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 après-ski scene of other resorts, 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 surrounding it. Despite just 4 chairlifts and 26 runs in the resort, Sainte Foy enjoys a larger than life reputation for skiing. Tree skiing, great powder conditions and accessible big mountain skiing are all on offer in this understated resort. With 43km of groomed snow set between 1,550m and 2,620m, there’s a great mix of terrain, including a host of fun for snowboarders. The maintenance team also keep three pistes intentionally untreated for those who want to enjoy ‘natural skiing’ without venturing off the map.
With the Tignes-Val d’Isère and Paradiski areas just down the road as well, Sainte Foy resort enjoys an enviable location. It 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.
Off-Piste in Sainte Foy
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. Additionally, the famous Fogliettaz North Face is accessible from the top of the Aiguille chairlift with a 40-minute hike. As well as this, visitors who make the effort will find the huge bowl with over 1,500m of vertical descent to enjoy! Sainte Foy features in our Best Resorts for Off-Piste Skiing blog, so do take a read for more information.
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 of 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. The varied green routes and several beautiful blues serve as enjoyable terrain for skiers of all abilities. For more of a challenge, there are a few high-speed reds, as well as 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. Then, at the end of the run, groups can easily reconvene 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 8, 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.
The ever-popular restaurant 1580m is a huge culinary highlight of Sainte Foy. Best of all, you don’t have to venture far to visit! It is handily located in Sainte Foy station in town, just around the corner from the delightful Chalet Marigold. Start off your experience with breathtaking views and a pint of real ale traditionally brewed in their in-house brewery. Then, explore the delicious barbecued meats, taking in the appetising aromas of BBQ meats, as it mixes with the crisp mountain air. If that doesn’t tempt you, I don’t know what will!
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 Marquise Restaurant terrace, enjoy the sunnier days, relaxing with a coffee whilst taking in the view. Unlike some of its purpose-built neighbours, Sainte Foy also offers a glimpse at traditional alpine life. It remains 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. In and around Sainte Foy, you’ll find an array of activities available 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 freshly-fallen 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.
Those looking to truly relax can visit any of the three wellness centres! These relaxing establishments offer everything; massages to revive aching muscles, facials, swimming pools, children’s activities, yoga, and more!
Luxury Ski Chalets in Sainte Foy
Chalet Pelerin
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. It’s location in the idyllic village of Le Miroir means it is within driving distance of 6 top ski resorts in France; this includes the big mountain resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes, just 30 minutes away for a day trip across the Tarentaise Valley. For a large group ski holiday in Sainte Foy, Chalet Pelerin can be rented in conjunction with Chalet Hibou for parties of up to 30 guests.
Chalet Marigold
An ideal mountain home for a family ski holiday, Chalet Marigold sleeps 10-14 guests across 6 bedrooms. The main highlight of this luxury chalet in Sainte Foy has to be the location. The pistes are 100m from your door, and a little further you’ll find the Twinn Peaks ski school, nursery slopes, and chairlift. The incredible access makes getting the kids ready for a day of skiing easier than ever! In addition, Chalet Marigold is available as a catered or self-catered ski chalet, adding flexibility to your Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday. And, of course, we must mention the fabulous outdoor hot tub with magnificent mountain views.
Chalet Hibou
Chalet Hibou sleeps 12-16 guests across 7 bedrooms. Inspired by its 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 evenings are for entertaining at Chalet Hibou. The downstairs après-ski bar has a true alpine feel, complete with all-inclusive drinks to celebrate a day of skiing in the French Alps. Whether having your own private party, or relaxing in the hot tub, Chalet Hibou is a delightful alpine experience.
The Peak
The Peak commands panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley. However, the views are just the beginning. This ski-in, ski-out chalet in Sainte Foy boasts the most convenient access, with its own private path onto the nursery slopes. It also has the local ski shops and top restaurants within walking distance! The Peak is one of our favourite luxury catered chalets in Sainte Foy, and can be rented on both an exclusive use and room-by-room basis on select weeks.
If you think a Sainte Foy luxury ski holiday might be for you, get in touch for advice and recommendations! Our Ski Specialists here at Ski In Luxury are more than happy to help you find the perfect chalet for your trip. Just send us an email or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650.
