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12 Best Ski Resorts In The Maurienne (‘25-’26 Season)
You can find some of the best high-altitude skiing in Europe in the Maurienne in France. Located in Savoie, Mont Blanc’s home, the height of the area’s peaks guarantees snow throughout the season.
I have visited the Maurienne multiple times a year for the past six years, ever since I met my boyfriend, who has skied here all his life. I learned to ski in La Norma and have come to know and love the region well.
The Maurienne is famous for Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski resort and one of France’s top attractions. But it also has many smaller resorts worth visiting. From charming villages to the most adventurous slopes, I have listed them all below.
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12 Best Ski Resorts In The Maurienne
Les 3 Vallées
⛷️ The largest ski resort in the world offers 600 km of slopes, aprés-ski at altitude, and endless 360-degree views of the snow-covered Alps.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Les 3 Vallées is the largest ski resort in the world, with over 600 kilometers of slopes. The 330 pistes offer runs for beginners, steep black slopes, and thrilling off-piste terrains making it one of France’s top attractions.
The area harbors eight resort villages, of which Val Thorens is the most famous. It’s Europe’s highest resort, with the majority of its slopes above 1800 meters. But above all, it’s the place for après-ski. The town itself is full of busy bars, with the infamous slope-side Folie Douce taking the cake.
Families seeking easier slopes and affordable accommodation are better off in Les Menuires. Luxury travelers will prefer the Michelin-star restaurants of Saint Martin de Belleville or the five-star hotels of Courchevel. Those looking to ski every slope should stay at Méribel for its central location.
👉 Pro tip: Les 3 Vallées is one of the most expensive resorts in Europe, especially if you buy a pass to all three valleys. To save money, stay in one of its budget-friendly neighbors like La Norma or Val Fréjus, and buy a day pass for Val Thorens and Orelle. The lift from Orelle is only a 20-minute drive away from the two smaller resorts. Just make sure you don’t miss the last lift.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 6 – April 17 (Val Thorens and Orelle November 22 – May 3)
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 137 inches / 349 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 3609 feet / 1100 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 10597 feet / 3230 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$$
La Norma
⛷️ The most family-friendly ski resort in the Maurienne has something thrilling for everyone.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
La Norma holds a special place in my heart. My boyfriend has gone each year since he was a babe, and I have joined him for the past 5 years. Having gotten to know the place well, I can say it’s the perfect place for families and skiers of all levels.
The village itself is small and car-free, and offers over 60 km of slopes. The fun park, two blacks, and the Norma Loops rollercoaster are great for adventurers. Its green and blue slopes are gentle enough for beginners.
The best part, however, is its lift pass. Any pass will grant you access to Valfréjus as well, doubling the number of available slopes. A pass for six days or more also grants you one-day access to Val Cenis, Aussois, Bonneval-sur-Arc, or Bessans. This way, you get to more slopes without paying the big bucks.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 96 inches / 244 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 4429 feet / 1350 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 9022 feet / 2750 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Valfréjus
⛷️ Whether you want to enjoy the sun, ski over moguls, or fly with your skis still on, this resort will make your heart race.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Valfréjus is La Norma’s rugged neighbor. Its 70 kilometers of pistes cover two valleys above the treeline and have something for all levels. Punta Bagna, the resort’s highest point, perched between the two valleys, makes for great views.
The Punta Bagna is also a daredevil hotspot. Besides offering slopes for all levels, it is the birthplace of speedriding: the sport of jumping off a cliff with a parachute and skis. You can book lessons at Ataka or grab a café on top of the mountain to watch the stuntmen instead.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 97 inches / 247 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 5085 feet / 1550 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8980 feet / 2737 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Val Cenis
⛷️ Spread across three villages and a lake, this resort offers plenty of slopes and winter activities to keep the entire party entertained.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Val Cenis is a mid-sized ski resort in the eastern Maurienne. With a lake at its heart, it offers some of the most scenic skiing in the region. But adrenaline seekers will find plenty here, with its boardercross track, snow tubing activities, and fun parks.
Despite its size, Val Cenis still feels comfortable enough for young families and beginners. Traveling with non-skiers? Then they’ll have plenty to do with the resort’s extensive hiking and Nordic skiing trails.
As the resort stretches across three villages, deciding where to stay can be tricky. Lanslevillard harbors most lifts, while Termignon, with only one possible route to the area, offers the most beautiful slopes. Lanslebourg has the best of both worlds, as it’s located between the two.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 14 – April 17
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 72 inches / 184 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 4265 feet / 1300 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 9186 feet / 2800 meters
- 🚠 Life Ticket Cost: $$$
Aussois
⛷️ This small, sun-soaked ski resort offers incredible views and juicy intermediate runs.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Aussois is tiny but mighty. Its 55 km of slopes lie above the treeline, meaning each descent offers unlimited views. And as the only south-facing resort in the Haute Maurienne, you won’t get cold on sunny days.
While smaller resorts are generally better for beginners, Aussois is heavy on the red and black slopes. It’s thus best for intermediate skiers, or those looking for a day trip from La Norma or Valfréjus.
Although I prefer the sun over clouds or fog any day, it can make the slopes of Aussois icy or mushy towards the end of the season. Visit in January or February for the best conditions.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 13 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 81 inches / 206 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 4921 feet / 1500 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8858 feet / 2700 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Bonneval-sur-Arc
⛷️ This historic village offers secret slopes and off-piste terrain for true adventurists.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Bonneval-sur-Arc’s main all-season attraction is the historic village. Popular among daytrippers, its old stone homes are a picturesque backdrop to a hot chocolate avec chantilly. The 32 km of slopes, however, often go unnoticed.
While it is the smallest alpine skiing resort in the region, it’s got some long runs and great off-piste terrain. Bonneval-sur-Arc is often quiet, making for a serene day of skiing or boarding.
As it is small, however, I do recommend going here for just a day. Unless you’re visiting during the annual La Lekkarod, a dogsledding race that runs between the village and Bessans.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 24
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 187 inches / 477 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 5906 feet / 1800 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 9843 feet / 3000 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Les Sybelles
⛷️ The second-largest ski resort in the Maurienne offers a wide range of alpine activities that won’t break the bank.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
In the Maurienne, Les Sybelles is second only to Les 3 Vallées. It’s 275 km of slopes are much more under the radar, though, and a lot more budget-friendly. So, if you’re looking to make some miles without breaking the bank, this is the place to be.
But its true selling point is the variety of mountain sports. Besides slopes for skiing and snowboarding, Les Sybelles offers snowshoeing, night skiing, Nordic skiing, free-riding, and off-piste areas. If going off-piste sounds scary, they even offer guided ski tours into the backcountry.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 13 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 117 inches / 296 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 3609 feet / 1100 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8596 feet / 2620 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$
🛏️ Where to Stay: Les Sybelles spreads over five villages. Les Bottières is the hardest to reach, while La Toussuire and Le Corbier are the largest. The latter house high-rise flats, so if you’re looking for a true alpine experience, St Sorlin d’Arves and St Jean d’Arves are your best bet.
Valloire Galibier
⛷️ In winter, this cycler’s paradise turns into a ski resort filled with long runs scattered across three mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
Most people would know the Valloire Galibier as the mecca of cycling. The Col du Galibier often forms one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France. But with over 160 km of piste, it’s a ski paradise as well.
The area covers three mountains and connects the villages of Valmeinier and Valloire. The towns themselves are charming while the slopes offer something challenging for everyone.
Travelers who want to eat hearty Savoie food rather than speed down pistes will love Valloire Galibier, too. Its mountain views and non-ski activities like mountain karting make it a winter must-visit.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 103 inches / 261 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 4692 feet / 1430 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 9022 feet / 2750 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$
Le Grand Domaine Valmorel
⛷️ This little-known ski resort offers over 160 km of pistes, but with fewer crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
You will find La Grand Domaine in the north of the Maurienne. While it’s bigger than Valloire Galibier, it is not as well-known. This means quieter slopes and roads perfect for families.
The resort lies lower than most areas in the Maurienne. While this could mean it will become less snow-secure in the future, La Grand Domaine still has incredible annual snowfall. Thus, the great variety of slopes often feels fresh and cloud-like.
The area stretches between two towns: Valmorel and Saint-François-Longchamp. Both villages are comfortable, but I recommend staying in Valmorel. The place has more restaurants and bars, and the ambiance is much more compelling.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 118 inches / 299 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 4101 feet / 1250 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8366 feet / 2550 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$
Les Karellis
⛷️ This car-free, family-oriented resort offers gentle slopes and non-ski activities like dog-sledge rides and snowshoe hikes.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
About the same size as La Norma, Les Karellis offers 60 kilometers of piste. Its high altitude and north-facing slopes guarantee all-season snowfall. But where La Norma offers more technical slopes, Les Karellis is heavy on the blues and thus great for beginners.
As the village is car-free, it is also one of the best areas to visit for young families. The sledge areas, snowshoe trails, dog-sledge rides, and green fun parks will keep both kids and parents entertained.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – April 11
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 121 inches / 307 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 5249 feet / 1600 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8268 feet / 2520 cm
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Albiez-Montrond
⛷️ The smallest alpine skiing resort in the Maurienne is perfect for young families and beginners looking to take it slow.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
If you look hard enough, you will find Albiez-Montrond wedged between Les Sybelles and Les Karellis. With only 35 kilometers of slopes, this resort caters primarily to families.
Albiez-Montrond has 25 kilometers of blue and green slopes, and it is the ultimate destination for beginners looking to enjoy the views without getting lost. Both villages, Mollard and Chef Lieu, are close enough that a quick bus ride will fix a wrong turn at the end of the day.
And if you’re not staying in the resort itself, Albiez-Montrond is a great day-trip destination. The neighboring larger resorts are a mere 20-minute drive away.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: December 20 – March 22
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 55 inches / 140 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 3609 feet / 1100 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 8596 feet / 2620 meters
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$
Bessans
⛷️ Forget the thrill of quick descents: Bessans’ Nordic skiing trails will immerse you in the tranquility of the Vanoise National Park.
📍 Google Maps | Resort Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking
With 3 kilometers of alpine skiing, you might wonder why Bessans is on this list. While hardcore skiers might want to skip it altogether, the village does offer over 100 kilometers of Nordic skiing trails.
Unsurprisingly, there are many other non-ski activities to do here. Biathlon, ice-climbing, and snowshoe hiking will fill your week with wintery sports. And if you do want to enjoy some alpine descents, Val Cenis and Bonneval-sur-Arc are a mere 20-minute drive away.
- 📅 2025-2026 Opening Date: November 1 – April 10
- ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 119 inches / 301 cm
- 🎿 Elevation at Base: 5741 feet / 1750 meters
- 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 6070 feet / 1850 cm
- 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $
📚 Related Reading: Don’t forget any important essentials with Rachel’s complete France packing list.
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There you have it, the 12 ski resorts of the Maurienne! If you’re planning to explore the rest of the country, read Rachel’s guide on the best places to visit in France next.