Val Cenis Intermediates
Val Cenis groomed ski area is best for intermediates with 74% of Val Cenis’s 56 groomed ski runs designated blue or red for intermediates. There are blue and red runs all over the mountain, on both sides of the great Combe de Clery divide, and some beautiful tree skiing.Key lifts to intermediate terrain include the Arcellins, the Solert, the Mont Cenis draglift and the Grande Coin in Termignon.
The slow two-seater Arcellins chairlift gives intermediates a choice of three red runs, all of which end up at the base of the Solert. Note that the Ouillon run, which is marked red on the piste map, is actually now a black.
Those who like skiing big vertical should continue along the MJ Berche that links up with the steep MJ St Genix red, which in most other resorts would be a black. Boarders should be wary of the Écureuil red, a narrow trail through the trees, which needs to be approached at speed to get over the first 50-100m which is more uphill than down.
From the top of La Ramasse chairlift, skiers can get higher by riding the Mont Cenis drag lift up to 2,330m to access blue and red runs that provide views over the Lac du Mont Cenis and into Italy. The Goulet red run gives good accessibility to easy off-piste down on the right to the top of the Buffa draglift, while the left side has off-piste with views of the Lac du Mont Cenis itself. The Tetras blue run takes you back towards Lanslevillard and the base of the Solert chair.
From the top of the Solert chairlift, the Solert red offers improving intermediates an excellent challenge, with a vertical down to resort level of almost 1,100m. The run is seriously steep in parts after you pass the base of the Plan Cardinal chair and offers stunning views of the ubiquitous Dent Parachee. Avoid skiing all the way down to Lanslevillard, by repeatedly riding the Arcelle six-seater chairlift, which is fast and efficient, and provides access to many variations.
In Termignon, the shoulder of Le Grand Coin offers some excellent intermediate skiing, with the Grand Combe red just under the spine of Le Grand Coin a favourite. Boarders should note that the Grand Coin and Lac lifts are drag lifts.
Intermediate skiers who feel they have skied most of the Val Cenis and Bonneval ski areas should consider day trips to Valfréjus, La Norma and Aussois. They are all coverd by the Eski-mo ski pass and all have good intermediate skiing. There is a free shuttle bus service but it’s not very frequent, so check the timetable.