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. It is an alpine valley of an exceptional natural diversity. It offers vast forested slopes, extensive alpine pastures dotted with traditional chalets, numerous summits that boast magnificent views of Mont-Blanc, and long rock ridges such as the Col des Aravis.

Val d'Arly was able to develop its economy and tourism all the while protecting its agricultural roots

Staying in Val d'Arly means discovering the historical buildings, the local produce, the craftsmanship, and, most importantly, meeting the people who give life to this unique local heritage. It's a 'slow travel' destination.

In the winter, the area offers some excellent skiing. Flumet, Crest-Voland and Notre-Dame-de Bellecombe are part of the Espace Diamant ski area: www.espacediamant.com

La Giettez is linked to Les Portes du Mont Blanc : www.lesportesdumontblanc.fr La Giettaz is also famous locally for its freeriding terrain.

However, Val d'Arly is not just about skiing. Visitors can try many other activities, including some unusual ones.

The cable-drawn sled Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe: first launched in December 25th 1937, the cable-drawn sled was the resort's very first ski lift. Up until 1948, when it was replaced by a drag lift, skiers used this sled to get up the slopes. Equipped with a V8 Ford motor, the sled was towed by a cable and could carry 20 people at a time. Unique in France, the sled was totally restored in 2017. You can now, once again, use the sled to go up the hill in the centre of town. For extra fun, bring your own sled and then slide back down! Prices: 2 € / person. 20 seats available per ride.

New for winter 22-23: Electric moonbikes in La Giettaz Halfway between a snowmobile and a snowscoot, the moonbike is 100 % electric, manoeuvrable, silent, odor-free and 'clean'. It's three times lighter than a snowmobile, more environmently-friendly and a whole lot more fun. With it you can glide through pretty much any type of snow (up to 40 cm of fresh snow). And thanks to the guides at Alpiness who are happy to accompany you, you can tour the area. During the daytime, they'll show you the lesser-known paths through the forests for a perfect nature getaway, whereas the night option will have you speeding down the slopes from the top of the Torraz mountain. Prices: starting at 75 € / person. 16 years old and up. Previous experience in biking, motorcycling, snowboarding or skiing is recommended.

Ski Bob in Crest-Voland / Cohennoz:  created back in 1949, a skibob is similar to a bike: light, manoeuvrable and fun to use. Only, instead of wheels, you get skis (two of which are mounted to the frame of the bike and the other two worn on each foot for balance) which allows for speed. And because it's straightforward, the learning curve is pretty quick, especially since you benefit from the coaching of a specific skibob instructor. Ideal for non-skiers looking for new ways to take advantage of the slopes or downhill skiers eager to try new things. Prices: 30 € / person, including the skibob instructor and the bike rental.

Treetop adventure in Crest-Voland / Cohennoz: the Parc Accro is a one-of-a-kind year-round course. Because it's built on both sides of a canyon, this treetop adventure course has you flying across a canyon, above a stream below and in front of two waterfalls. The various sections such as an 180 meters long zip line, a suspended bridge, a via ferrata, etc. are all options that you can choose to do or not do according to your level of comfort. Small kids (age 4 to 7) can also cross the canyon thanks to their very own kid course. Prices: 26 € / adult, and starting at 16 € / child. Bookings required. Open to kids 4 and up.

Dogsledding is another popular activity. In Val d'Arly, children between 8 and 11 years old can also learn mushing thanks to the « kid sleds » available in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.

Visitors can also try ski touring at night, snowshoeing, yoga…and much more.

For those who want to add a cultural touch to their winter sports holidays, Val d'Arly is the place for them. Among the area's baroque monuments, Saint Nicolas Church is especially impressive because of its bell tower, its sculpted porch, its frescoes, and its main altar.

Holiday makers can also visit some local museums, farms, cheese cooperatives…there is always something interesting to do in the Val d'Arly.