Aussois vs Bonneval sur Arc: which should you book?
Last reviewed June 2026
The short answer
Aussois wins on size, varied pisted skiing and easy family logistics. Bonneval sur Arc wins on beauty, snow reliability and authenticity, with the better off piste and ski touring. Both are quiet, good value Haute Maurienne resorts; the choice is convenience versus character.
These are two of the most appealing small resorts in the Haute Maurienne, the high valley in the far south of Savoie. Aussois is the sunnier, more practical family resort. Bonneval sur Arc is a protected stone village at the head of the valley, higher, snow surer and strikingly beautiful, but with a smaller ski area. The comparison is an easy family week against a more special, snow sure escape.
The numbers side by side
| Aussois | Bonneval sur Arc | |
|---|---|---|
| Village altitude | around 1,500 m | around 1,800 m |
| Top lift | around 2,750 m | around 3,000 m |
| Pistes | around 55 km | around 25 to 30 km |
| Snow reliability | Good, sunny aspects | Very good, high and snow sure |
| Village style | Traditional, sunny, family friendly | Protected stone village, beautiful, authentic |
| Best for | Variety, families, value | Beauty, snow, off piste and touring |
| Day pass | around $35 to $45 | around $35 to $45 |
| Nearest airport | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours |
The skiing
Aussois has the larger and more varied pisted area, around 55 km of sunny, well groomed runs that suit families and intermediates and give a satisfying week on piste. Bonneval sur Arc is smaller at around 25 to 30 km, but it climbs high and is a serious destination for off piste and ski touring, with terrain that rewards strong, adventurous skiers. For pisted variety, Aussois; for snow sure slopes and off piste, Bonneval sur Arc. Winner: Aussois on piste, Bonneval sur Arc off it.
Snow
Bonneval sur Arc wins, clearly. As the highest village in the Maurienne, with skiing toward 3,000 m, it holds cold snow late into the season and is one of the more snow sure small resorts in the Alps. Aussois is good but lower and sunnier, so cover is less dependable in a poor winter. For snow security, Bonneval sur Arc. Winner: Bonneval sur Arc.
The village
Bonneval sur Arc wins on character. It is a protected hamlet of old stone houses with no modern sprawl, one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps and a genuine step back in time. Aussois is a pleasant, sunny traditional village with more amenities and an easier, more practical feel. For beauty and atmosphere, Bonneval sur Arc; for convenience, Aussois. Winner: Bonneval sur Arc.
Cost and value
Both are excellent value, among the cheapest serious skiing in Savoie, with day passes in the region of $35 to $45 and a comfortable week often in the under $2,000 per person band. Aussois gives more pisted skiing for the money, while Bonneval sur Arc offers beauty and snow that the price does not suggest. Winner: tie, by priority.
Service and where to stay
Neither is a luxury resort, and both keep things simple, with small hotels, chalets and apartments and a warm, local welcome. Aussois has a little more choice and amenities, while Bonneval sur Arc offers atmospheric stays in a stunning setting. For practicality, Aussois; for character, Bonneval sur Arc. Winner: tie.
Access and getting there
Aussois is marginally easier, sitting lower in the valley near Modane with good rail access and roughly two to two and a half hours from Chambery or Lyon. Bonneval sur Arc is at the very head of the valley, a little further and more remote, closer to two and a half to three hours. For the simpler journey, Aussois. Winner: Aussois.
The verdict
Book Aussois if you want a sunny, practical family week with more pisted variety and easier access. Book Bonneval sur Arc if you want beauty, snow security and the best off piste and ski touring, and you value a protected stone village over amenities. Both are quiet and excellent value. See our pick of the best budget resorts in the Alps and the wider France ski guide.
If you want either resort priced by specialists, tell us your dates and budget below and we will route your brief to the right operators.
Common questions
Which has more skiing?
Aussois, with around 55 km of pistes against roughly 25 to 30 km at Bonneval sur Arc. That said, Bonneval is the stronger base for off piste and ski touring, so the better pick depends on how you ski.
Which has better snow?
Bonneval sur Arc. As the highest village in the Maurienne, with skiing toward 3,000 m, it holds cold snow late into the season. Aussois is good but lower and sunnier, so cover is less dependable in a poor winter.
Which is more beautiful?
Bonneval sur Arc, comfortably. It is a protected hamlet of old stone houses with no modern building, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps.
Which is better for families?
Aussois. It is sunnier, has more pisted variety and easier logistics, which suits a family week. Bonneval sur Arc is better for adventurous skiers drawn to off piste and touring.
Are they good value?
Yes, both are among the cheapest serious skiing in Savoie, with day passes around $35 to $45. A comfortable week often sits in the under $2,000 per person band.
Which is better for off piste and touring?
Bonneval sur Arc. It is high and snow sure with excellent backcountry and ski touring on the doorstep, a real draw for strong, adventurous skiers.