Crest-Voland/Cohennoz

In the heart of Val d’Arly, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, between Beaufortain and Aravis, are nestled the charming villages of Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. The ski resort can be visited both in winter and summer, with magnificent views of the Val d’Arly massifs.

Crest-Voland resort location

The villages of Crest-Voland and Cohennoz hold together several towns, quite representative of the small tourist resorts in the Savoie and Haut-Savoie area. Although it does not belong to the latter region, the border is not far away; with an architecture that is considered rather exceptional, small buildings predominate. In the area, somewhat scattered, we find old farms and chalets with the charm of the area.

It is a quiet and calm resort, without large infrastructures, but with all the necessary premises for an unforgettable holidays. For the great gourmets, the area has a gastronomic offer rich in variety and dishes. In short, an ideal destination for family and to be relaxed.

Resort history

In 1950, the joint-stock company for the tourism and sports development of the Crest-Voland region (SAPERC), a local company with 110 shareholders, was created. In February 1951, the first mechanical ski lift was inaugurated. The Lachat ski lift, 1400 m long between the center of the resort and Mont-Lachat. For 50 francs a ticket, it had the capacity to transport up to 400 skiers per hour and cover the distance in 8 minutes.

A second identical ski lift was built in 1970. The ski lifts were replaced by a chairlift in 1999. In the 1950s, the French Ski School (ESF) and the Tovats ski lift were implemented.

In 1984, the ” Espace Cristal ” was created, a large ski area covering the resorts of Crest-Voland-Cohennoz and Les Saisie. This is possible thanks to the construction of 3 ski lifts, Grand Bois, Les Bâches and Nant Rouge, replaced during 2014 by a double boarding chairlift.

During the 90’s, after financial difficulties, SAPERC ceased these activities, which led to the resumption of control of the ski lifts by the municipality.

With the arrival of the new millennium, the installation of a network of artificial snow cannons, the opening of the Espace Diamant ski area, and the construction of the ” Lachat ” reservoir were commissioned.

It has a wide variety of routes, on foot or by bicycle, between mountain pastures and forests. In Crest-Voland you will enjoy a different rhythm of life and another way of enjoying it, in a village in the middle of the mountain surrounded by meadows and firs. The ski area of the resort, the Espace Diamant, is an area shared with Notre Dame de Bellecombe , Flumet – Saint Nicolas La Chapelle, Praz sur Arly and Les Saisies / Hauteluce.

It offers a total of 158 trails (30 green, 49 blue, 69 red, 10 black, with 82 ski lifts) spread over 192 km with up to 1000 m difference in altitude from Flumet – Les Seigneurs and the top of Mont du Vorès; accessible from the Plan des Fours and Douce ski lifts.

Crest-Voland Skiable Domain

The slopes of Espace Diamant offer accessible skiing, of medium altitude, varying through forests, crossing mountain pastures and discovering villages with character; while stare up, we will discover in the background the monumental panoramic views of Mont-Blanc and Aravis.

From the two snow fronts of Crest-Voland Cohennoz, the mainly green and blue trails are particularly suitable for ski learning. They have smooth elevations to start and some long, easy tracks to progress.

Once you have acquired the basics, you can start having fun: it is time to visit the green Brigadiers trail through the Moliettes ski lift. Although not everything can be summed up by getting on a board or skis to slide, a walk troughout the woods is always a great alternative if you want to avoid crowds. A slightly higher level without presenting great difficulties, the blue slopes La Grange and La Gentianes. Both reserve beautiful and long descents from the arrival of the Logère and Cernix chairlifts.

For experienced skiers, Mont Lachat has its own ace up its sleeve: the red trails of Auges (a kind of natural crossing of wild boars, untreated to enjoy powder snow) and Boulevard with a wide design and enjoying the beautiful sun .

The resort offers night skiing on the lighted Tovats trail, but is reserved on certain days of the week. On the Espace Diamant slope, you will find the Saute-Mouton route and its repertoire of unique views of Mont-Blanc, Pierra Menta, Porte des Aravis, as well as Roselend and Girotte; It is certainly a safe bet.

A corner to escape and relax

The capacity of the town, estimated by the Savoie Mont Blanc organization, was 4603 lodgings distributed on 775 establishments in 2004. This resort, which also includes the Cohennoz structures, has a capacity for 7681 visitors distributed among 1355 establishments. The accommodation is distributed as follows: 304 apartments in the resort; 4 hotels, of which 3 are in the town; 10 youth and high mountain hostels; the rest are rural houses.

Sports events held at the resort

The different Crest Voland events held certainly enhance the vacation experience. Among the most outstanding:

–  Ski-Bob World Cup VIP, at the end of January: considered a claim for excitement and extreme sports lovers. This type of event is a novelty in French resorts. The Ski-Bob World Cup is held in Val d’Arly (Crest – Voland / Cohennoz and Notre Dame de Bellecombe). Only a few will have the privilege of accessing the finish areas and being invited to the opening aperitif together with the champions.

– “Femini’Cimes” in early January: women’s day in the Espace Diamant ski area (animations, specific activities and discounts in shops and restaurants).

– “Wouaouland Freestyle Contest” in mid-March: freestyle event where the good atmosphere and the party is guaranteed with Jam Session (music, shows, live concerts)

– “Ski-Bob Fun Race Tour”, early April: Ski-Bob competition open to all, with entries limited to the first 50 participants.