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Ski resorts in Bonneval-sur-Arc

Bonneval-sur-Arc ski resort is a very small village situated at the end of the Haute-Maurienne Valley, at the foot of the Iseran Glacier. It makes up part of a conservation area and is known for its beauty and authenticity, and for the exceptional quality of snow which it receives from December to May. Additionally, being one of the smaller ski resorts, Bonneval-sur-Arc is generally less crowded than many of the big names.

The village resembles an ancient Savoyard hamlet, with a superb collection of old chalets made from stone, surrounding the village church with its trademark steeple. Bonneval-sur-Arc has fewer amenities than the larger ski resorts, but its remote position and quaint beauty make it one of the most atmospheric ski destinations in all of France. It is friendly, traditional and unspoilt, and its small size also makes it a great place to meet new people.

There are 19 ski runs at Bonneval-sur-Arc, making up a total of 25kms of slopes within the resort. The runs are fairly evenly distributed between levels, with five green slopes, seven blue slopes, five red slopes and two black runs for those who enjoy a challenge. Access to the starting points is gained via a system of three chair lifts and seven ski tows.

Only six kilometres away is the mountain village of Bessans, boasting 80kms of marked pistes, as well as a notable church and baroque chapels. Also nearby is the famed ski resort of Val d’Isere, with an enormous ski area, world class lift infrastructure and a vast range of après-ski activities.

Bonneval is not a prime destination for early season skiing, and hence the season begins on December 20 and runs to May 2; fixed rate tariffs apply for this period. The most convenient means of reaching the Bonneval-sur-Arc is by driving, or by catching a train to nearby Modane and arranging a transfer to the ski resort.

Skiing in Bonneval-sur-Arc

Bonneval-sur-Arc is one of France’s most beautiful ski destinations, situated at the foot of glaciers at the remote end of the majestic Haute-Maurienne Valley. It is one of the smaller and less commercial resorts, with limited nightlife, and is geared towards those seeking an authentic experience in a traditional, unspoilt environment.

Bonneval-sur-Arc has a total area of 25kms designated for skiing, distributed over 19 slopes, and served by 10 lifts. All levels of skiing expertise are catered for at Bonneval-sur-Arc: there are five beginner runs, seven intermediate runs, five expert runs, and two black level runs for extremely advanced skiers.

Additionally, cross-country skiing is popular at Bonneval-sur-Arc, with 80kms of cross-country trails beginning only six kilometres away, and continuing through the exquisite landscape of the Vanoise National Park.

Bonneval-sur-Arc is one of France’s quieter skiing villages - more a relaxed getaway than a commercial resort with a vibrant nightlife. There are, however, a number of laid-back bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy their après-ski hours.

The ski season starts later than most, on December 20, and runs through until May. The quality of snow is generally exceptional throughout this period, and fixed rate tariffs apply for the entire season. The resort can be accessed by road, or by catching a train to nearby Modane and arranging a transfer.

Apres-ski in Bonneval-sur-Arc

Bonneval-sur-Arc village encompasses a small number of bars and restaurants, with far more reasonable prices than the more commercial ski resorts. Visitors stay in welcoming chalets with picturesque, naked stone walls and wooden balconies. Children are provided for by the village nursery.

For non-skiers, or those wanting a break from the slopes, the resort offers paragliding, guided snowshoe hikes and husky-drawn sleigh rides. Additionally, there is a natural ice-skating rink, open from Christmas to March.

The eateries at the resort serve locally-produced, traditional fare, and prices compare favourably with bigger resorts. In addition to skiing, Bonneval-sur-Arc offers paragliding, snowshoe hiking, and husky-drawn sleigh rides; additionally, there is a natural ice-skating rink that can be utilised between Christmas and March.

The village has fewer facilities than other ski resorts, but there is a supermarket and a small variety of shops. Accommodation is provided by traditional stone chalets that are the trademark feature of the village and impart an added flavour of authenticity to the Bonneval-sur-Arc skiing experience.

Transportation to Bonneval-sur-Arc

Bonneval-sur-Arc is situated in a remote position at the far end of the Haute-Maurienne Valley, and the best means of transportation to the resort is via road, or a combination of rail and road, as there are no airports nearby.

If you opt for taking your own vehicle to Bonneval-sur-Arc, the journey from the UK involves taking a car ferry to the French port of Calais. Once in the country, take the A43 motorway to Grenoble-Chambéry-Turin. Exit this autoroute at Modane, moving on to the RN6 until Lanlesbourg. From here, take the D902 to Bonneval-sur-Arc.

From Paris, the distance to Bonneval is 675kms; from Lyon, 230kms; and from Chambéry, 130kms. If you are coming from the UK, you will need to take a car ferry to Calais, from where it is at least a day’s drive to the resort.

The Eurostar leaves Waterloo Station in the UK, and arrives in Paris approximately four hours later. From here, you can connect with a French Rail (SNCF) train to Modane, which takes about another four hours. Shuttle buses run between Modane and Bonneval-sur-Arc resort. Eurostar also offers a direct service to Bourge St Maurice and Aime La Plange on Fridays and Saturdays (overnighter), taking about 10 hours.

Another option is to fly into Lyon or Chambéry airports and arrange alternative transport on to the resort. This is not a particularly convenient option, however, as these destinations are 230kms and 130kms away, respectively.

The resort can also be reached by taking a Eurolines bus from the UK to France, and a combination of French buses and shuttle buses to Bonneval.

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