Wide view of early morning skiers beside chalet-style mountain restaurant above Crest Voland.

Crest Voland

L’Espace Diamant, Savoie, French Alps

Located just south of Megève (with which it might one day become linked), the Espace Diamant brings together the ski areas of the Val d’Arly with those around Hauteluce and Les Saisies in the Beaufortain.

Currently one of the best-kept secrets in the French Alps, there’s a wealth of varied terrain and a great snow record, thanks to the nearby presence of Mont Blanc.

Wide view of Espace Diamant ski area above Crest Voland in soft early morning light.

The Ski Area

The Espace Diamant’s great advantage over other larger French ski areas is undoubtedly the possibility of skiing a full circuit around the mountains and back to your starting-point in a day. Much like the famous Sella Ronda in Italy, in fact – only here you’ll have time for a relaxed lunch along the way. For intermediates there’s great cruising terrain, and the varied scenery brings a sense of getting right away from worldly cares. Closer to home, Crest Voland’s gentle beginners’ slopes are easily accessible right above the village, yet still with inspiring views across the valley. And if you don’t want to do the whole circuit, you still have the choice of skiing a different area each day.
On paper at least, the only downside is the high number of drag-lifts. Things are steadily improving, though, and anyway we think there’s something to be said for being towed through forest glades where the only sound is the crackle of snow beneath your skis...

Resort Information

Altitude : 1230m - 2069m
Crest-Voland Cohennoz
Pistes Total:
35 km
Espace Diamant
Pistes Total:
192 km
31 Green
67 Blue
50 Red
10 Black
Ski Domain Lifts: 82
57 Draglifts
27 Chairlifts

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High view of snow-covered chalet rooftops at Crest Voland.

The Ski Village

Accommodation-wise, while the larger-scale development (but attractive) around Les Saisies has much higher capacity, the traditional village feel of Crest Voland and its neighbours in the Val d’Arly (Flumet, Praz sur Arly, Notre Dame de Bellecombe) have much to offer those looking for something more authentic. In fact, with the addition of luxury slopeside apartments close to Crest Voland, there's clear evidence that the area is on the up. And with a high-proportion of privately-owned chalets, it’s unlikely that the village will lose its low-rise/high-quality appeal.

Staying There

Value for Money Accommodation Dining Out Nightlife Village Charm

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Close view of two skiers on piste, showing Espace Diamant ski area, above Crest Voland.

Why go skiing in Crest-Voland Cohennoz ?

Back-to-nature skiers, and anyone looking for a low-impact, traditional mountain style, will love this place. Families, and mixed-ability groups will also appreciate the area’s reassuring novice and early-intermediate terrain, in addition to the wealth and diversity of long, scenic cruising on offer. Naturally, there are some steeps here and there, to add variety to a day’s skiing, without anything sudden to put-off those who are building their technical abilities and fitness levels. All-in-all, an attractive option for those in search of a substantial ski area without the pressures of overdevelopment or any sense of being priced-out. Your friends might not have heard of it (yet), but don’t let that put you off.

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Skiing There

Beginners / Families Intermediates Advanced / Expert Mountain Scenery

Snowboarding

Childrens park called Opoualand, plus mixed ability park under the Cernix lift.
2 Snowparks


Cross-Country Skiing

Superb trails and village circuits from Crest Voland / Cohennoz to Les Saisies. Beginners welcome.
120km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails

Handiski...

icon-smileyYes please...

  • Extensive, varied skiing.
  • Improving lift system.
  • Authentic mountain village feel.
  • Accessible ski-school areas.
  • Good snow record.
  • Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

icon-frowneyYes but...

  • Very quiet in the evenings.
  • Signage could be improved.
  • Too many drag-lifts in some areas.

icon-winkingOur Tips

  • A day with a guide will help you get your bearings and reveal things you might otherwise miss.

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Practical Information

Tried and testedHotel-Restaurant Caprice des Neiges

Route du Col des Saisies
73590 Crest-Voland
Tel: 0033 (0)4 79 31 62 95

Corinne and Rodolph Borrel provide a warm welcome to this exceptionally sunny spot overlooking the Aravis range and the ski slopes of Crest-Voland. With direct piste access, you couldn't be better placed to enjoy your ski holiday in the Espace Diamant or a summer break in the mountains.
The restaurant serves an original blend of authentic Savoyard cuisine and local produce with innovative flair.
The hotel is part of the Hôtels Chalets de Tradition group, in our experience a guarantee of charm and quality.


Tried and testedChalet ‘Chante de Vent’

73590 Crest-Voland

Selection of self-catering and Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a great position overlooking the Aravis range and Mont-Charvin. Just a short walk to the centre of Crest-Voland, with a chairlift practically on the doorstep. Be assured of a warm welcome by the owners plus plenty of advice to help you make the most of your stay.


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