Skiing in Sainte Foy Tarentaise: The Ultimate Guide

There aren’t too many ski resorts in the French Alps that I haven’t come across before, having either been there myself of heard someone else talk about it.

But Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise is one of those, I hadn’t even heard the name mentioned. After some research I realised why, it’s widely referred to as the hidden gem of the French Alps.

Sometimes in the shadow of its neighbouring larger resorts such as Les Arcs, Val d’Isere and Tignes. And that’s just how Sainte-Foy likes it.

From the moment I arrived it felt stress free, easy, relaxed. Everything is in walking distance, easy to find and the locals are very friendly. Can you think of better places for a ski session in the Alps?

Introduction About Sainte Foy Tarentaise

So before I even get on to the skiing, I want to explain what makes Sainte-Foy so different. From the moment you arrive you get a small, cosy resort feel.

Most ski resorts fall victim to overdevelopment, whether it’s too many hotels, crowded runs or queues for the lifts. Sainte-Foy has none of the above.

Where is Sainte Foy Tarentaise?

Sainte Foy Tarentaise is a charming little gem tucked away in the French Alps, nestled in the Tarentaise Valley, close to the Italian border and not too far from famous spots like Val d’Isère and Tignes.

As mentioned above, it’s a bit of a hidden treasure, offering a more peaceful, authentic vibe compared to other ski resorts.

How to Get to Sainte Foy Tarentaise?

If you’re flying in, the nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon, and Chambéry. From there, grab a car or a bus – it’s around a 2 to 3-hour scenic drive through the Alps.

If trains are more your thing, aim for Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. It’s just a stone’s throw away (about 20 minutes by road) from Sainte Foy.

Best Months for Skiing at Sainte Foy Tarentaise

The prime time for skiing here is from December to April. Imagine crisp, powdery snow, just perfect for skiing. January and February offer the best snow conditions, but if you prefer milder weather, aim for March or April.

Plus, the slopes are less crowded here, so you get more of that magical snow to yourself.

Skiing & Snowboarding at Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Every skier and snowboarder dreams of ski-in-ski-out accommodation, and that’s the first thing I look for!

Being small has its advantages, you can see the chair lift from our chalet, and the whole resort is within 5 minutes’ walk of my bedroom.

The ski rental, chair lift, coffee shop, ski school, beginner’s slopes. We could see it all from our amazing Premiere Neige balcony. Then there’s the skiing. It’s an area known for it’s ‘natural ski’, which isn’t skiing in the buff, it’s beautiful off-piste, powder, scenery and very few people.

The nature and heritage of the area is protected, and the resort has an excellent snowfall record. It’s also somewhat protected from the wind, and it’s many runs through the trees can be kept open even when local resorts close due to bad weather.

The lower half of the resort it perfect for beginners, scenic soft flowing blue runs through the trees, with only one place they all end. It means it’s impossible to get lost.

Yet the top of the L’Aiguille chairlift has only red and black runs, and endless off-piste and fresh powder, not to mention the incredible views as far as Italy.

For a small resort, I couldn’t believe the variety and quality on offer. Also please make sure you ski my favourite run, a sweeping yet wide red run through the trees which opens up to amazing views of Sainte-Foy, Creux de Formeian.

If the skiing isn’t enough, you can don snowshoes and get away from, well anybody. If you’ve never snowshoed before, try it.

It’s a chance to really see and feel the nature of the Alps, enjoy the sound of nothing and (if you go with a guide) learn about the fragile forest eco-system and the animals that call it home.

Reasons to Visit and Ski at Sainte Foy Tarentaise

I personally loved the ski resort, and I would come back in a heartbeat. Here are my favourite reasons to visit Sainte Foy.

• Fantastic off-piste skiing & powder snow (always with a guide)
• Ski-in-ski-out chalets
• Very easy to find everything
• Runs for all levels
• Lifts often stay open during bad weather
• 850 hectares of ski area
• Very few (if any) queues for lifts

Where to Stay in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

The Sainte-Foy resort is full of authentic alpine chalets, built in a traditional style and designed to look like they’ve been there years. Here are the best accommodation options in town.

Yet once you get inside you have all the home luxuries your heart could desire; a log fire, outdoor hot tub and fully equipped kitchen.

Our chalet was ‘The Peak’ one of the flagship chalets run by ski holiday specialists Premiere Neige. You can choose from self-catering or catered chalets, and The Peak offers an ‘enhanced’ service.

We were incredibly well looked after, and there’s no better feeling than relaxing in a homely chalet after a long day on the slopes. The catered chalets come with two chefs, and our head chef Lee prepared a mouth-watering 4-course meal including champagne and canapes.

It was 5-star quality, as was the wine chosen especially for our dinner by the chef and chalet manager.

After dinner you can pick from the balcony hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness suite, log fire place, or even book a massage in the dedicated massage room.

Conclusion – Skiing in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

In conclusion, Sainte Foy Tarentaise is an gorgeous destination that captures the heart of the French Alps. It’s a place where the charm of a serene, alpine village meets the thrill of world-class skiing.

With its easy accessibility, either by air or rail, and its proximity to larger ski resorts, it remains a quiet haven for those seeking a more authentic mountain experience.

Have you been to Sainte-Foy? Did you like it? If you end up booking please tag me in your photos on Instagram (@IntrepidEscape), or I’d love to hear about it in the comments below 🙂

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