Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Sainte-Foy Tarentaise is one of the French Alps’ best-kept secrets — a small, traditional resort with big appeal for both families and freeriders. Sitting at 1,550 m in the Tarentaise Valley, just 20 minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it offers 43 km of pistes but access to a wealth of off-piste terrain. Its scale is modest compared to nearby giants like Val d’Isère, Tignes, and Les Arcs, but that’s part of its charm: fewer crowds, a relaxed village feel, and a reputation for exceptional powder skiing.

Purpose-built in the 1990s, the resort was carefully designed to blend in with its alpine surroundings. All buildings are traditional wood-and-stone chalets with slate roofs, giving Sainte-Foy an authentic Savoyard character often missing in larger stations. Its slogan — “the jewel of the Tarentaise” — is well earned.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Sainte-Foy’s pistes are uncrowded, scenic, and varied, but the resort is best known for its off-piste.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes at the resort base and wide, gentle greens are perfect for learners. The relaxed atmosphere means beginners can progress without pressure or busy pistes.

• Intermediates: Red runs dominate, many of them tree-lined and scenic. Long descents like Grand Solliet and Aiguille are highlights, offering beautiful cruising with spectacular views.

• Experts: This is where Sainte-Foy shines. Known as a “mini powder heaven,” it offers exceptional freeride terrain: tree skiing, hidden couloirs, and legendary off-piste routes like the descent to Le Monal or the hike-to chutes from the Col de l’Aiguille. Snow here often stays untracked days after a storm, a rarity in the busy Tarentaise.

• Freestylers: While Sainte-Foy doesn’t have big snowparks, natural terrain features provide plenty of opportunities to play.

The north-west facing slopes hold snow exceptionally well, and while the ski area may be small, the freeride opportunities extend far beyond the piste map.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Sainte-Foy’s lift passes are simple and affordable compared to its neighbours.

• Adult: ~€42/day | ~€210 for 6 days
• Child (5–12): ~€30/day | ~€150 for 6 days
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available.
• Reduced passes for beginners (nursery lifts only).

Details via the Sainte-Foy ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

The resort is compact and highly functional, with most chalets and residences offering ski-in/ski-out access. The lift system is smaller than in neighbouring mega-resorts — a handful of chairlifts and draglifts — but efficient for the terrain it serves.

Sainte-Foy has invested in snowmaking for its key lower runs, ensuring good coverage throughout the season. The infrastructure is geared towards families and freeriders: safe nursery zones on one hand, and easy access to the backcountry on the other.

The nearby Col du Petit Saint-Bernard and Italian border add to the sense of adventure, with heli-skiing available just across in La Thuile (Italy), accessible via local guides.

Accommodation

Sainte-Foy offers charming chalet-style accommodation, with most options blending seamlessly into the village’s traditional aesthetic.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments and residences in chalet buildings.

• Mid-Range: Chalet-hotels and catered chalets run by British and French operators.

• Luxury: High-end chalets and boutique lodges with spa facilities and concierge service. Notable options include Résidence Club MMV L’Étoile des Cimes and luxury chalets such as those run by Premiere Neige.

Browse via the official accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Dining in Sainte-Foy is cosy and traditional, with restaurants serving Savoyard specialities — fondue, raclette, and tartiflette — alongside French classics. On the slopes, Le Bergerie de Sainte-Foy and Chez Merie are favourites for their rustic atmosphere and hearty fare.

Après-ski is low-key compared to Val d’Isère or Tignes. Bars such as La Maison à Colonnes and Icebergues offer a relaxed après scene with live music and local wines. The vibe is friendly, intimate, and family-oriented.

Non-Skiing Activities

Sainte-Foy is compact, but there are still off-slope activities to enjoy:

• Snowshoeing and guided hikes to the historic hamlet of Le Monal.
• Dog sledding and ski touring.
• Wellness and spa facilities in hotels and residences.
• Day trips to nearby Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Val d’Isère, or Tignes for shopping and nightlife.

Its appeal lies more in mountain authenticity and outdoor adventure than in non-skiing nightlife.

Village Character & Access

Sainte-Foy is one of the few purpose-built resorts that feels truly traditional. Its wood-and-stone chalets, slate roofs, and compact layout create the look of a Savoyard hamlet rather than a 1990s development. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and community-driven, with a strong family presence and a noticeable absence of mass tourism.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then 20 mins by transfer.
• By car: Around 9 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Sainte-Foy Tarentaise is proof that bigger isn’t always better. Its 43 km of pistes may seem modest, but the off-piste and freeride potential is world-class. Families will love the uncrowded slopes, safe learning zones, and welcoming atmosphere, while advanced skiers will relish powder stashes that can last for days.

It won’t suit those seeking big après-ski or endless mileage, but for skiers who value authenticity, tranquillity, and powder, Sainte-Foy Tarentaise is a true gem of the Tarentaise.

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