Ski Holidays in Sainte Foy
Yet because it’s so close to larger, well-known resorts like Les Arcs, Val d’Isère and Tignes, it’s somewhat overlooked ̶ which is a shame, because it’s a great resort with lots to offer skiers who appreciate a serene and scenic village with bags of Savoyard charm and some of the best powder snow and off-piste skiing available anywhere in the Alps and beyond.
Snow conditions are excellent thanks to its north west facing slopes and forest, and new snow cannons were recently installed on the lower slopes to enhance the natural offering.
Sainte Foy’s ski area ranges from 1550m to 2520m and as well as the ample off-piste skiing available, there are 26 regular pistes catering to skiers of all styles and aptitudes. The area might seem small compared to neighbouring resorts, but quality beats quantity here ̶ many of the superb slopes are high altitude and there are 800 hectares of forest to explore, which is particularly useful in inclement weather conditions. Chalet-style accommodation options in the traditional Tarentaise style (stone, wood and slate) are comfortable and convenient for families and couples and there are fab facilities and activities for kids as well as laid-back après-ski for adults.
Sainte Foy is of the best kept secrets in Alpine snowsports ̶ if you take the road less travelled and turn in here instead of choosing its more famous competitors, you’re guaranteed to be charmed .
Sainte Foy has some of the best powder snow and off-piste skiing available anywhere in the Alps and beyond. The area might seem small compared to neighbouring resorts, but quality beats quantity here ̶ many of the superb slopes are high altitude and there are 800 hectares of forest to explore, which is particularly useful in inclement weather conditions.
Sainte Foy has some of the best powder snow and off-piste skiing available anywhere in the Alps and beyond. The area might seem small compared to neighbouring resorts, but quality beats quantity here ̶ many of the superb slopes are high altitude and there are 800 hectares of forest to explore, which is particularly useful in inclement weather conditions.
Despite its modest size, Sainte Foy boasts modern facilities to ensure guests' comfort and convenience. Accommodation options range from cozy chalets to luxury apartments, all within walking distance of the slopes. While the nightlife is quieter than in larger resorts, Sainte Foy's intimate ambience provides a welcome retreat for those seeking tranquillity. The resort offers a laid-back après-ski scene perfect for unwinding after a day on the mountain. Visitors can relax with a hot beverage on sun-drenched terraces, indulge in gourmet cuisine at slope-side eateries, or enjoy après-ski drinks in cosy bars.
The Sainte Foy ski area ranges from 1550m to 2620m at the Col de l’Aiguille summit and benefits from a unique microclimate facilitated by north westerly exposure and easterly air currents from the Italian Alps which are accompanied by heavy snow.
Over 1000m of vertical drop is available to skiers and snowboarders and as well as the renowned off-piste available in the immediate vicinity, heli-skiing allows you to explore other high-altitude playgrounds across the Italian border.
A Sainte Foy ski pass grants access to all 41km of slopes in the area. The Marmots and Gallopins green slopes have magic carpets which are free to use, and these conveyor belts are much easier for novices to hop on to than ski lifts.
There are several cruisy blue runs ideal for beginners working gradually towards intermediate status ̶ these include the natural, ungroomed Natur’Renard, Crêt Serru du Bas, Grand Solliet, Charmettes, Chapel, Combes and Plan Bois.
If you’re a fan of natural skiing, another three ‘nature pistes’ are left ungroomed ̶ Shaper Paradise, Natur’Crystal and Natur’Morion.
Sainte Foy has several red runs for intermediates, while advanced skiers embrace off-piste areas like the otherworldly deserted farming village Le Monal and Foglietta’s fantastic 1700m vertical drop.
You’ll also find superb off-piste skiing if you venture off the back side of the main ridge towards Val d’Isère ̶ as well as trees, there are chutes, couloirs, jumps and expansive bowls. Please remember that, unlike North American resorts, most of the off-piste here isn’t avalanche-protected, so we strongly suggest you hire an experienced local guide to help you make the most of it.
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Sainte Foy
The awesome off-piste here means that Sainte Foy is a freestyle snowboarder’s paradise ̶ especially when there is fresh powder. Here’s the lowdown on snowboarding in this resort:
The natural Shapers Paradise is a dedicated area for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, so you’ll be in your element perfecting your moves here.
Yearning to practice your boarding technique off-piste? You can do so safely in the Techniride Zone and Off-Tracks Zone freeride areas.
There are three lifts running in succession which take you from 1550m at resort level all the way up to 2612m at the Col de L’Aiguille. From here you have an endless variety of ways to carve up the slopes on the way down ̶ you can wind your way through the woods, tackle wide open faces or take on rock shoots.
Again, you’re strongly advised to hire a local mountain guide when snowboarding off-piste here. You’ll have peace of mind in terms of safety and also be able to relax and enjoy yourself more.
It’s evident that for boarders who adore off-piste freestyling, Sainte Foy is one of the last unspoiled spots in the world ̶ you can thank us later!
Sainte Foy is reasonably snow-sure throughout the season, but here’s some more insider tips on snow conditions here:
Its 1550m altitude means Sainte Foy has very good snow cover and even its lower slopes are protected from the wind.
The resort benefits from its own microclimate, created by easterly winds entering from the Italian Alps and bringing heavy snowfall with them.
To top up the natural cover, Sainte Foy has been improving its snow production capacity steadily over the years ̶ there are now 100 snow cannons across the entire ski area and they’re in place on all slopes below 2100m.
Official snowfall statistics for the most recent season indicate a total snowfall of 260cm, a total of 20 snowfall days, largest snowfall of 35cm, average base depth of 54cm, maximum base depth of 85cm, average summit depth of 147cm and maximum summit depth of 220cm.
Sainte Foy Tarentaise might not make for quite as lively an evening as larger resorts like Val d’Isère and Les Arcs, but for a bijou location it’s blessed by a decent blend of quality bars and restaurants. Here are some après-ski hotspots to look out for:
Yeti Boots Café is a great place to chill out on the terrace, have a bounce on the trampoline and play petanque with friends and family. The food is fab too ̶ you can tantalise your taste buds with gourmet burgers followed by delicious pancakes and ice cream.
1580m is a new restaurant in Sainte Foy where you can indulge in smoked foods, artisan coffee and craft beer from the in-house pico-brewery. Located near the top of the old village, you can enjoy panoramic views over Mont Pourri and the Tarentaise Valley as you tuck into your tasty lunch.
Chez Léon is close to the Grand Plan chairlift and affords awesome views of Mont Pourri from its south-facing terrace. This popular spot serves sumptuous salads and gorgeous grilled meats but book the day before to bag a table or you’ll probably miss out.
La Maison à Colonnes is housed in a homely rustic farm at the bottom of the Grand Plan chairlift and serves authentic French cuisine lovingly prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Le Monal has been serving local Savoyard specialities since 1888 and offers a superb seasonal menu in relaxed and amiable surroundings. The wine bar has a huge selection of wines available by the glass or bottle ̶ not to be missed!
Sainte Foy prioritises a peaceful atmosphere and uncrowded slopes, making it ideal for families as well as skiers seeking a tranquil mountain retreat. The resort's charming village ambience and fantastic facilities create a welcoming environment for visitors seeking a traditional Alpine getaway.
Free skiing on the village slopes for novices simply scratches the surface of everything that’s on offer for kids in this compact and traditional resort ̶ find out more below.
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Sainte Foy
