was extended to Jean, myself and Louise. The ski resort is called Val Cenis and its situated in the French alps.

Val Cenis

Val Cenis is a picturesque ski resort nestled in the heart of the French Alps, renowned for its authentic charm, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional skiing opportunities. Situated in the Haute-Maurienne Valley, near the Italian border, Val Cenis combines traditional alpine character with modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasoned skiers alike.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Val Cenis boasts a well-designed ski area that stretches across 125 kilometers of slopes, offering a mix of terrains suitable for all levels. Beginners are well-catered to with gentle nursery slopes and high-quality ski schools, while intermediates and advanced skiers can explore a variety of red and black runs that weave through forested landscapes and open alpine expanses. The resort’s longest run, the L’Escargot, is a must-try—it’s the longest green slope in Europe, spanning 10 kilometers and providing a scenic yet gentle descent.

Freestyle enthusiasts will appreciate the snow parks equipped with jumps, rails, and boxes, while off-piste adventurers can venture into untouched powder fields with a guide. Thanks to its high-altitude location, ranging from 1,300 to 2,800 meters, Val Cenis enjoys reliable snow conditions throughout the season, further complemented by modern snowmaking facilities.

Accommodations and Amenities

The resort encompasses the villages of Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard, which exude a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, including cozy chalets, self-catering apartments, and luxury hotels. Many properties offer ski-in, ski-out convenience, allowing guests to maximize their time on the slopes.

In addition to skiing, Val Cenis features a host of après-ski activities and amenities. The leisure center includes a swimming pool, spa facilities, and a fitness area, perfect for unwinding after a day on the mountain. The villages are dotted with charming restaurants, where visitors can savor traditional Savoyard cuisine such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, alongside fine French wines.

Family-Friendly Appeal

Val Cenis is particularly celebrated for its family-friendly offerings. It has earned the “Famille Plus” label, a distinction for resorts providing excellent services for families. Children can enjoy dedicated ski areas, sledging zones, and childcare facilities, while parents can relax knowing their little ones are in good hands.

Beyond the Slopes

The resort offers a plethora of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, and dog sledding allow visitors to explore the pristine alpine wilderness. For those seeking cultural experiences, the region’s rich heritage is evident in its Baroque churches, traditional hamlets, and local festivals.

Summer Adventures

Val Cenis transforms into a vibrant playground during the summer months, attracting hikers, climbers, and cyclists. The Vanoise National Park, one of France’s oldest protected areas, is located nearby and offers an array of trails showcasing the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Mountain biking, paragliding, and water sports on Lac du Mont Cenis are also popular summer pursuits.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by car, train, or shuttle services from nearby airports such as Chambery and Grenoble, Val Cenis combines convenience with the allure of an alpine retreat. Its blend of natural beauty, rich traditions, and year-round activities makes it a destination that captures the essence of the French Alps. Whether visiting for a thrilling ski holiday or a serene summer escape, Val Cenis promises an unforgettable experience.

MGS Ski

The booking of the holiday was performed by members of the group but the actual company that we went with was MGS Ski ( mgsski.com ) . Members of the group either flew to Val Cenis or they drove from the UK ( which is a long drive ) . MGS provided the accommodation and they also provided holiday ‘reps’ together with guided skiing AND they also provided a ‘fun night’ evening meals complete with a quiz and additional entertainment at one of the bars in central Val Cenis ( Le Bella ).

This year there will be 6 of us with both David and Adrian knowing the area very well and I think Dermot also has knowledge of the area.

Flights

We caught our flight from Manchester to Grenoble. All went well until we arrived at Grenoble where we found that other flights had been delayed so we had to wait 2 hours for other people to arrive at the coach which then went on to take us to the ski resort.

Ski Equipment , ski hire and passes

Ski passes together with all equipment hire were ordered prior to our arrival at Val Cenis. Once at the resort we went immediately to the ski hire shop and obtained all of the ski equipment.

Accomodation

I am not sure just how to describe the accommodation but it was functional but not spacious, it was warm. There was no boot room and the locker area which was on the lower level of the building was dated and cramped. It was a self catering appartment which could sleep up to 7.

Food / Restaurants

When on a skiing holiday, one of the joys is the food that you eat. Val Cenis has several restaurants, most of which serve Pizza and chips though there are also burger bars and the usual type of ski resort food. In my opinion the food is ok for a weeks skiing, just don’t expect any vegetables. We did have a self catering flat and on one of the nights we did cook for ourselves. If we were to return to Val Cenis then I feel that it would be better if we did cook more ( at least once or twice more ).

• Le Bella ( this is one of the main bar/restaurants facing the slopes )
• Fema ( up in the mountains – great variety of food and good food )
• Le Bois De Cerf ( Pizzaria )
• Howards ( Burger Bar – only gets 1/10 from me )

Shopping

There are shops in Val Cenis, its a proper little mountain town. There are 2 SPAR shops where food and all sorts of merchandise can be purchased.

Skiing

The skiing was good even though the snow was not deep. There was sufficient covering for on piste skiing and although there was off-piste skiing there was no real depth to the snow. We did get some additional snow during the week and when we left the resort it was snowing.

Quiz Time

Its kind of a tradition with MGS Ski that some form of self entertainment is provided and on this occasion we thought that we would go on holiday armed with a series of quizzes.

Peter M???? created a quiz and he became the entertainments officer for the night. The quiz night included a meal ( 30 euros / person ) which was a cook your own meat ( chicken and steak ) complete with chips and salad.

Its fair to say that the quiz night went down well and were thoroughly entertained.

In and around Val Cenis

Really Old church at the top of the mountain

Time To Go

Alas all good things must come to an end. The coach arrived at 8 am so everyone assembled in the lounge complete with luggage for the homeward journey.

Where Next ?

Decisions will be made after our trip next week to Corvara in Italy.