Val d’Arly: The Alpine Valley Where Authenticity, Slow Tourism and Two Ski Domains Shape a Distinctive Winter for 2026–27

The Val d’Arly is not a place you simply visit. It is a place you inhabit—slowly, deliberately, and with a sense of curiosity that the valley rewards at every turn. Nestled between the Aravis ridge and the Beaufortain massif, this corner of Savoie has long been defined by its human‑scale villages, its pastoral heritage and its quiet refusal to become just another Alpine resort.

This winter, the Val d’Arly steps forward with renewed confidence. Its four village‑stations—Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz, Flumet/Saint‑Nicolas‑la‑Chapelle, La Giettaz en Aravis and Notre Dame de Bellecombe—offer access to two major ski areas, a rich programme of cultural events, and a growing portfolio of unusual experiences that reflect the valley’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability and slow tourism.

A Valley Rooted in Alpine Life

The Val d’Arly’s identity is inseparable from its villages. Each has preserved its architectural heritage, agricultural traditions and sense of community, creating a winter destination that feels lived‑in rather than manufactured.

Crest‑Voland / Cohennoz

A Famille Plus‑certified village with ski‑in/ski‑out chalets, Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz blends simplicity with comfort. Its Flocon Vert certification underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Flumet / Saint‑Nicolas‑la‑Chapelle

Flumet’s medieval roots are visible in its baroque church, narrow streets and restored Moulin à Tienne. Saint‑Nicolas‑la‑Chapelle offers panoramic hamlets and timeless landscapes ideal for winter walks.

La Giettaz en Aravis

Wild, panoramic and connected to Les Portes du Mont‑Blanc, La Giettaz appeals to skiers seeking variety—snowshoeing, dog sledding, snow mountain biking and freeride terrain.

Notre Dame de Bellecombe

The oldest station in the valley retains its village soul while offering modern winter activities. Its 90th anniversary this season brings a programme of celebrations honouring its heritage.

Two Ski Domains, Twice the Possibilities

The Val d’Arly is uniquely positioned between two major ski areas, offering 300 kilometres of pistes and an impressive range of terrain.

Les Portes du Mont‑Blanc

A preserved, intimate domain spanning 100 kilometres of pistes between Savoie and Haute‑Savoie. Wide family runs, panoramic reds and freeride zones define its character. Accessible from La Giettaz, it opens from 19 December 2026 to 21 March 2027.

L’Espace Diamant

A vast, convivial domain linking six stations and offering 200 kilometres of pistes. Its micro‑climate and proximity to Mont Blanc ensure excellent snow cover from mid‑December to early April. With 160 marked runs and multiple fun zones, it is ideal for families and mixed‑ability groups.

New This Winter: La Logère Gondola

Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz welcomes a new 10‑seater gondola replacing the former chairlift. With 48 cabins and a capacity of 2,600 people per hour, it improves comfort, speed and accessibility for skiers and pedestrians.

New Experiences and Fresh Addresses

The Val d’Arly’s winter offering continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation.

Le Bonnet Blanc: A New Look

This traditional altitude restaurant above Notre Dame de Bellecombe unveils a modernised interior and a rooftop terrace with 360‑degree views.

La Table des Heureux

A new restaurant in La Giettaz offering creative, locally sourced cuisine in a cosy, contemporary setting. Its adjoining épicerie, Le Comptoir des Heureux, highlights regional produce.

Sound of Legend Concert

On 30 January 2027, Crest‑Voland hosts a free high‑altitude concert by Sound of Legend, bringing electro energy to the slopes.

Notre Dame de Bellecombe Turns 90

The station celebrates its anniversary with ski shows, artistic events and a tribute to its historic télétraîneau, restored in 2017 and listed as a Monument Historique.

A Winter Calendar Rich in Culture, Sport and Gastronomy

The Val d’Arly’s events programme reflects its commitment to diversity and community.

Festival Street Art (1–4 March 2027)

A flagship event bringing forty artists to the mountains for live performances, murals, exhibitions and workshops. The resulting artworks form a year‑round cultural trail across the valley.

Bacchus à la Neige (24–29 January)

A beloved wine‑themed week in Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz featuring tastings, producer markets and convivial encounters between winemakers and visitors.

Saint Vincent Gourmand (17–22 January)

A gastronomic celebration in Notre Dame de Bellecombe with chef challenges, culinary workshops, tastings and festive entertainment.

Magic Live (1–4 February and 8–11 March)

Close‑up magic performances during dinner in partner restaurants, led by magician Chris Torrente.

La Bellecombaise (23 January)

A night‑time ski‑touring race offering two routes (400 m or 800 m ascent) as part of Notre Dame de Bellecombe’s anniversary celebrations.

Glisse Givrée (24 January)

A day dedicated to winter sports discovery in La Giettaz, including demonstrations of mountain professions and equipment testing.

Unmissable Experiences

The Val d’Arly excels at offering activities that connect visitors to nature, heritage and Alpine life.

Dog Sledding

From adventure rides to hands‑on driving sessions, mushers guide visitors through snowy landscapes reminiscent of Lapland. Baby traîneau sessions introduce children aged 3–7 to the basics.

Night Snowshoeing

A magical evening outing in La Giettaz, ending with a traditional fondue in a mountain chalet.

Snow Yoga

Outdoor yoga sessions in Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz, combining wellbeing with panoramic views of the Aravis.

Winter Accrobranche

Escaladventure offers a unique canyon‑crossing course with via ferrata, suspended bridges and zip lines.

Heritage Tours

The Fondation Facim leads guided visits exploring baroque churches, village history and local traditions.

Moulin à Tienne

A restored mill and museum in Flumet showcasing traditional life, milling techniques and local cuisine.

Poney‑Luge

A child‑friendly introduction to ski‑joering in Flumet/Saint‑Nicolas‑la‑Chapelle.

Snake Gliss

A fun, supervised descent on articulated sledges in Crest‑Voland/Cohennoz.

A Day of Good Addresses

The valley’s charm lies in its blend of gastronomy, wellbeing and unusual stays.

• Morning: Wake up at Caprice des Neiges in Crest‑Voland, with views of the Aravis.

• Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at 1930, a food‑truck‑cabin perched at altitude in La Giettaz.

• Afternoon: Relax at Spa des Cîmes in Cohennoz.

• Workshop: Discover medicinal plants with Cairn Plantes in Flumet.

• Dinner: Savour inventive terroir cuisine at La Ferme de Victorine in Notre Dame de Bellecombe.

• Night: Sleep among the treetops at Entre Terre et Ciel, celebrating its tenth anniversary.

A Valley That Moves Without Losing Its Soul

The Val d’Arly’s strength lies in its balance: two major ski domains paired with intimate villages; cultural innovation alongside deep heritage; slow tourism woven into dynamic winter programming.

It is a destination that invites visitors to take their time—to savour, explore, learn and reconnect. In a mountain world increasingly shaped by speed and spectacle, the Val d’Arly offers something rarer: authenticity, generosity and a sense of belonging.