The ski resort of Bonneval-sur-Arc is located in the Haute-Maurienne region of Savoie. The ski area is situated between 1,800 and 3,000 metres and comprises 26 runs. The village of Bonneval-sur-Arc is also known for being part of the Vanoise National Park, of which it was the origin.
Bonneval-sur-Arc, the pearl of the Haute-Maurienne
Bonneval-sur-Arc is a well-preserved ski resort, classified as the Most Beautiful Village in France. You will discover houses made of stone and wood. A village at the end of the world because of its location at the bottom of the valley, it is a perfect place for a family holiday. It will certainly remind your children of “Belle et Sébastien”. The films were shot in the village and in 1971 Bonneval-sur-Arc was listed as a Historical Monument. Since then, the village has changed little architecturally. You can also taste a local cheese, the Bleu de Bonneval.
Bonneval-sur-Arc and the Vanoise National Park
In 1963, the Vanoise National Park was created, under the impetus of Gilbert André. This nature lover lived in the village at the time. The aim was to preserve the way of life in Bonneval-sur-Arc, in harmony with nature. France’s first National Park covers 1,979 km², divided between the Haute-Maurienne and Tarentaise regions. In Bonneval-sur-Arc, many hikes take place within the park.
The Bonneval-sur-Arc ski area
The Bonneval-sur-Arc ski area offers a unique view of the surrounding mountains. There is a beginner’s area in the heart of the village, as well as 3 chairlifts and 7 ski lifts that can take you up to 3,000 metres. In total, you will be able to reach 1,200 metres of vertical drop during your ski outings in the resort. The 26 runs are divided as follows
- 6 green
- 10 blue
- 7 red
- 3 black
The red Aiglon run is particularly impressive. If you are prone to vertigo, you may well feel it at the top of the wall.
The most beautiful accommodations
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer a number of accommodation options. They are very popular with holidaymakers.
Chalet 1692
Chalet 1692 is located in the heart of Bonneval-sur-Arc. A sauna is available to holidaymakers. There is also a ski pass sales point at the chalet. You can easily reach the ski slopes from the chalet. Pets are allowed.From 182€ per night.
Le chalet d’Émile
Le chalet d’Émile is a 2-bedroom apartment of 75m². From the terrace you can enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains. From105€ per night .
Marmotte 205
The flat Marmotte 205 is a nice duplex apartment located at the foot of the slopes. With a surface area of 122 m², it offers 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. For the summer, the path leading to the hamlet of l’Écot is in the immediate vicinity.From 372€ per night .
Winter sports
Bonneval-sur-Arc in winter is not just about skiing. You can do other activities, starting with cross-country skiing. A route will allow you to join the Nordic domain of Bessans. You can rent your equipment in a shop in the resort. Other options include ski touring or ski-joëring.
The athletes of Bonneval-sur-Arc
The resort of Bonneval-sur-Arc has several top athletes. We propose to look back at the career of two of them.
Victor Muffat-Jeandet
Victor Muffat-Jeandet was born in Aix-les-Bains in 1989. The skier spent his holidays in Bonneval-sur-Arc, where he joined the ski club. He joined the French Alpine Ski Team in 2012. Since then, he has been a bronze medallist at the 2018 Olympic Games and has one victory and 11 podiums in the World Cup. Victor Muffat-Jeandet now races under the colours of Val d’Isère, with the aim of bringing the two communes closer together.
Thibault Anselmet
Originally from Bonneval-sur-Arc, Thibualt Anselmet is now considered the rising star of ski mountaineering. This committed competitor was already a four-time French champion in 2021. He will conclude his first year on the senior circuit with a second place in the overall World Cup ranking.
Ski passes
The resort of Bonneval-sur-Arc offers different packages. If you are a family of four and your children are under 18 years old, we recommend that you take the package dedicated to you. This will give you access to all the resorts in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise, namely : Bessans, Val Cenis, Aussois, La Norma and Val Fréjus. You can ski on 350 kilometres of slopes. In addition, unlimited access to the Nordic areas is included in the package.
Snowshoeing itineraries
Several itineraries can be done in Bonneval-sur-Arc, allowing you to rediscover the mountain in a different way and to enjoy the snowy landscape.
The hamlet of l’Écot
From Bonneval, take the path that leads to l’Écot. In summer, this is the road leading to the hamlet. During the ascent, you will be able to observe the ice cascades on your right. Don’t hesitate to go down to the bridges you see to admire the Arc. Once in l’Écot, take the time to visit the hamlet, whose houses are made of stone.Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes round tripVertical drop: 200 metres
The Château rock
Another snowshoeing itinerary to discover, the Château rock. You will leave from Bonneval-sur-Arc, towards Bessans and follow the cross-country skiing track. The objective? To reach the Castle Rock, an archaeological site. There, you will be able to observe rock paintings, but also the view of the Bessans plateau. A walk to do with the family.Duration: 3 hours round tripVertical rise: 150 metres
The Vallonet glacier
For this walk, we recommend that you are accompanied by a professional. You will leave in the direction of a wild valley located at the foot of the Albaron glacier. On the way back, you can enjoy the natural slides offered by the winter and the snow. A unique experience that we can only recommend to you.Duration: 3.5 hours round tripVertical drop: 300 metres
Ideas for activities in summer
In summer, it is possible to do different activities in Bonneval-sur-Arc. For example, you can go canyoning in the Arc. From the Écot, you can jump down natural slides. An experience which is suitable for all levels. And if water activities are not your thing, you can hire an electric bike and climb the Iseran pass or choose a mountain bike to hurtle down the slopes.
Some examples of hikes
Many hikes can be done from Bonneval-sur-Arc. We suggest you discover 3 of them, with varying degrees of difficulty:
- The Évettes refuge. A nice hike to do with children who are used to walking. The more experienced can continue their walk to the Grand Méan glacier. We advise you to start from l’Écot. Avoid the Reculaz gorges in wet weather.
- The valley of the sources of the Arc. A walk that is easy to do, whatever your level. You can start from Bonneval-sur-Arc or the hamlet of l’Écot.
- The Carroz refuge. A longer hike requiring more experience. From the refuge, you will have a magnificent view of the glaciers.
M. Pitteloud
Access and public transport
Bonneval-sur-Arc is easily accessible, no matter which mode of transport you choose. You can take the motorway or the train to Modane. From there, you will need to follow the departmental road for 43 kilometres. There are bus connections during the winter and summer seasons. In summer, you can also reach Bonneval-sur-Arc via the Iseran pass and the Grandes Alpes road.
Video presentation of Bonneval-sur-Arc
Resorts near Bonneval-sur-Arc
Among the resorts near Bonneval-sur-Arc, we find Val Cenis. In summer, you can also reach the Tarentaise and the resorts of Tignes or Val d’Isère via the Iseran pass.
