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 northwest 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 1550 m to 2520 m 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 only a small traditional alpine village, so the number of activities is less than in other resorts. Here you will be able to partake in dog sledding, paragliding and snowshoeing. There is also the opportunity to try something new, ski biking.
The one outstanding activity that Sainte Foy offers is heliskiing. Heliskiing from France is illegal, so makes this a very unique attraction for the guests of Sainte Foy. The chopper lands just over the border in Italy, where heliskiing is legal and allows you to access long descents down the Ruitor Glacier and many other routes.
There might only be around 35 km of pistes in Sainte Foy, but they’re so quiet and such good quality that everything feels much bigger than the sum of its parts. The slopes here cater for skiers of all abilities, although the resort is perhaps best suited to family groups with novice skiers or experienced adults who enjoy off-piste action.
One amazing advantage of choosing Sainte Foy is that skiing on the village slopes is free for adult and child beginners – this makes it an economical choice if you’re a family of novice skiers that wants to take your time building your confidence and polishing your technique before paying to ski on more advanced pistes. As well as blue runs, there are also several red runs for intermediates, while advanced skiers embrace off-piste areas like the otherworldly deserted farming village Le Monal and Foglietta’s fantastic 1700 m 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. Furthermore, if you hike the ridge to the right from the top of the lift system, you can find fresh powder and further adventures in the northwest facing bowl nestled above the village.
Sainte Foy is a snow reliable resort and has had an excellent snow record due to its north-west facing slopes. In addition, its sheltering trees also preserve its fresh powder and the 2018/2019 season also saw new snow cannons being installed on the resort’s lower slopes - Creux de Formeïan, Toboggan and Crêt Serru. This boosts Sainte Foy’s snow cannons to 80.
Grenoble Airport is a 1 hr 40 min drive, Geneva Airport is a 2 hr drive to Sainte Foy.