At 1,730 metres altitude, Bessans is a destination best known for its cross-country skiing in winter. Yet this small village is worth a visit whatever the season. In autumn, the first snows and the golden larches enhance the scenery; summer is peak hiking season, while spring (a little late here) brings abundant flowering, and winter transforms the landscape under snow. Bessans also lies between Val Cenis and Bonneval-sur-Arc, two flagship destinations of Haute-Maurienne Vanoise.
Bessans
Overview
Bessans
📏 Altitude: 1730 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 3 km
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 120 km
🌟 Resort style: Village resort
💰 From 13 €/day (2025-2026)
📅 Open 31 October 2026 to 4 April 2027
Overview of Bessans
In the Haute-Maurienne valley, set in a wide valley floor at 1,750 metres altitude, Bessans is an authentic mountain village with 133 km of cross-country ski trails and a beginner alpine area. In a magical setting beneath towering peaks, the trails — often with excellent snow cover — follow the Arc river towards Bonneval-sur-Arc and the Avérole valley.
Topped by glacier-capped summits rising above 3,000 metres, Bessans is a true high-mountain village. Unlike its Haute-Maurienne neighbours, the village has built its identity around cross-country skiing. With 133 km of trails, it is one of the largest Nordic ski areas in the Alps. On the sunny side of the valley, two ski tows and a carpet lift allow beginners to take their first steps on alpine skis. The neighbouring resorts of Bonneval-sur-Arc (10 minutes away – 32 km of runs) and Val Cenis (10 minutes away – 125 km of runs) offer more appropriate alpine areas for more experienced skiers.
In terms of heritage, Bessans is a simple, unpretentious village — a place where the extraordinary lies in the timelessness of things. Seemingly frozen in mountain wisdom, Bessans has not succumbed to the glitz and allure of mass tourism. Here, you will admire a well-preserved vernacular architecture. Visit the hamlets of La Vincendière or Le Villaron to contemplate a past where farming was the only means of survival. Milk is still produced here to make Beaufort, the king of the high-valley Savoyard gruyères. Based in Lanslebourg, the cooperative produces 10,000 Beaufort wheels per year.
Our review — Bessans
3.5/5
Ski area — key figures — Bessans
- 🌟 Village resort (Savoie)
- 📏 1730 m Village altitude (1850 m Top altitude)
- 🏨 4.235 tourist beds
- 🎿 3 runs
🚠 3 ski lifts
Average lift age: 23 years
When to visit
Bessans in summer
Perched at 1,750 metres in the heart of the Haute-Maurienne, Bessans comes into its own in summer. This Savoyard village becomes a true playground for nature lovers, mountain enthusiasts and outdoor activity seekers. Surrounded by majestic peaks such as the Charbonnel, Bessans is the starting point for numerous walks accessible to all, through high pastures, mountain lakes and unspoilt forests. Activities abound: mountain biking, canyoning, fishing, Nordic walking, canoeing, rollerblading and paddleboarding on the lake. Children can enjoy play areas and supervised activities, while the curious will appreciate the local heritage. An arts and culture village, Bessans retains an authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Glacier hiking • ✅ Rock climbing
Bessans in winter
In winter, Bessans is first and foremost a cross-country skiing destination. But you can also go ice climbing, snowshoeing, alpine skiing and walking here. The village also has a certain charm, with its snow-covered chalets.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Dog sledding • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below are the 3 ski areas accessible from Bessans: Bessans (alpin), Bessans (nordique), Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise (multidomaine).
Ski area — Bessans
⛰️ Altitudes: 1720 m – 1850 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 3 km
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 120 km
💰 Day pass: 13 €
To give younger children and adults their first ski experience, a small alpine ski area facing due south is available at unbeatable prices. 2 drag lifts serve 2 blue runs and 1 green run, at 8.50 to 11 euros per day.
Cross-country ski area — Bessans
⛰️ Altitudes: 1720 m – 1850 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 120 km
💰 Day pass: 13 €
Skiing at Bessans takes place on 133 km of cross-country ski trails — a touring or sporty experience very different from alpine skiing. The vast Bessans plateau is perfectly suited to this. The trails wind around the village along the Arc river, which descends the entire Maurienne valley for 140 km. Unlike traditional Nordic ski areas, the Bessans ski area has very few forested sections. It is however particularly cold in the mornings, as it is situated in the valley floor. When conditions allow, it is possible to ski to Bonneval-sur-Arc from Bessans, or vice versa. A trail also climbs into the wild Averole valley.
Ski area — Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise
⛰️ Altitudes: 1370 m – 3000 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 350 km
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 200 km
In the Alps heart, the Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise is exceptional skiing territory federating 6 authentic village resorts offering XXL gliding experience. With 350 km alpine runs and 200 km Nordic skiing, it is among Maurienne valley’s largest domains. Access to this entire space is included in resort 6+ day passes, inviting genuine ski safari between Vanoise National Park and Italian border. Born from 6 station union — Valfrejus, La Norma, Aussois, Val Cenis, Bessans and Bonneval sur Arc — the space offers rare richness and diversity. This domain’s intelligence lies in its concept: offering freedom discovering daily new panoramas and atmosphere while preserving village-resort charm. Here, no overloaded links but free shuttle network transporting between sites letting you taste very different skiing experiences. From Valfrejus technical runs to La Norma family forests, from Aussois sunny plateau to Val Cenis varied grand domain, through Bessans Nordic skiing temple and Bonneval sur Arc high-altitude skiing — classified among France’s Most Beautiful Villages — each day is new adventure.
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Ski pass prices — Bessans
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Bessans.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bessans (alpin skiing) | 13 € | 64.5 € | 114.5 € | 2025-2026 |
| Bessans (nordique skiing) | 13 € | 64.5 € | 114.5 € | 2025-2026 |
| Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise (multidomaine skiing) | N/A | N/A | 860 € | 2025-2026 |
Additional information
- Bessans: Pour initier les petits et grands enfants, un mini-domaine de ski alpin exposé plein sud est à disposition à tarifs imbattables. 2 téléskis desservent ainsi 2 pistes bleues et une piste verte. 8,5 € à 11 € la journée de ski.
- Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise: Le forfait Espace Haute Maurienne Vanoise est avant tout une réciprocité lors de l’achat de votre forfait de ski. Son prix est donc variable par station pour le forfait 6 jours. Si vous achetez un forfait 6 jours, il vous permet de skier dans d’autres stations et de découvrir d’autres domaines skiables sans alourdir votre budget : un jour à Bonneval-sur-Arc, l’autre à Aussois… Avec le même forfait, vous pouvez tout aussi bien rester sur place ou vous offrir une seule journée d’excursion. C’est juste plus de liberté. À noter qu’à Aussois et Val Cenis, les forfaits sont vendus moins chers en ligne. Vous pouvez donc faire de grosses économies en anticipant votre achat !
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