Beautiful traditional ski chalet with log fire

About Sainte Foy

Sainte Foy is a luxury winter sports resort in the French Alps, close to Italy and Switzerland. It is such a hidden gem that our visitors beg us not to tell anybody about it. Sainte Foy's stunning location in the heart of the French Alps gives breathtaking views of the valley below while the impressive Mont Pourri towers above. Unlike many larger resorts, Sainte Foy remains true to its roots, retaining plenty of authentic alpine charm, uncrowded pistes and fantastic skiing. For this reason, it is often referred to as the 'Jewel in the Crown'.

Sainte Foy boasts good snow and this is now enhanced with newly added snow making machines. The pistes are varied with excellent pistes through the trees as well as wide open blue runs and spectacular off-piste.

One of Sainte Foy's key attractions is that even during peak weeks, such as school holiday weeks, there is rarely a queue to be seen at a chairlift and ski runs are often empty! Like your own private ski resort!

Excellent Skiing for All Abilities
There are currently 35km of piste (ski runs which have been route-marked and prepared by grooming machines) as well as designated off-piste freeride areas at Sainte Foy - ideal for all skiers and snowboarders alike. Whether you're looking for uncrowded, family-friendly beginner slopes or untracked powder, off-piste terrain and tree skiing, Sainte Foy has got it all.

Offering uncrowded, family-friendly beginner and nursery slopes, the resort is ideal for those just starting out, or looking to build up their confidence, with FREE skiing for children under 5!

Other Activities:
Sainte Foy and its surrounding area has much more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. As well as the breathtaking views and traditional mountain village charm, there is a wealth of activities that our Concierge Team can organise for you.

In-Resort Activities:
Helicopter Rides: Contemplate the unique Alpine landscape of the Tarentaise Valley from the air. A choice of four different helicopter itineraries will give you a new perspective of the world that you will never forget! Watch skiers go by as you fly over Val d’Isère or fly to the roof of Europe and visit Mont Blanc! Helicopters are also a rapid and exhilarating way to get between resorts!

Parapenting/Paragliding: Soar through the skies of the valley and land on the snow! You can even fly tandem from the top of the mountain! For age 6 and over. Private lessons also available.

Snow Shoeing: Hire snow rackets (snowshoes) from the ski shops in Sainte Foy and set off on paths that wind through the forests to the listed village of Le Monal with spectacular views across to the glaciers on Mont Pourri. Visit the farming hamlets of Le Planay and the St Guerin chapel along the way. Guided snowshoe trips, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna, can also be arranged. This is a much loved and extremely popular activity.

Ski Biking: Looking for something different? Try racing down the slopes of Sainte Foy on a ski bike! With short, blade skiis for extra feet stability, sit on the bike and steer it down the pistes. For all ages and skiing abilities.

Activities Nearby:
Husky Riding: Try this unique travel experience and enjoy a fast paced half hour outing along the lakeside at Tignes, opting either to go as a driver or a passenger. Availability is very limited so please make sure you book well in advance.

Horse Riding: Discover the mountains by horseback! There are a range of itineraries for children 8 years old and above, beginners to experienced riders. Evening outings are also arranged with a complimentary glass of 'vin chaud'.

Ice Diving: Explore the underwater world of the lake at Tignes Le Lac and go for a 15 minute ice dive! No diving experience necessary and all equipment supplied. Available everyday from 11:00 to 16:00, from mid-December to early April.

Ice Climbing: Taste the world of mountaineering with a fun and accessible half day introduction to ice climbing. No experience is necessary, just a keen desire for adventure! See the fairy tale world of frozen waterfalls and crystals up close, either with spectacular views across the lake to Tignes, or the multi pitch beginner's route in Val d'Isère. All equipment provided, you just need to bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes/boots and your ski gloves. Minimum of four people. Available twice a week.

Snowmobiling: Hold on tight for a high speed adventure that will make the mundane drive to work seem like a far off dream! Learn to drive the skidoo yourself or enjoy being the passenger. Led by a guide, you can race around a specially selected track once the ski lifts have closed in Arc 1800. Passengers must be over 12 and drivers over 18 and holding a current driving licence.

Ice Skating: Nothing captures the ambience of winter more than an exhilarating spin around the outdoor ice rink in Val d'Isère. Located in the main resort above the 'Centre Car Park' and open from December (every day 2-5pm) to early March, depending on weather conditions.

Ice Driving: Discover the thrilling sport of ice driving behind the wheel of a Subaru Justy or Imprezza with the fully qualified driving instructors. Sample the ice skid pan, emergency braking, lock steering, reverse lock, and controlled skidding! Available on the ice circuit at Tignes Les Brévières from early December to mid March.

Quad Biking & Buggies: You can choose to ride alone on a quad, or shared by two in a buggy! Ten and twenty minute sessions plus the Fun Buggy Trophy Challenge!

Aside from the activities immediately accessible from Sainte Foy there is plenty more going on in the Tarentaise valley, and this doesn't include the activities and day trips even further afield.

From calm and relaxing walks, bird or wildlife watching & fishing to the plethora of challenging activities to try your hand at, there is a world of choice. Sainte Foy is conveniently located between the bustling resorts of Val d’Isere, Tignes, La Rosiere and Les Arcs so you can benefit from all they have to offer, while still maintaining the calmness and beautry of a smaller village:

Road Biking: A holy grail of diverse routes for keen road cyclists, many of which are included in the world famous stages of the Tour de France: Col de l’Iseran, Col du Petit St Bernard, Cormet de Roselend, Col du Pre, Colle San Carlo, Col de la Madeleine. There are also plenty of smaller, less known road cycling routes that are based around the Tarentaise with beautiful views, easy to challenging climbs and rewarding finishes.

Cycle Path: Bourg St Maurice to Aime: For those that would prefer a much more leisurely ride there is the relatively flat cycle path from Bourg Saint Maurice to Aime. Starting from Bourg St Maurice, it is a very pretty 22km round trip that follows the river.

Activities near Sainte Foy