Nestled in the scenic Haute Maurienne region of the French Alps, Val Cenis and La Norma both offer attractive skiing experiences with distinctive atmospheres and features. Val Cenis is larger, offering extensive slopes and varied terrain ideal for skiers of all levels, along with a vibrant yet relaxed village ambiance. La Norma, in contrast, is a charming, compact resort perfect for families and beginners, characterized by its cozy pedestrian village and peaceful, wooded slopes.
This guide compares these two appealing resorts to help you choose the best destination for your ski holiday.
Val Cenis or La Norma?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Val Cenis | La Norma |
|---|
| Resort elevation | 1,380 m (4,528 ft) | 1,350 m (4,429 ft) |
| Highest lift | 2,832 m (9,291 ft) | 2,750 m (9,022 ft) |
| Local pistes (km) | 125 km (77.6 mi) | 65 km (40 mi), expandable to 135 km with Valfréjus |
| Best for | Families, intermediates, traditional charm | Families, beginners, relaxed atmosphere |
| Advanced terrain | Good off-piste but limited advanced runs | Limited challenging terrain, some freeride areas |
| Village atmosphere | Traditional, family-friendly | Cozy, tranquil, pedestrian-friendly |
| Accommodation | Apartments, hotels, chalets, residences | Apartments, chalets, residences, bed & breakfasts |
| Après-ski scene | Relaxed | Quiet, and cozy |
Ski area & terrain
- Val Cenis: Offers 125 km of varied pistes across three villages (Lanslebourg, Lanslevillard, and Termignon), connected by efficient lifts. Beginners can enjoy Europe’s longest green slope, L’Escargot, while intermediates find ample blue and red runs. Advanced skiers have limited steep pistes but good off-piste options.
- La Norma: A compact yet enjoyable ski area featuring 65 km of primarily easy and intermediate slopes, ideal for families and beginners. The resort also offers a freeride area and expands to 135 km with access to neighboring Valfréjus, providing more variety for confident skiers.
Check out Val Cenis piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | Val Cenis (cm/in) | La Norma (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 25 cm/9.8 in | 27 cm/10.6 in |
| January | 26 cm/10.2 in | 26 cm/10.2 in |
| February | 24 cm/9.4 in | 22 cm/8.6 in |
| March | 26 cm/10.2 in | 23 cm/9.0 in |
| April | 16 cm/6.2 in | 14 cm/5.5 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Val Cenis: Features a charming traditional Alpine atmosphere, with accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to cozy chalets and apartments. The villages maintain a warm, community-oriented vibe, appealing especially to families.
- La Norma: Designed with pedestrians in mind, La Norma’s compact village offers ski-in/ski-out convenience, cozy apartments, and a welcoming, peaceful environment. It’s particularly suited for families and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Explore some accommodation options in Val Cenis
Après-ski & dining
- Val Cenis: Après-ski is relaxed and low key, with charming bars like Le Chardon Bleu and Le C2 offering cozy spots to unwind. Dining ranges from hearty local cuisine at Chalet La Ranôva to sophisticated dishes at The Artemisia.
- La Norma: Offers a quiet and cozy après-ski scene, perfect for families. Restaurants emphasize comfort and conviviality, enhancing the resort's welcoming atmosphere.
Families & beginners
- Val Cenis: Excellent for families and beginners, boasting gentle beginner areas, dedicated children’s slopes like the Mickey run, and extensive ski school options.
- La Norma: Ideal for young families and beginners, thanks to its pedestrian friendly design, gentle slopes, children's area, and quiet, easy to navigate terrain.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Val Cenis: Offers some challenging terrain and good off-piste skiing, especially around Lanslevillard. Snowboarders benefit from three snowparks but may find long flat sections challenging.
- La Norma: Limited challenging runs for advanced skiers, though it does offer freeride opportunities. Snowboarders can enjoy a dedicated snowpark, suitable mainly for beginners and intermediates.
Activities beyond skiing
- Val Cenis: Provides diverse activities like snowshoeing, dog-sledding, ice climbing, heli-skiing, wellness facilities, and cultural activities, making it appealing for mixed groups and non-skiers.
- La Norma: Offers snowshoeing, night skiing, and marked walking trails, with a cozy, family oriented approach to non skiing activities.
Accessibility & transfers
- Val Cenis: Easily reachable, approximately 1 hr 35 min from Chambéry airport and within reasonable distance from Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva.
- La Norma: Conveniently located, accessible from Chambéry in 1hr 26 min.
Cost and value for money
- Val Cenis: Known for excellent value, offering varied accommodation options and affordable amenities.
- La Norma: Highly cost effective, providing excellent value for families and budget conscious travellers.
Explore our Val Cenis deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Val Cenis if you’re traveling with family, looking for extensive terrain, traditional charm, and a variety of off-slope activities.
- Choose La Norma if you’re a family or beginner seeking a cozy, pedestrian friendly village with gentle slopes, tranquility, and excellent value.
