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Sainte Foy Ski Holidays
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 .
If you love untracked powder and an authentic, relaxed atmosphere, Sainte Foy is the secret gem you've been searching for!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Sainte Foy may be compact, but it’s got plenty to shout about. The resort tops out at a lofty 2,620m, with a vertical drop of just over 1,000m - meaning long, satisfying descents from summit to village.
There are around 41km of marked pistes spread across roughly 26 runs. The lift system is refreshingly small - only six lifts, including four main chairlifts - but that’s part of the charm. You’ll spend less time queueing and more time skiing, which is always a win.
Snow conditions in Sainte Foy
If there’s one thing Sainte Foy is famous for among those in the know, it’s snow. The resort sits in a favourable microclimate that regularly pulls in storms from the Italian Alps, giving it an enviably consistent snow record.
The northwest-facing slopes retain their snow beautifully, and the quality, particularly at higher altitudes, is excellent. Above the treeline, you’ll find wide, untouched powder bowls that feel like they’ve been dropped straight out of a ski movie.
For added reliability, the resort has invested heavily in snowmaking, ensuring excellent coverage from the base at 1,550m all the way up to 2,600m. And when the weather turns a bit dodgy (as it sometimes does in the Alps), Sainte Foy really comes into its own. The lower half of the mountain is heavily treelined, offering natural shelter and better visibility when higher resorts are being battered by wind or whiteouts. While Val d’Isère might be shutting lifts, you’ll be cruising through quiet, protected pistes with a grin on your face.
Skiing in Sainte Foy
Sainte Foy pulls off a rare feat - it suits almost every type of skier without ever feeling crowded or contrived. Intermediates will love the long, sweeping blues and reds that wind through the forest, like Grand Solliet and L’Aiguille, offering stunning views and plenty of space to find your rhythm. Beginners are well catered for too, with gentle, free nursery slopes at the base and easy progression routes such as Plan Bois - the perfect confidence booster before tackling more challenging runs.
But it’s the advanced skiers and freeriders who truly sing Sainte Foy’s praises. The off-piste terrain is legendary, with world-class powder accessible straight from the lifts. From the Col de l’Aiguille summit, you can test your mettle on the Morion and Crystal Dark blacks or dive into iconic off-piste descents like the north face of Fogliettaz and Shaper’s Paradise. And while heli-skiing is banned in France, Sainte Foy’s closeness to Italy opens the door to guided heli-ski adventures across the border - the ultimate Alpine loophole for those chasing untouched lines.
Snowboarding in Sainte Foy
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Snowboarders absolutely love Sainte Foy - and for good reason. The resort’s natural terrain is an off-piste paradise, with wide, open powder fields above the treeline and playful, tree-lined runs lower down.
There’s no official terrain park, but that’s hardly a drawback here. The mountain itself is the park - packed with natural features like drops, gullies, and lips to launch off. Add in the lack of crowds, and you’ve got the perfect setting for freestyle fun without the lift queues or chopped-up snow.
Accommodation in Sainte Foy
Sainte Foy doesn’t do big, brash hotel complexes or concrete monstrosities. Instead, the resort has stayed true to its roots with beautiful stone-and-wood buildings that blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape.
All accommodation in Sainte Foy
What's available at Sainte Foy ski resort?
Après-ski in Sainte Foy
If your idea of après-ski involves dancing on tables in ski boots until 2am, Sainte Foy might not be your scene. But if you prefer good food, relaxed bars, and the kind of atmosphere where you can actually hear your companions speak, you’ll love it. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious. You’ll often end up chatting to the same faces you passed on the slopes earlier in the day.
- Stylish yet welcoming, L'Ã CÅ“ur serves excellent food and is known for its lively bar area in the evenings.
- Restaurant Chez Léon and Les Brevettes are both perched at the top of the Grand Plan chairlift; these sunny terrace spots serve hearty home-cooked meals and crepes with unbeatable views.
- Le 1580m is a must-visit at the base for craft beer lovers. Their house-smoked meats are the talk of the village.
Facilities in Sainte Foy
Despite its boutique size, Sainte-Foy has everything you need for a smooth and stress-free holiday. The village has all the essentials - a small supermarket, bakery, ski hire shops like ZigZags, a cash point, and a few spots for gifts or souvenirs. Many of the larger chalet residences feature wellness facilities, such as pools, saunas, and spas, often open to non-guests - perfect for easing those post-ski aches.
If you fancy a day off the slopes, there’s no shortage of alternatives. Try snowshoeing, sledging, Nordic walking, or a guided ski touring session for something a bit different. For a quirky twist, mountain carting (yes, go-karts on snow) is a blast after the lifts close, and heli-skiing remains on the cards just across the Italian border for those seeking a real thrill.
Facilities for children in Sainte Foy
Sainte Foy is exceptionally family-friendly - small, safe, and full of charm. The Les P’tits Trappeurs kids club welcomes little ones from age 3 (as long as they’re potty trained), offering snow games, sledging, and mini snowshoe adventures.
Children under eight ski for free, and the nursery slope area has two free magic carpets, so you’re not constantly buying extra passes. The local ESF ski school and independent instructors both run excellent children’s lessons, with small groups and a fun approach. Safety-wise, the main lifts, such as L’Aiguille, are fitted with kid-stopper safety bars, allowing parents to relax.
For family fun, try the Natur’Renard trail - an ungroomed blue run where kids can safely experience natural snow terrain. Off the slopes, igloo-building sessions and evening snowshoe walks to Le 1580m (complete with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows) are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Why choose Erna Low for Sainte Foy skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Sainte Foy is a friendly, quiet resort and enjoy amazing views, perfectly groomed slopes, and famously easy access to some of the best backcountry routes in the Tarentaise Valley!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
