Chalet Les Cigales 2

Are you looking for a resort with more charm than many of the large modern ski areas? We recommend Sorlin d’Arves. This resort is located at the foot of the Col de la Croix de Fer, and is an authentic French mountain village with a great traditional atmosphere. In recent years it has been updated with new lifts, hotels and bars, whilst still maintaining its charm. It has become increasingly more popular with skiing enthusiasts.

Skiing in St.Sorlin d’Arves

St. Sorlin d’Arves is part of the large Les Sybelles ski area. This also includes the resorts La Toussuire, Le Corbier and St.Jean d’Arves. The area has over 310km of ski slopes, comprised mostly of red and blue runs. This means that it is well suited for intermediate skier/snowboarders. For cross country skiers there is also around 42km of different trails.

The resort

There are plenty of options here for non skiers too. The two bars Le Barock and Saint S’O are well known for their great après ski atmosphere. There is also a spa and the opportunity to go on snow shoe walks.

The extensive Les Sybelles is one of the largest ski areas in France. It has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. Given its 310 kilometres of slopes to enjoy, that’s no surprise. Despite its size and rising popularity, Les Sybelles has still managed to retain its old charm. Prices there are more affordable than elsewhere, so a little goes a long way in Les Sybelles.

This ski area has a particularly high number of red slopes, but there is also plenty to do for novice ski enthusiasts there. You will also find plenty of opportunities to go on off-piste adventures. The most challenging slopes can be found in the St. Sorlin d'Arves area. Snowboarders can visit the fantastic snow parks in Le Corbier and La Toussuire. Slopes that you absolutely should not miss include the Vallons blue slope, the Tufs red slope, and the Perrons Haut black slope. All three of these are located near St. Sorlin d'Arves.

From high-rise buildings to authentic chalets

Les Sybelles features a mix of authentic and welcoming alpine villages and modern ski resorts. Low-rise buildings and a convivial atmosphere are common in St. Sorlin d'Arves, St. Jean d'Arves, Les Bottières, and St. Colomban des Villards, each village with its own unique character. Le Corbier is a typical French ski resort, built for the best possible access to the slopes. In La Toussuire, you will find the best of both worlds, with authentic chalets and easy slopes access.

For a tasty lunch or a refreshing drink, head to restaurant Le Barock, which is located directly by the slopes in St. Sorlin. It is home to a beautiful, sunny terrace and friendly owners.

Innovation is key

The ski lifts in Les Sybelles are not quite as modern as those in other ski areas. Luckily, many efforts have been made to improve Les Sybelles’ infrastructure. For example, the Mont Corbier highspeed chairlift was recently constructed. It makes it even easier to reach Pointe de l'Ouillon from St. Jean d'Arves or Le Corbier. Pointe de l'Ouillon is the heart of this ski area and connects many key resorts. From there, you can continue on to Saint Sorlin d'Arves, St. Colomban des Villards, or La Toussuire.

If you’d like to admire the landscape from a different point of view, you can try out the zip line. It hangs over Lac de Titou, near La Toussuire. This 150-metre zipline starts at the Chaput chairlift and is also accessible to pedestrians.

And there are even more activities in Les Sybelles besides skiing. How about dogsledding, a microlight flight, a farm tour, tobogganing, or a unique visit to Laitiere Cooperative Du Beaufortain, the Beaufort cheese factory? That’s not all, so you definitely won't be bored in Les Sybelles! You can even take a day trip to other nearby ski areas such as Les Trois Vallées or Valfréjus, where you’ll find even more slopes and off-piste activities to enjoy.