A charming ski village tucked away between the better known ski resorts of Val d’Isere, Tignes and Les Arcs, a Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday is the perfect choice for families and mixed ability groups. It has long maintained a loyal following for its queue-free lifts, quiet pistes and stunning back-country skiing.
This relaxed village might not have the famous apres scene of Val d’Isere, but for an honest skiing holiday with long days on the mountain and luxuriant evenings enjoying the hot tub in your luxury catered chalet, Sainte Foy is a resort that delivers in spades.
Access to Incredible Skiing
Skiing in Sainte Foy is a unique experience. Located in the Tarantaise Valley, a Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday will include its own underrated ski area, as well as the world renowned resorts of Val d’Isère, Les Arcs, Tignes and La Rosière. Whilst there are only 4 chairlifts and 26 runs in resort, Sainte Foy enjoys a reputation for tree skiing, great powder conditions and accessible big mountain skiing. Within the 42km of groomed snow set between 1,550m and 2,650m, there’s a great mix of terrain, including a whole host of fun to be had for snowboarders. Three of the pistes are also kept intentionally untreated for those who want to enjoy ‘natural skiing’ without venturing off the piste map.
For the off-piste fans, Sainte Foy really excels, and it’s expected that ski instructors from surrounding resorts will come and ski the powder of Sainte Foy on their days off. With North-West facing slopes, the conditions remain fantastic for days, and there are numerous levels of descent. The famous Fogliettaz North Face is accessible from the top of the Aiguille chairlift with a 40 minute hike, and for visitors who make the effort there’s a huge bowl with over 1,500m of vertical descent to enjoy! Sainte Foy features in our Best Resorts for Off-Piste Skiing blog, do take a read for more information.
With the Espace Killy and Paradiski areas just down the road as well, Sainte Foy resort enjoys an enviable location which combines all the perks of a relaxed local resort with none of the restraints of a small ski-area. Take advantage of a ski safari whilst staying in Sainte Foy to explore a range of different ski areas.
A Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday isn’t complete without a morning of heliskiing. Whilst the activity isn’t permitted in France, it’s uniquely convenient for visitors to Sainte Foy resort. The choppers can hop just over the border into Italy for some beautiful routes, including long descents down the Ruitor Glacier.
Sainte Foy For Families
Sainte Foy is one of the most family friendly luxury ski resorts in France. It’s intimate, encouraging parents to leave ‘real life’ behind. With a funnel shaped ski area, all roads lead back to the village so younger skiers can’t get lost! A mixed-ability group will be well served in Sainte Foy which has a couple of green routes and several beautiful blues so skiers of all abilities can enjoy the terrain. For those who fancy more of a challenge there are a few high-speed reds and the famous Crystal Dark run to keep the adrenaline pumping. Many of these pistes run almost side-by-side so skiers can briefly split up depending on proficiency and then easily come together again further down the mountain.
Quiet pistes offer the perfect training ground for guests looking to improve skiing technique without the pressure of the crowds you’ll find in some of the bigger resorts. For children under 7, ski passes are free (a full year or two later than many other French resorts). Head towards the centre of town for a couple of magic carpets and the free-to-access nursery slopes. You’ll also find a toboggan run for thrills and spills whatever your age!
For the Foodies
Our luxury catered chalets in Sainte Foy are incredibly well-regarded for their food. Nevertheless it’s great to know that there are some lovely local restaurants available on the chalet staff night off, as well as the all important piste-side lunch.
With a cult following amongst locals and visitors alike, Chez Marie in the neighbouring village of Le Miroir offers traditional Savoyarde fayre whilst adding some theatrical flair to it’s preparation. One for the meat lovers, huge locally farmed steaks are cooked over the open fire in the middle of the restaurant.
For those in the know, the Brevettes Restaurant, at the top of the first lift is a firm favourite for a relaxing lunch. Their infamous pans of ravioli are perfect for carb-loading before an action-packed afternoon back on the hill.
For the Aesthetes
With its panoramic views along the Tarantaise Valley, Sainte Foy resort offers some stunning mountain landscapes to admire. From the terrace of the Marquise Restaurant, enjoy the sun for most of the day and relax with a coffee whilst watching the world go by. Unlike some of it’s purpose-built neighbours, Sainte Foy also offers a glimpse at traditional alpine life, remaining unspoilt with classic architecture, stone and wood buildings, farmsteads and a pretty baroque church.
Overlooking the Thuria Glacier, not only is the resort itself a lovely spot, the views from the mountain are awe-inspiring; on a bluebird day it simply doesn’t get any better.
More than just skiing
Sometimes a midweek ski break is just what’s needed to refresh the legs, and you’ll find an array of activities available in and around Sainte Foy if you decide to take a day off. Snowshoe walking in Sainte Foy is a popular activity, and a great way to explore the wider area. Adventure into the local forest with a guide or simply by following the marked trails into a postcard winter scene of virgin snow and powder-dusted fir trees.
Looking for a bit more speed? The classic mountain experience of dog sledding in Sainte Foy might be for you. Work with your pack and experience the thrill of traversing the mountains in a different way! For a different perspective during your Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday, take to the skies on a heli-tour or tandem para-glide to really make the most of the area’s stunning natural beauty.
For those looking to truly relax, three wellness centres offer everything from massages to revive aching muscles, facials, swimming pools, children’s activities and yoga.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Sainte Foy
Yellowstone Ski Lodge boasts a ski in/out location and spectacular views across the Tarentaise Valley. With a double-sized outdoor hot tub, sauna and hammam, this six bedroom chalet is one of the best chalets in Sainte Foy.
Chalet Pelerin is lovely and spacious, with a cosy feel throughout. Perfect for families it features a stunning indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, Finnish sauna and media room.
Chalet Hibou sleeps 12-16 guests across 7 bedrooms. Inspired by it’s majestic Alpine location, the decor mixes the traditional with contemporary luxury. Local produce takes centre stage on the menu, with daily menus tailored to guests’ preferences.
The Peak commands panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley. It’s one of our favourite luxury catered chalets in Sainte Foy, and can be rented on both an exclusive use and room-by-room basis.
If you think that a Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday might be for you, please get in touch for advice and recommendations. The Ski In Luxury team are more than happy to help. Send us an email or give us a call on +44 1202 203650 for a chat.
