Sainte Foy
Luxury Chalets in Sainte Foy
When you’re looking for a more intimate resort, it’s always worth considering the proximity of super resorts should the snow fail. It’s for this reason that Sainte Foy (pronounced “Fwa”) in the Haute Tarantaise is a diamond in the rough. In the valley below Val d’Isère and Les Arcs, Sainte Foy is the smallest of the pack when it comes to size, boasting a modest four lifts. But the vast off-piste, discount lift passes and heli-skiing potential (across the Italian border) put Sainte Foy on the powder pilgrim’s bucket list.
Sainte Foy is an attractive, great value and unpretentious resort developed since 1990 at the foot of what started life as a cult, off-piste mountain. It remains excellent for experts but is now very good for families too. The small town is like a complete resort in miniature, with a limited choice of bars and restaurants, a newsagent and a small supermarket. These are surrounded by a cluster of chalets and chalet-style apartment blocks, all built in the traditional Savoyard style.
Travel Information
Great value accommodation
Smaller ski area but still packs a punch
Quiet pistes
Family friendly
Sainte Foy Ski Overview
Lift passes from Val d’Isère, Tignes and Les Arcs all give you a free day in Sainte Foy, so it’s well worth considering from that perspective. If you’re after powder you’ll be in heaven. Our favourite run is from the summit of the Foglietta back down to Sainte Foy village on the road to Val d’Isère from Bourg-St-Maurice. It will take you the best part of three hours to do a lap, and it’s stunning.
The resort is popular with British and Dutch families, and there is an excellent nursery slope right next to the village, with carpet lifts that are free to use. Beginners progress from here on to a long, blue run served by a quick quad chair from the village. As well as the long blue, the chair from the village also accesses a red and another blue run. Two further chairs take you to the top of the mountain. Boarders are particularly well catered for, as the mountain provides lots of drop offs, cliffs and natural jumps, and the powder-filled off-piste terrain is irresistible.
Keen skiers will cover most of Sainte Foy’s pistes before long, and one delight of the area is that you will very rarely encounter a lift queue. If you want more variety, it’s only a short drive to other nearby resorts such as Les Arcs, Val d’Isère-Tignes, La Rosière (linked with La Thuile) and La Plagne.
Key Information
- Ski area: Sainte Foy Tarentaise
- Resort: 1550m // Top: 2620m
- Pistes: 32km
- Beginners: 3
- Intermediate: 8
- Advanced: 3
- Ski Lifts: 4
- Snow Park: n/a
- Nursery Areas: 2
- Cross Country: n/a
For non-skiers, Sainte-Foy is equally delightful to explore on foot, snow-shoes, snowmobile or sledge! Take one of the many mountain paths that winds its way throughout the pine forests to one of the neighbouring charming alpine hamlets. Snow shoes can be rented from the ski shops at the resorts.
Spa
If you’re looking to help unwind and relax your muscles then take a trip to the Ô Pure Spa for some custom pampering (including hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, or profit from the benefits of the wellness and beauty treatments).
Heli-Skiing
For the adrenaline seekers, look no further than the local heli-skiing tour operator, with some of Europe’s best back-country skiing and Italian-French off-piste border crossing, you’re not going to run out of new routes any time soon…
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Take one of the mountain paths that winds its way through the pine forests to one of the charming alpine hamlets or the marked routes of the Cascade (waterfall), the Drains (antique drainage channels), Plan St Andr and Plan Bois. Snow shoes can be rented from the ski shops at the resorts. Freesnowshoeing map available at the tourist office
Ski – Touring
Three new sign-posted tracks in the forest perfect for walking or skinning. A choice of a circuit going back to resort (plus an extra more demanding option) and another to the bottom of the Marquise, between 250m and 350m of vertical with a possible return on skis (before they close!). These routes are at your own risk and may be taken with guides. If returning by piste make sure you have insurance.
There are a myriad of hidden gems that Sainte Foy has to offer for eating out, we have many favourites but here just a few of them.
Eden’s Kitchen
Traditional, InternationalCreated with sharing and tasting in mind, the food is tasty with a good selection of wines. There are great panoramic views from the terrace and a homely atmosphere, with some music to boot this is a good spot for a late lunch and a couple of après drinks.
La Maison à Colonnes
TraditionalA traditional restaurant in a charming XVIth century Savoyard chalet, serving raclette, fondue and a host of other local dishes by night and delicious hearty omelettes, pasta and salads by day. On those sunny warm afternoons the terrace makes a great base to watch the kids lapping the carpet.
Le W
Traditional, ItalianNew for the 17/18 season, in the middle of the resort, near the lifts and with an outside terrace. There is a tablet on each table to place your order, then click and collect at the bar – ideal for those in a hurry! The building is split across 2 floors; snack bar on the first floor and on the second floor a cosy lounge for relaxing with a glass of your favourite tipple.
Les Brevettes
Local Cuisine, Select dishesAt the top of the first chairlift, you will find a delicious plat du jour, homemade ravioli, omelettes, salads and hot & cold drinks. Watch skiers and snowboarders on the slopes from the sunny terrace. You can ride the first chair up to the restaurant if you r not on ski’s to meet the rest of the group.
Les Marquises
TraditionalAccessed from Grand Soliet blue ski run (close to La Marquise chairlift). A ski-in mountain restaurant on the piste, enjoy beautiful lunches, drinks & spectacular mountain views. There is also a snack bar at the same location, serving a selection of hot and cold choices. So whether you are looking for a quick pit stop or longer lunch this makes for a great location.
Chez Merie – Le Miroir
Tarentaise InspiredA seventeenth century chalet restaurant, located in the beautiful village of Le Miroir (a 15 minute drive from resort), this renowned Tarentaise family-run restaurant is a must-visit during your stay. Aperitifs are served in front of the roaring fire, while you choose from their menu, which focuses on specialities such as meats grilled in the open fire, seasonal dishes and fine wines. Reservations essential
Le Monal – Village
SavoyardLocated in Sainte Foy Village - a 10-minute drive from resort. Open all year, with a selection of fine dishes as well as Savoyard specialities, menus and evening events. With log fire and spectacular views across the Turia summit. Downstairs there is a wine cellar with tastings
The Sainte Foy Kids club (Les P’tits Trappeurs), run in collaboration between with the lift pass office and ESF ski school in resort, welcomes children from 3-11 years in their newly refurbished facility in the centre of resort.
The kids club is open 6 days, Sunday to Friday inclusive, with 1, 3 5 or 6 day childcare options available, with or without lunch, including a mix of indoor and outdoor activities with snow shoeing, treasure trails, snow games, sledging, crafts, face painting, creative activities and more… Ski school pickup is also available.
Private nannies will also be available through Premiere Neige and this can often be a more flexible than booking creche places.
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