France
Nestled between the Aravis, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc massifs, the Val d’Arly Mont Blanc is one of the most authentic mountain destinations in the French Alps. It is not a single resort, but a vibrant region comprising four resort villages, each with its own distinct character: Crest-Voland/Cohennoz, Flumet/Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle, La Giettaz in the Aravis and Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.
Inhabited all year round, these Savoyard villages have preserved their traditional architecture, working farms, centuries-old churches and AOC cheeses, offering visitors a genuine immersion in Alpine culture that very few resorts can match. Thanks to a microclimate influenced by the proximity of Mont Blanc, the Val d’Arly enjoys excellent snow cover from December to the end of April. Its four villages form part of the Espace Diamant ski area, one of the largest ski areas in the Northern Alps, with 192 km of slopes linking six resorts across a landscape of forests, pastures and peaks over 2,000 metres high.
The ski slopes of Val d’Arly Mont Blanc
The ski area is organised around two complementary zones. The Espace Diamant connects six resorts by ski (Les Saisies, Hauteluce, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Crest-Voland/Cohennoz, Praz sur Arly and Flumet) via the slopes, with 192 km of runs, 79 lifts and altitudes ranging from 910 to 2,053 m – the Crêt du Vors, the highest point in the ski area, offering 360° views of Mont Blanc.
Its 159 runs are divided into 32 green, 71 blue, 52 red and 12 black runs, plus 7 snowparks and 3 boardercross courses for freestyle enthusiasts.
The Val d’Arly ski area itself boasts 90 km of its own slopes, and access to the Portes du Mont-Blanc adds a further 100 km. The resort offers over 280 km of interconnected skiing, a figure that places it amongst the major destinations in the Northern Alps.
The Val d’Arly Mont Blanc ski area is committed to sustainable development
Sustainability is a cornerstone of life in the Val d’Arly. In winter, the free ski bus connects all the villages to the slopes. In summer, the Nature shuttles – which are also free and bike-friendly – link the valley’s villages to the main trailheads and tourist attractions, drastically reducing car traffic. Short food supply chains and the local economy are a priority: restaurants work with local producers of Beaufort AOC cheese, meat and seasonal vegetables. The area is also home to the Toî du Monde eco-hotel, which is carbon-neutral and energy self-sufficient thanks to solar panels and a wood-fired boiler, and the Entre Terre et Ciel tree houses, built from natural materials by the owner himself.
Unforgettable experiences in Val d’Arly and Mont Blanc
Beyond the slopes, the Val d’Arly offers experiences that make it a well-rounded destination. The cross-country ski trails at Les Saisies are a benchmark in the French Alps, with dozens of kilometres of trails winding through the woods against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. Snowshoeing and dog sledding are activities that are very popular with families. Ski-joëring – skiing behind a team of horses – is another unique experience that is hard to find at other resorts. And for the more curious, visits to farms with Beaufort cheese tastings and tours of the valley’s seven Baroque churches offer a cultural and gastronomic dimension that enriches any winter stay.
Where to stay in Val d’Arly Mont Blanc
In Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, highlights include the Résidence Les Hauts de Bellecombe (studios at 1,450 m with direct access to the slopes) and the Résidence Odalys Le Village (indoor pool and spa). In Crest-Voland, the Hôtel Mont Bisanne is a traditional chalet offering views of Mont Blanc, regional cuisine and 14 rooms with an intimate atmosphere. In La Giettaz in the Aravis, the Hôtel Flor’Alpes (1,100 m) offers a comfortable stay in one of the most authentic villages in the region. For unique experiences: the eco-hotel Toî du Monde and the Entre Terre et Ciel tree houses with unobstructed views of Mont Blanc.
Val d’Arly Mont Blanc in summer
In summer, the area is completely transformed. With over 230 km of signposted MTB trails – certified by the FFC as some of the best in France – and a number of ski lifts open during the high season, the Val d’Arly is a natural bike park on an alpine scale. The hiking is equally exceptional: the Covetan Trail (a themed trail focusing on alpine wetlands), the routes to Lac de Saint Guérin in the Beaufortain and the Grand Tour de Tarentaise trails are among the best in the region. The Arly Cimes Trail, held in June, is a benchmark for alpine trail running with its own women’s category. And visits to the farms of Beaufort, the farmers’ markets and the Baroque heritage of the villages offer an authentic and unique cultural immersion.
Skiing in Val d’Arly Mont Blanc: the resort’s highlights
Val d’Arly Mont Blanc is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the Alps in depth: not just on the slopes, but through genuine contact with the culture, landscape and people of Savoy. Its membership of the Espace Diamant, the intimate scale of its four vibrant villages, the cuisine rooted in the local terroir, the commitment to sustainability and a top-quality summer programme make this area a well-rounded destination whatever the season.
