France Promotes Skiing In The Pretty Resorts Of The Val D’Arly, Savoie,

The French Alps is one of the preferred destinations for British skiers. However, part of it, such as the Val d’Arly, is still relatively unknow. Val d’Arly is made of four village resorts: Flumet, Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe and La Giettaz. It is an alpine valley of an exceptional natural diversity. It offers vast forested slopes, extensive alpine pastures dotted with traditional chalets and numerous summits that boast magnificent views of Mont-Blanc.

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, between the Aravis, the Beaufortain and the Mont-Blanc mountain ranges, Val d’Arly is made of four village resorts: Flumet, Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe and La Giettaz. Together the 4 villages form a varied 4-season tourist destination shaped over time by both the local agricultural traditions and the local tradition of hospitality towards visitors.

In the Val d’Arly, skiers can enjoy 2 linked ski area: the Espace Diamant and Les Portes du Mont Blanc.

The slopes in Espace Diamant cover a total of 192 km, from 1,000m to 2,069m, and 6 resorts: Les Saisies, Hauteluce, Notre-Damede-Bellecombe, Crest-voland / Cohennoz, Praz sur Arly and Flumet. Both for family-oriented or more adventurous types, its slopes take you through snowy alpine pastures, forests, charming villages, and offer - at the top of each mountain - panoramic views of the surrounding Mont-Blanc, Beaufortain, and Aravis mountains. A day pass costs €45 and 6-day €235.80. Espace Diamant is open until 10 April 2023.

Skiers can also go on a mini adventure in the Espace Diamant; whether you’re new to ski touring or just seeking new thrilling experiences, a nocturnal ski touring outing is a fun way to explore the mountains by night. An introduction to ski touring basics is given during a short uphill session (1½ hours and 300 m elevation gain) that takes you to « La Montagnette », a charming mountain restaurant where you will enjoy a traditional Savoyard meal: apéritif, fondue or tartiflette, dessert… Then, after a hearty meal, the green slope called ‘la Belette’ (in Flumet) allows for an easy introduction to nocturnal downhill skiing. A magical moonlit experience! It costs €42 per person.  www.esfflumetsaintnicolas.com/ski-de-randonnee.html

The second ski area, Les Portes du Mont Blanc, is made of 4 resorts (La Giettaz, Le Jaillet (Megève), Combloux et Cordon). Its 100 km of slopes pass through both Savoie and Haute-Savoie and offer spectacular views of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. And because the slopes in la Giettaz are north-facing and covered with trees that protect the fresh fallen snow, hence providing top-quality conditions all winter, it’s the perfect resort for downhill skiers of any level. La Giettaz is also particularly popular amongst freeride skiers and snow touring enthusiasts. A day pass costs €43 and 6-day €216.

When skiing, ski touring or snowshoeing in La Giettaz, stop for lunch at the 1930, a cable car food truck. The 1930 is perfect for a friendly, gourmet and panoramic pit stop. The food truck’s chef and local icon, Yann Marangone, has established a savoury menu prepared exclusively with local produce: potato pancakes, farcement (a local dish), cold cuts, soups, hot dogs, waffles, crepes, craft beers… the perfect place for locavores! And on top of the great cuisine, enjoy a new XXL viewpoint indicator designed by local artist, Arthur Novat.

 
Val d’Arly is more than just a ski destination. Many other activities are on offer such as Tree Top Adventure Course, Fat Biking, Electric Moonbike (new for this winter), a cable-drawn sled, but also visit of local farms, museums, etc.

 
There is a wide choice of accommodation including some unusual and eco-friendly ones such as Les Cabanes entre Terre et Ciel (www.cabanes-entreterreetciel.fr) and Le Toi du Monde (www.letoidumonde.com). And of course, many excellent restaurants and delis…all at a reasonable price.

The resorts of the Val d’Arly are easily accessible from Chambéry and Geneva airport, or by train from Albertville.
www.valdarly-montblanc.com