Holiday Weather

Go away, you won't like it. Only joking. The truth is, I'm reluctant to tell people about Val Cenis because I want to keep it for my family and friends.

In fact, Val Cenis is a wonderful resort for beginners, intermediates, and particularly for families. The runs are north facing and snow is generally good, ski school takes children from age 3, and the creche (beside the ski school) takes babies from 3 months. It never gets crowded, lift attendants will often slow lifts for nervous beginners, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. What makes it ideal for families though, is L'Escargot, the longest green run in Europe. This zigzags down the mountain and even the more timid skier can use it to get down the mountain safely.

Stay in the CIS, and you'll be stuffed with huge amounts of food, and their shuttle bus will take your children to ski school and back every day, so you can get on with your own skiing. There are a lot of open easy runs in the centre of the system, but some challenging reds on the edge, and a World Cup Downhill black which goes from top to bottom.

There is also a swimming pool and two ice-rinks if you get bored.

Recommended Places
Centre International De Sejours.

Auberge de Jeunesse.