Bonneval sur Arc vs Saint Sorlin d Arves: which should you book?
For families wanting plenty of terrain, book Saint Sorlin d Arves. It is a sunny, family friendly base in Les Sybelles, one of the largest linked ski areas in France, with gentle slopes and good value lodging. Book Bonneval sur Arc if scenery and snow matter most, because it is a tiny, beautiful, high stone village with reliable snow but only a small ski area. Both sit high in the Haute Maurienne, so this comes down to a big linked area against charm, altitude and a postcard setting.
Last reviewed June 2026
The short answer
Saint Sorlin d Arves wins for families wanting lots of terrain, with access to the large Les Sybelles area. Bonneval sur Arc wins for charm, scenery and snow as a tiny, beautiful, high stone village. Both sit high in the Haute Maurienne.
Bonneval sur Arc and Saint Sorlin d Arves both sit high in the Maurienne, but they offer very different weeks. I have skied both. Saint Sorlin is a practical family base that plugs into the huge Sybelles network. Bonneval is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps, a protected stone hamlet at the head of the valley, with snow sure slopes but a small area. Terrain against charm and scenery is the decision.
The numbers side by side
| Bonneval sur Arc | Saint Sorlin d Arves | |
|---|---|---|
| Village altitude | Around 1,800 m, high and snow sure | Around 1,600 m, sunny |
| Ski area | Small, around 25 km of pistes | Les Sybelles, around 300 km linked |
| Linked resort | Standalone, self contained | Part of Les Sybelles |
| Village style | Tiny protected stone hamlet | Traditional village, larger and busier |
| Best for | Charm, scenery and snow sure slopes | Families wanting lots of terrain |
| Nearest airport | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours | Chambery or Lyon, roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
The skiing
Saint Sorlin has vastly more terrain. It is one of the main gateways to Les Sybelles, with around 300 km of mostly gentle to intermediate linked pistes, ideal for families who want room to roam. Bonneval sur Arc has a small area of around 25 km, high and snow sure but limited, better suited to beginners, scenery seekers and those who do not need mileage. Winner: Saint Sorlin for terrain, Bonneval for snow sure simplicity.
The village
Bonneval sur Arc wins on charm without question. It is a protected stone hamlet at the head of the valley, one of the most beautiful villages in France, with no modern blocks and a timeless feel. Saint Sorlin is a pleasant, traditional village but larger and more workaday. Winner: Bonneval, comfortably.
Cost
Both are good value Maurienne resorts, and most family weeks land in the under $2,000 to $4,000 per person range. Saint Sorlin offers a lot of terrain for the money through the Sybelles pass, while Bonneval is inexpensive to ski given its small area. Winner: Saint Sorlin for value per kilometer of piste, Bonneval for a cheaper, simpler week.
Families and beginners
Saint Sorlin wins for most families. It has gentle nursery slopes, a ski school and the vast Sybelles area to grow into, so children of mixed abilities can progress all week. Bonneval is fine for beginners and young children on its small, snow sure slopes, but stronger children will quickly want more. Winner: Saint Sorlin for mixed ability families, Bonneval for beginners and scenery.
Apres and evenings
Neither is a party resort, and both are quiet, family focused in the evening. Saint Sorlin has a little more life with more restaurants and bars given its size. Bonneval is very quiet and peaceful, focused on its setting rather than nightlife. Winner: Saint Sorlin, narrowly, for evening choice.
Access
Both are high Maurienne transfers of broadly similar length. Saint Sorlin is roughly an hour and a half to two and a half hours from Chambery or Lyon. Bonneval sits further up the valley and is roughly two to two and a half hours, with a final climb that can be slow after snow. Winner: Saint Sorlin, narrowly, for the shorter final approach.
The verdict
Book Saint Sorlin d Arves for a family that wants lots of terrain and the huge Les Sybelles area to grow into, at sensible prices. Book Bonneval sur Arc for charm, scenery and snow sure slopes in one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps, accepting a small ski area. Both sit high in the Haute Maurienne and both are good value.
For more in this valley, see the best ski resorts in the Maurienne valley, the best family resorts in France, or compare Bonneval sur Arc with Aussois and Bonneval sur Arc with Les Karellis.
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Common questions
Which is better for families, Bonneval sur Arc or Saint Sorlin d Arves?
Saint Sorlin for most families, thanks to gentle slopes, a ski school and the huge Les Sybelles area to grow into. Bonneval is fine for beginners and young children but has only a small ski area.
Does Saint Sorlin d Arves link with other resorts?
Yes. Saint Sorlin is a main gateway to Les Sybelles, one of the largest linked areas in France, with around 300 km of mostly gentle to intermediate pistes.
How big is the skiing at Bonneval sur Arc?
Small, around 25 km of high, snow sure pistes. It suits beginners, young children and scenery seekers, but stronger skiers will quickly want more terrain.
Why is Bonneval sur Arc special?
It is a protected stone hamlet at the head of the Maurienne valley, regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with no modern blocks and reliable high altitude snow.
How far are they from an airport?
Saint Sorlin is roughly an hour and a half to two and a half hours from Chambery or Lyon. Bonneval sits further up the valley, roughly two to two and a half hours, with a slower final climb.
Which is better value?
Both are good value, with most family weeks in the under $2,000 to $4,000 per person range. Saint Sorlin gives far more terrain for the money, while Bonneval is a cheaper, simpler week.