Ski Accommodation in Sainte Foy

Perched at an altitude of 1550m in the middle of the Haute-Tarentaise, scenic and snow-sure Sainte Foy is a hidden gem that’s a favourite of discerning skiers.

In addition to its wonderful woodland setting and lower slopes sheltered from the wind, Sainte Foy is a meteorological enclave thanks to air currents from the Italian Alps which regularly dump fresh, heavy powder across the slopes, to the delight of guests and resort staff alike. Erna Low has a range of ski accommodation available here to help maximise the enjoyment of every aspect of your stay.

Amazingly, skiing is completely free for all adult and child beginners on the Sainte Foy village slopes, and the green Marmots and Gallopins slopes also have two free magic carpets which are much more convenient for novices to use than trying to hop on a ski lift when you’re just finding their feet.

With seven blue slopes in the first two sectors, long summit to base blues accessible from three of the resort’s four lifts, and a large network of nearby reds, it’s also easy for beginners to progress as they gain confidence. Furthermore, the funnel-shaped topography of the ski area means that all slopes in the area lead back to the resort, which is reassuring for parents with younger children. Slopes are groomed every evening so they’re always in top condition but a trio of ‘nature pistes’ (Natur’Crystal, Natur’Morion and Shaper Paradise) are left ungroomed in order for you to try natural skiing safely.

If you’re an advanced skier in search of adventure, Sainte Foy is one of the best off-piste ski areas in the Alps and experienced local guides can take you to those off-track hotspots where you can carve up completely fresh powder, plus there’s also a terrific terrain park for snowboarders. The architecture here is characterised by stone, slate and wood in the traditional Savoyard style, which complements its friendly ambience and creates a charming ‘chocolate box’ appearance. There are a few excellent cafes, bars and restaurants, but it’s much quieter than nearby resorts like Tignes and the huge advantage of this is that you’ll rarely have to queue for ski lifts and you’ll often feel like you’ve got the slopes to yourself. When you add great ski schools and childcare into the mix, this is a marvellous resort for families who want to stay in a serene ski village that oozes old world ambience and also offers fantastic skiing for all aptitudes and styles.

With our long history in the Alpine snowsports sector, intimate resort knowledge and positive relationships with accommodation owners and other support businesses in the resort, we’re always able to find the ideal Sainte Foy accommodation for your family.

In the Alps, chalets are synonymous with comfort and warmth ̶ there’s something about their A-frame silhouette that immediately conjures up scenes of rustic mountain beauty.

Originally an agricultural building, the concept of the ski chalet was introduced to the world by our founder Erna Low way back in 1932 and at Sainte Foy you’ll see many designs with solid stone bases and wooden facades, although traditionally, designs vary from region to region depending on which natural construction materials are in the most plentiful supply.

Balconies with intricately carved balustrades are now an integral part of ski chalet design and their main purpose nowadays is to allow holidaymakers to enjoy the fresh air, natural light and scenery. But even these features originally served a practical purpose as storage areas for wood (also acting as natural insulation) and areas to dry hay for livestock. Symmetrical gable roofs usually slope at a distinctive 25-degree angle and heavy snowfall can increase their weight significantly, hence why builders usually add strong internal pillars for to protect the structural integrity. Modern ski chalets often display the traditional lines on a grand scale since they usually house several discrete apartments or suites withing their walls, although the focus always remains cosiness and convenience, and as well as plush private living areas, some complexes have onsite spas, wellness areas, pools and gyms. Here’s just one excellent example of the ski chalet accommodation on offer in Sainte Foy:

• Les Fermes de Sainte-Foy is a chalet-style accommodation option based in the middle of the resort and at the foot of the slopes, so the location couldn’t be more convenient. The stylish apartment units here are beautifully decorated with furnishings and features that are both plush and practical. They have fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers, hobs and ovens which allow you to throw together tasty snacks with no need to do the dishes afterwards, bathrooms have hairdryers and WCs, there’s Wi-Fi throughout, satellite TV, and a balcony, while the living area maximises occupancy with sofa beds which discretely tuck away during the daytime. Rooms are available with 2-4 bedrooms sleeping 4-10 people and some apartments are duplex. When you want to rest your muscles after a tiring but exciting day on the slopes, the salubrious onsite O Des Cimes spa and wellness centre features a lovely swimming pool, sauna, spa tub, steam room and Turkish bath, with beauty treatments and therapies like massages, manicures, pedicures, and aromatherapy available for a fee. When you want a family-friendly accommodation with comfy living quarters and fabulous facilities onsite, Les Fermes de Sainte-Foy is a fab choice. As you can see, chalet accommodation in Sainte Foy blends traditional design with contemporary convenience ̶ a winning combination for many snowsports enthusiasts.

For many visitors to Sainte Foy, a ski apartment is the ideal setup for a satisfying holiday because it combines some of the stylistic elements of the chalet with a smattering of hotel-style luxuries ̶ but crucially, self-contained apartments are conducive to the type of independent living and privacy that fits fabulously with your family dynamic.

And despite being the youngest resort in the Alps, the planning and development of Sainte Foy has always been carefully controlled to ensure that respect for the rich architectural and natural heritage of the Haute Tarentaise region is balanced with introducing visitors to exceptional skiing terrain.

When it was inaugurated in 1990, Sainte Foy became the latest resort in the Tarentaise Valley, regarded by many as the heartland of modern skiing ̶ joining a stellar complement which includes resorts like Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Arcs and La Rosière. But although the commercial focus of the resort is obviously snowsports, from its very inception designers were determined that this would go hand in hand with an ambience which reflected the pastoral traditions of Le Clou and the Sassière Plateau and the distinctive architectural nuances of charming hamlets like Le Miroir and Le Monal ̶ drawing on inspiration from ancient houses with impressive pillars, stunning chapels with noble stone spires and lauze roof shingles, wood cladding and stone facades.

The result of this stringent planning is that Sainte Foy today is the perfect combination of a superb ski resort with all the contemporary conveniences you expect, which simultaneously looks and feels like a traditional mountain hideaway from days of yore ̶ exuding charm, upholding traditions and existing symbiotically with its natural environment. So if you choose to stay anywhere in Sainte Foy, a lot of thought has gone into making you feel comfortable ̶ here’s just one excellent example of the apartment accommodation on offer:

• L’Etoile des Cimes Sainte Foy ski apartments are located right in the middle of the village at the foot of the slopes, so you can pop to the shops, cafes or restaurants as easily as you can slip into your boots and hit the pistes. Apartment configurations are 1-4 bedrooms sleeping 4-10 guests in comfort and every unit is furnished to a very high standard. Living rooms typically include sofa beds to extend the sleeping capacity and well-appointed kitchenettes have fridges, dishwashers, hobs and microwaves for prepping meals and snacks. There are also bathrooms and baths with separate WCs, and free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, hairdryer and balcony or terrace as standard. Reception can arrange babysitting if you fancy a child-free dinner date or session on the slopes, there’s a dedicates teens area with videogames and docks for charging phones and tablets and comfy sofas for chilling out and a roomy communal lounge area with an open fireplace. Finally, to help you untie the knots in your thighs after a tough mogul run, you’re entitled to a free session in the plush onsite spa, which features a pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. Apartment living in Sainte Foy is fantastic, especially for families prioritising convenience, safety and value for money.

The tradition of Alpine hotel hospitality in Sainte Foy is closely connected with the former Hotel Arpin, which was managed by the famous Arpin family for five generations. This hotspot became intimately associated skiing and mountain culture thanks to Michel Arpin, who skied for France in the 1968 Olympics and trained Jean Claude Killy (after whom the Espace Killy ski area is named), and his brother Guy, who was a talented musician as well as an excellent skier and regularly entertained guests with his lively accordion tunes.

Nowadays, aparthotels which combine the privacy of a discrete apartment with the luxuries of a hotel are de rigueur in many Alpine ski resorts, but as you’d expect in Sainte Foy, those you’ll find here still adhere to the warm and welcoming spirit of inclusivity. Here’s one such establishment where you’re guaranteed a great nights sleep and plenty of rest and relaxation:

• Le Ruitor Sainte Foy aparthotel is a salubrious four-star residence located just 200m from the ski lifts in the heart of the resort and close to a forest with stunning hiking trails sometimes frequented by the local deer. The décor combines traditional Savoyard charm with contemporary twists ̶ the characteristic rustic solid oak and and stone fixtures are complemented by blown glass and metal elements, although comfy soft furnishings mean comfort and practicality are never sacrificed for style. There’s a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and hammam and the reception area has a billiard table, fireplace, comfy sofas and staff on hand to deal with your requests throughout the day. Apartment variations with 1-4 bedrooms can sleep between 4-10 guests and you’ll have beautiful balcony views of the mountains. As a final flourish, there’s a lovely lounge bar where you can sip a beer or kir royale before heading out on the town or at the end of a busy and enjoyable day. When you want to feel pampered, a Sainte Foy hotel is a savvy choice ̶ Alpine hospitality has a certain je ne sais quoi that’s often imitated but rarely equalled.

If the amazing choice of accommodation options available in Sainte Foy is a little overwhelming, don’t worry at all ̶ we’re delighted to talk to you at any time in order to listen carefully to your exact needs and recommend a residence that satisfies the requirements of everyone in your travel party. And don’t forget that at Erna Low we specialise in ski package holidays in Sainte Foy, so we can also easily arrange great deals on ski passes and ski equipment that suits your style and ability, making these arrangements for you so that you don’t need to bother with the inconvenience of queuing in shops once you get there.

Sainte Foy is one of the least commercialised ski resorts and an excellent choice for families who want to enjoy high quality skiing on snow-sure slopes and off-slope ambience that’s full of authentic Savoyard charm. Our staff are passionate about snowsports and as a company we’ve had a love affair with the Alps for generations, so we’ll always go above and beyond to ensure that you finish any Erna Low holiday wondering when you can come back.

When you want to find your ideal accommodation in Sainte Foy or anywhere else in the French Alps, save time and trouble by talking to us first.