Valfrejus

Nestled at an altitude of 1,550 metres in the Maurienne Valley, Valfréjus is a French Savoyard resort that combines authenticity and modernity. In its setting in the Thabor massif, it has retained all its authenticity and offers wonderful skiing of great diversity. Valfréjus was founded in 1983. At the time, visitors travelled from Modane by chairlift to the hamlet of Charmaix (now Valfréjus), where there were no residences, only a few alpine chalets. Two sections of gondola lifts were built, enabling visitors to reach the top of the slopes at Punta Bagna, at an altitude of 2,737 metres. And so one of the youngest resorts was born.

The Valfréjus ski area

The Valfréjus ski area covers a vast natural area between 1,550 and 2,737 metres above sea level, offering a wide variety of landscapes and snow conditions. This significant difference in altitude allows skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy a varied and suitable terrain, ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging routes. In total, there are around 70 kilometres of carefully maintained slopes in this area, divided into different categories: green slopes for beginners, blue slopes for intermediate skiers, and red and black slopes for the more experienced. There is something for everyone, with the opportunity to progress safely.

Less waiting and time spent on the lifts means more skiing in Valfréjus.

The infrastructure has been modernised, with almost all of the ski lifts replaced, reducing the environmental impact and increasing transport capacity to 17,480 people per hour. The snowmaking network has also been optimised, producing 100,000 m³ of snow in just 350 hours, guaranteeing that the resort is open from December to April.

On the slopes, 76 snow cannons reinforce this area, which is accessible to skiers of all levels. The resort also surprises experts with the ‘discover the great outdoors’ products offered by ski schools and instructors.

For novices, the Arrondaz plateau is a real haven of peace. Located close to the village, it offers wide, gently sloping slopes, ideal for learning to ski in a preserved natural setting. This area has also recently been restructured to make learning more gradual and enjoyable, with better maintenance and management of skier flows. The ski school instructors regularly organise sessions tailored to children and adult beginners, allowing them to gently discover the joys of skiing.

For thrill seekers, the resort has plenty to offer. The red and black runs leading up to the summit of Punta Bagna, at an altitude of 2,737 metres, offer technical and challenging descents with spectacular views of the Maurienne valley and the surrounding mountains. This altitude also guarantees good snow cover throughout the winter season, reinforced by a modern and efficient snowmaking system.

The Valfréjus ski resort is committed to sustainable development

For several years now, Valfréjus has been committed to an exemplary approach to sustainable development and the preservation of its natural environment. Aware of the fragility of mountain ecosystems, the resort has implemented a series of concrete measures aimed at reducing its ecological impact while offering a pleasant living environment for its residents and visitors. One of the key elements of this policy is the complete pedestrianisation of the town centre. In order to limit air and noise pollution and promote safety and quality of life,

no motorised vehicles are allowed in the heart of the resort.

This measure encourages soft mobility, such as walking or using electric bikes and scooters, while enhancing the friendly and peaceful atmosphere of the village.

In terms of waste management, the resort has a strict recycling policy, with six collection points for glass, plastic, metal, paper and cardboard, strategically located throughout the municipality. This system raises awareness among residents and tourists about the importance of recycling, while ensuring that recyclable materials are reused as much as possible.

Unforgettable experiences in Valfréjus

Valfréjus offers accessible and highly popular leisure activities for families and children. The famous Bob Park is undoubtedly one of the resort’s major attractions for fun-filled afternoons. This 2-kilometre-long toboggan run, the longest and most complete in France, offers a course dotted with banked turns, tunnels and forest passages that guarantee thrills in complete safety. Built-in stopwatches allow users to measure their performance and add a competitive dimension to this shared moment of fun. It’s the perfect activity for enjoying time with family or friends, far from the traditional ski slopes.

Thrill seekers can take to the zip line and let themselves be carried along by the steel cable. You’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the magnificent mountain landscapes of the Vanoise National Park and the Valfréjus resort! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!

The mountain resort of Valfréjus in summer

In this mountain resort, the Via Ferrata is a popular and highly appreciated activity. There are many routes available for climbing, scrambling or venturing out into nature. However, this activity requires caution as it can be dangerous. It is therefore essential to be accompanied by professionals and to follow the safety instructions carefully. Ready to take up the challenge? It’s up to you!

For those looking for a more peaceful activity, relax on the resort’s lakes and rivers and let your fishing rod do the work! Be sure to release your catch to preserve the species present in the resort!

Webcams of the Valfrejus ski resort

If you want to see the current state of the ski resort and its natural environment, you will find below the Valfrejus webcams in real time.

Valfrejus cable car

The top of the cable car

Hotels in Valfrejus

Hôtel le Commerce ***

A small, charming hotel, Le Commerce will give you a warm welcome. Located in the centre of Modane, it is just a few metres from the train station and the Fréjus tunnel, which provides access to the ski resorts. The ideal place to recharge your batteries during your stay in the mountains!

SOWELL Family ***

This large hotel has it all: a wellness area, magnificent rooms, a bar, a restaurant, a kids’ club… Everything you need for an excellent stay in the mountains. Stimulating for children, relaxing for parents and invigorating for teenagers.

What’s more, you’re only a hundred metres away from the cable car and the resort centre, with all amenities nearby.

Skiing in Valfréjus: the resort’s strong points

Valfréjus is one of those resorts that surprises visitors with its perfect balance of Alpine authenticity, high-quality snow, and a peaceful atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise in Savoie, just 15 minutes from the highway and Modane train station, this mid-to-high-altitude resort combines accessibility and beautiful scenery, offering an experience much closer to nature than the large neighboring resorts.

Altitude and ski area

The ski area extends between 1,550 and 2,737 meters in altitude, reaching Punta Bagna, one of the most impressive panoramic peaks in the area. This range offers more than 1,180 meters of skiable vertical drop with 360° views over the Vanoise National Park.

Valfréjus has 70 kilometers of slopes perfectly distributed for all levels. And if you’re looking for more kilometers, the ski pass includes access to La Norma, extending the combined ski area to 135 km of slopes, with free transport between the two resorts.

Diversity of slopes and sensations

The resort has wide, flowing, and varied slopes. The beginner areas are well marked and equipped with accessible lifts, while experienced skiers can enjoy longer and more technical descents such as the famous “Le Jeu” slope, which is over 12 kilometers long, or the red slopes in the Punta Bagna sector.

The balance between open slopes and wooded areas is another of its great attractions, allowing skiing even on days with poor visibility.

Natural snow and snow quality

Thanks to its orientation and geographical location, Valfréjus benefits from the famous “retours d’est,” weather events that bring dry and abundant snow from Italy. Seventy percent of its domain is located above 2,000 meters, and the resort reinforces conditions with a network of snow cannons that ensures a return to the village throughout the season.

A resort on a human scale

One of Valfréjus’ greatest charms is its size. It is a compact resort, without overcrowding and with a family atmosphere. The village is perfectly integrated into the landscape, with wooden and stone chalets nestled among fir forests. Most of the accommodation is located at the foot of the slopes or just a few meters from the ski lifts, making everything accessible without the need for a vehicle.

Unlike the large ski areas, here you can enjoy stress-free skiing: no endless queues, no traffic, and the feeling of really being in the mountains.

Freeride spirit and innovation

Valfréjus is a leading destination for freeride and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Its north-facing slopes retain high-quality snow throughout the season, and legendary routes such as the Refuge du Thabor and the couloirs of Punta Bagna are well known among local skiers.

The resort is also a pioneer in speed riding, a hybrid discipline between paragliding and skiing that was born right here and continues to attract athletes from all over Europe.

Connection to other domains

As part of the Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise, Valfréjus allows access to neighboring resorts such as La Norma, Val Cenis, Aussois, and Bonneval-sur-Arc with the same ski pass. This “multi-domain” system makes the region an ideal destination for those looking to combine different styles of skiing during their stay.

Accessibility and season

Valfréjus is one of the best-connected resorts in Savoie. Less than an hour from Chambéry and three hours from Lyon or Turin, its proximity to the motorway and the Modane TGV station makes it easy to get to.

The resort is usually open from mid-December to mid-April, with lift operating hours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on weather conditions.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Valfréjus

Take advantage of the first runs down Le Jeu.

It is one of the longest and most enjoyable runs in the resort, perfect for warming up your legs at sunrise, when the snow is still hard and the sun is just beginning to light up the valley.

Explore the link to La Norma.

If you are spending several days in Valfréjus, spend at least one of them crossing over to La Norma. The free bus link is quick, and the slopes at La Norma complement the more technical terrain at Valfréjus very well.

Refuge du Thabor: a hidden gem.

If you have experience in cross-country skiing, plan a trip to the Refuge du Thabor. It is an iconic and safe guided excursion, with views that reward the effort.

Trails through the woods for cloudy days.

When visibility is reduced or it’s windy, opt for the forest trails that descend towards the village. They preserve the snow better and offer a more “alpine” skiing experience.

Ideal for families looking for peace and quiet.

Children can learn without stress and get around safely, as the village is very compact. In addition, the ski school and children’s clubs are at the foot of the slopes, which makes family logistics easier.

Après-ski, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Here you won’t find noisy nightclubs or queues at the bars. Après-ski in Valfréjus is more intimate: sunny terraces, mulled wine, and live music in small venues with mountain views.

Keep your eyes peeled for the “retours d’est.”

If the weather forecast announces an easterly wind, get ready: these are the days when heavy snowfall and fresh powder are most likely. This is when Valfréjus becomes a true white paradise.