31 Jan 2023
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 et 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.
The Val d'Arly is a real hidden gem, but easily accessible from Geneva and Chambéry airports, or by train to Albertville.
