SKIING AND CHILDCARE

Val Cenis is the ideal combination of passionate local management and continued investment in infrastructure, which creates optimum skiing for what is a relatively quiet resort in comparison to the bigger resorts in the French Alps.

There are over 125kms of marked piste, unlimited and unparalleled off-piste, with the vertical drop of 1400m being amongst the highest in Europe. With many runs following the natural course of the mountain, through a high tree line and within protected areas of the National Park, Val Cenis boasts great skiing in truly beautiful surroundings.

GREAT SKIING FOR ALL ABILITIES

Val Cenis benefits from being the ideal combination of a quieter resort, with passionate local management. Continued investment in the skiing infrastructure with new lifts and gondolas, but still serving relatively quiet slopes in comparison to the bigger resorts in the French Alps.

  • The whole mountain is accessible to everyone – there is a blue run from the very top, with stunning views over the Mont Cenis lake.
  • For beginners and improvers – as well as easy slopes lower down – the 10km Escargot run starts higher up the mountain and is the longest green in Europe: novices can get up the mountain and have a long ski in great scenery, without having to continually get on and off lifts or be stuck down at the bottom.
  • Intermediates face a wide range of more difficult blues and reds, which follow natural courses above and below the tree line – not just poles in the snow.
  • More advanced skiers will love the challenging reds and long blacks, plus the tremendous off-piste opportunities in open bowls, in the forest, or around the lake. Fresh tracks through snow covered trees is one of the specialities of Val Cenis.

GROUP SKIING

FREE GROUP SKIING SESSIONS

Group skiing is one of the most popular aspects of our service and continually comes up in testimonials from new and existing customers.

Ski holidays are meant to be enjoyed, but sometimes if you’re in a group with different abilities there can be pressure to go faster or slower than you’re comfortable with. The Group Skiing that we offer provides the chance to enjoy the social aspect of skiing alongside others of similar ability, and to experience the mountain beyond the piste map.

MGS offers FREE group skiing in the afternoons:

  • Each group has an MGS staff member, is led by an ESF instructor, and is based roughly on ability.
  • Clients must be able to comfortably ski a blue to join group ski.
  • As well as the ‘cruiser’ group, there will also be intermediate and advanced groups.
  • Having an ESF instructor means those wanting to start or improve off-piste can progress safely.
  • Those who are confident off-piste can have a different adventure every afternoon, exploring everything the mountain has to offer

We try our best to cater to everyone’s needs, so you get the most out of your holiday in Val Cenis with MGS Ski.

LIFT PASSES

We supply regional lift passes which – as well as unlimited access to Val Cenis – includes one day in each of the following resorts up and down the Maurienne valley; Valfréjus, La Norma, Aussois and Bonneval, a total of 350+km of pistes.

For non-skiers who love being in the mountains, it is possible to get a ‘Pieton’ lift pass, which allows you to take certain ski lifts to access walks and restaurants higher up the mountain.

PISTE MAP

Below is the area piste map (copies of which will be waiting in your accommodation for every skiing member of your group); click on the red dots on the map to see some of the piste runs, lifts, and off-piste areas.

*Please rotate your device to view the map.

LESSONS

Ski and snowboard lessons in Val Cenis are given by the Ecole de Ski Français (ESF), and English-speaking instructors are widely available.

Lessons are divided into two options: group ski school for groups of 8-12, or private lessons for smaller numbers.

  • Ski school for groups of 8-12 people; a cheaper option with a social element.
  • Private lessons for individuals or smaller groups; more expensive, but each person receives more attention, tailored to individual needs.

After booking with us, we provide you with all the information you need to request lessons. We at MGS coordinate directly with the ESF to get lessons organised for you before you arrive.

EQUIPMENT

MGS has worked with Jeannot Sports – a local ski and snowboard shop – since the 1980s. This close relationship means access for our clients to all the latest gear, so you can be sure of excellent equipment.

On arrival you will be given a ski fit time – our team meet you in the shop to ensure you get the right boots and skis or snowboard.

You can easily change your equipment during the week if there are problems or if you want to try something different – there is no charge, and the staff are understanding and friendly.

CHILDCARE

Val Cenis caters fantastically for families and offers great options for childcare.

For non-skiing babies and infants there is a local crèche; for young children from 3-12 there are various options to combine childcare and skiing through the crèche/ESF, should you wish to balance activities (such as igloo building, sledging etc) with skiing.

After booking with us, we provide you with all the information you need to request childcare. We at MGS coordinate directly with the crèche and the ESF to get childcare organised for you before you arrive.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ESF and Childcare: https://www.ski-school-valcenis.co.uk/