Bonneval sur Arc vs Les Karellis: which should you book?
Last reviewed June 2026
The short answer
Les Karellis wins on varied pisted skiing, family convenience and value, as a quiet, mostly traffic free resort. Bonneval sur Arc wins on beauty, snow reliability and off piste, as the highest, most authentic village in the Maurienne. The choice is a practical family week versus a more special, snow sure escape.
Both are quiet, good value Maurienne resorts that reward travelers who skip the famous names, but they offer different weeks. Les Karellis is a purpose built, family friendly resort with a tidy, sheltered ski area and a calm, almost traffic free layout. Bonneval sur Arc is a protected stone village at the head of the valley, higher and snow surer, beautiful and authentic, with a smaller but more adventurous mountain.
The numbers side by side
| Bonneval sur Arc | Les Karellis | |
|---|---|---|
| Village altitude | around 1,800 m | around 1,600 m |
| Top lift | around 3,000 m | around 2,500 m |
| Pistes | around 25 to 30 km | around 60 km |
| Snow reliability | Very good, high and snow sure | Good to very good, north facing slopes |
| Village style | Protected stone village, beautiful, authentic | Purpose built, calm, mostly traffic free |
| Best for | Beauty, snow, off piste and touring | Families, varied pistes, value |
| Day pass | around $35 to $45 | around $35 to $45 |
| Nearest airport | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours |
The skiing
Les Karellis has the larger and more varied pisted area, around 60 km of well groomed, sheltered runs that hold snow well on their northerly aspect and suit families and intermediates for a full week. Bonneval sur Arc is smaller at around 25 to 30 km but climbs higher and is a serious off piste and ski touring base for strong, adventurous skiers. For pisted variety and family skiing, Les Karellis; for snow sure off piste, Bonneval sur Arc. Winner: Les Karellis on piste, Bonneval sur Arc off it.
Snow
Both are snow sure for their size, but Bonneval sur Arc has the edge in altitude, with skiing toward 3,000 m as the highest village in the valley, while Les Karellis benefits from north facing slopes that keep its lower terrain cold and well covered. In a poor winter Bonneval is the safer bet up high; Les Karellis holds its own thanks to aspect. Winner: Bonneval sur Arc, narrowly.
The village
Bonneval sur Arc wins on character, hands down. 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. Les Karellis is a tidy, purpose built, mostly traffic free resort that is practical and safe for families but has little charm. For beauty, Bonneval sur Arc; for family convenience, Les Karellis. Winner: Bonneval sur Arc.
Cost and value
Both are excellent value, among the cheapest serious skiing in Savoie, with day passes around $35 to $45 and a comfortable family week often in the under $2,000 per person band. Les Karellis gives more pisted skiing and easy family logistics for the money, while Bonneval sur Arc offers beauty and snow the price does not suggest. Winner: tie, by priority.
Service and where to stay
Both are simple, with small hotels, chalets and apartments rather than luxury. Les Karellis is built around convenient, mostly traffic free family lodging close to the lifts, while Bonneval sur Arc offers atmospheric stays in a stunning protected village. For doorstep family convenience, Les Karellis; for character, Bonneval sur Arc. Winner: tie.
Access and getting there
Les Karellis is the easier journey, sitting above Saint Jean de Maurienne with good 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, more remote, closer to two and a half to three hours. For the simpler transfer, Les Karellis. Winner: Les Karellis.
The verdict
Book Les Karellis if you want a practical, quiet, mostly traffic free family week with more pisted variety and the easier journey. Book Bonneval sur Arc if you want beauty, snow security and excellent off piste, and you value a protected stone village over amenities. Both are quiet and superb value. See our best family resorts in France and the wider France ski guide.
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Common questions
Which has more skiing?
Les Karellis, with around 60 km of pistes against roughly 25 to 30 km at Bonneval sur Arc. Bonneval is the stronger base for off piste and ski touring, so the better pick depends on how you ski.
Which has better snow?
It is close. Bonneval sur Arc is higher, with skiing toward 3,000 m as the highest village in the valley, while Les Karellis holds snow well on its north facing slopes. Both are snow sure for their size.
Which is more beautiful?
Bonneval sur Arc. It is a protected hamlet of old stone houses with no modern building, widely regarded as one of the prettiest villages in the Alps. Les Karellis is practical rather than picturesque.
Which is better for families?
Les Karellis. It is mostly traffic free with more pisted variety and easy logistics close to the lifts, which suits families. Bonneval sur Arc is better for adventurous skiers.
Are they good value?
Yes, both are among the cheapest serious skiing in Savoie, with day passes around $35 to $45. A comfortable family week often sits in the under $2,000 per person band.
Which is easier to reach?
Les Karellis, at roughly two to two and a half hours from Chambery or Lyon. Bonneval sur Arc is at the head of the valley and more remote, closer to two and a half to three hours.