Spring activities in Val Cenis
Ski touring
Nature immersion and nights in a refugeIf ski touring is enjoyable all season long, the pleasure of the sun beating down on our skin as we climb in our t-shirts is extremely encouraging! What's more, as the sun sets later and later, it's a good time to book a night in a refuge in the Vanoise National Park. From the Femma or Arpont refuges, you can enjoy the orange hues of the end of the day, overlooking the whole valley!
To make the most of it in complete safety, call on the valley's guides and professionals. And whether you're accompanied or not, before any ski touring or off-piste outing, make sure you're equipped with an Arva, a shovel and a probe (available for hire from the resort's sports stores).
Stroll
Finding marmots on Mont CenisIf you're looking to make some unusual encounters, Mont Cenis is the place to be! As soon as the road to the Col du Mont Cenis opens (2nd Friday in May, date may vary depending on snow conditions: snow still fell on 1st 2024 at 2000m, and the Col du Mont Cenis is due to open this year between 10th and 15th May 2024, depending on the progress of snow-clearing work), keep up the pace! Still a little sleepy from their recent hibernation, marmots tend to cross the tarmac without worrying about vehicles. The little marmots play and run around their burrows (guaranteed avalanche of "likes" on social networks!). Unaccustomed to human activity, others lick their way across the road, forcing you to stop!
Just a few weeks later, the marmots begin to grow wary, retreating further into the meadows. From the Mont Cenis Pyramid and the various viewpoints around the lake, scan the alpine meadows for the little four-legged creatures and listen out for their whistles!
PS: Early birds beware! Admiring the dawn under the whistle of the marmots is a moment of pure happiness. And early in the morning, it's even easier to observe these cuddly little animals!
Road bikes
On track!In summer, certain passes and itineraries are renowned for the quality of the scenery they offer, but the magic of spring lies in the idea of being the first to venture there! For road bikers, the best thing about spring outings is that the passes are less frequented. And pedaling between walls of snow is something you should do at least once in your life!
Warm up with the Col du Mont Cenis, then a few weeks later, explore the Bellecombe climb from Val Cenis-Termignon to the heart of the Vanoise National Park. And of course, in June, the Iserane is a must, with an ascent to Europe's highest road pass, at 2700 meters!
To make you and your bike as comfortable as possible, some accommodations offer special services (secure garage, wash point, repair kit, etc.).
MOUNTAIN BIKING
On paths and trails!For mountain bikers (classic or electric-assist), the melting snow will set the pace! While some trails are only accessible late in the season, such as the ascent to the Replat des Canons or the Arcelle single track, there's always plenty of opportunity to practice on the Chantelouve fun trail in the Lanslevillard forest. And if you're too impatient, there are trails at lower altitudes that are perfectly accessible.
From May onwards, the not-to-be-missed tour of Lac du Mont Cenis allows you to admire the lake change from frosty blue to turquoise or emerald. The trout trail, which runs from Val Cenis - Sollières to Val Cenis - Termignon, offers a magnificent landscape for the whole family to enjoy. And of course there's the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, which with its playful facilities, delights young and old alike on mountain bike outings!
I rent my equipment
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- Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (3)
- Lanslevillard (3)
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The churches
Discover the religious heritage of Val CenisBaroque churches are incredible cultural landmarks in the religious life of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. At Val Cenis, don't miss the postcard-perfect walk to Saint Pierre d'Extravache! On the Baroque side, the churches in the villages of Termignon and Lanslebourg are simply sumptuous. And if you're coming with the family and the kids are worried about getting bored, take them to discover the Saint Sébastien chapel. They'll find themselves in a... medieval comic book! With murals recounting the lives of Christ and the Saint.
In fact, did you know that each saint assigned to a church played a very specific role in protecting the Haute Maurienne? Saint Anne protects from avalanches, Saint Landry from rain... And that explains the multitude of chapels and churches to visit in the area.
Archaeology Museum
Culture for every taste at Val CenisThe Val Cenis-Sollières archaeology museum bears witness to the Neolithic occupation of Haute Maurienne Vanoise . On a guided or self-guided tour, you can follow our history by exploring the rock traces left over the centuries. Discover the traces of passage and, on the contrary, the way of life and settlement of the ancestors of the Haute Maurienne region, from their first traces in the Balmes cave at Sollières - Sardières to the present day.
After your visit, perhaps you'd like to go for a walk and discover the hidden rock heritage of the area.
Don't forget to book your visits, especially to the Museum of Archaeology!
Fishing
Fishing in the Arc: fario and beautiful walksThe Arc, the torrent that runs from Bonneval down to the valley floor, is a popular playground for local anglers, and is the first fishing spot open in spring. You'll find both fario and rainbow trout here, and you can enjoy sport fishing from spring onwards. At Val Cenis, some areas also offer "catch and release" courses. Beware, however, that in spring, and even into early summer, the flow is dependent on the melting snow.
As for mountain lake fishing, you'll have to wait until June. A wait that should be amply rewarded by some great outings: the Mont Cenis lake is home to cristivomers, some specimens of which exceed 80 cm!
Fishing cards on sale on the national website and at Tourist Office offices.
Extra activities
Escape game, rafting, paintballAt Val Cenis, the Escape Game as we know it has adapted to the resort, and spring is the ideal time to try out this new activity with friends or family. On the slopes or in the Akroparc at Val Cenis-Termignon, immerse yourself entirely in an augmented reality universe. Indoors, immerse yourself in 1 of 4 exotic settings inspired by real-life and local environments. Or, right from your little chalet, try your hand at an aperitif that you'll need to unlock to enjoy. There's something to suit every taste and, above all, every weather!
For water sports enthusiasts, embark on a 6km rafting trip on the Arc River, unleashed by melting snow!
And for even more family competition, take advantage of the 8,000m2 of forest offered by the Val Cenis-Bramans paintball center to enter a playful confrontation zone with multiple natural hideaways!
Finally, from spring onwards, take advantage of the via-ferrata of Val Cenis and the whole region. Haute Maurienne Vanoise. A sensational activity to share with family and friends (free access or supervised by a guide).
Book your spring accommodation now
Find out more about our furnished accommodation available for this period! Our reservations department will be happy to help you with your search on 04 79 05 99 10.
Book your accommodation and leisure activities in Haute Maurienne Vanoise