Ski Area: Three Valleys
Ste Foy Tarentaise offers something increasingly rare in the Alps — a sense of tranquillity and authenticity. It’s a resort where you can ski fresh powder days after a snowfall, enjoy panoramic views of Mont Pourri and the Aiguille Rouge, and feel genuinely connected to the mountain environment.
For many, Sainte-Foy is not just a place to ski — it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience winter in its purest form.
The village retains a traditional alpine charm feeling more like a community than a tourist complex, with cosy restaurants, wood-fired chalets, and friendly locals. Après-ski is relaxed — think vin chaud by the fire, fondue or raclette dinners, and small bars rather than nightclubs.
There are also luxury chalets and boutique lodges, many with spa facilities and stunning mountain views, making it a favourite among those who prefer understated elegance over glitz.
Known as a hidden gem for off-piste and powder skiing, the resort has about 1,000 hectares of skiable terrain, but its charm lies in the freeride zones and tree skiing that expert skiers love. Routes like the North Face of Fogliettaz or the descent to the village of Le Monal offer incredible backcountry experiences.
For beginners and families, the groomed runs are wide, uncrowded, and sunny — ideal for learning in a peaceful environment. The multiple ski schools and small lift queues make it especially family-friendly.
It’s not only about skiing, other winter activities to enjoy include snowshoeing through the forests or to the historic hamlet of Le Monal; Ski touring for more adventurous mountain lovers; Heliskiing, with drops over the border into Italy; dog-sledding, ice climbing, and guided nature walks to explore the untouched wilderness.
In summer, Sainte-Foy Tarentaise sheds its snowy coat and transforms into a tranquil alpine haven — a place where wildflowers replace powder fields and the rhythm of the mountains slows.
Ste Foy’s summer charm lies in its authentic mountain life. Local farms produce Beaufort cheese, and small markets sell honey, jam, and charcuterie from the region. For the adventurous, the surrounding area offers paragliding, white-water rafting on the Isère, climbing, and canyoning. Naturally, it’s a gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Tarentaise. From gentle walks to challenging climbs, there’s a trail for every ability. If cycling is more your thing, there are numerous, famous cols to wind your way up or mountain biking routes including lifts open to whisk you up high.
Throughout summer, the village hosts fêtes and local events — simple, joyful gatherings celebrating alpine traditions, music, and cuisine.
The Eurostar offers a regular service to Bourg Saint Maurice which lies at the foot of Sainte Foy Tarentaise, from here a taxi transfer can be arranged. Local airports are Lyon (135kms), Geneva (130kms). Chambery (75kms) and Grenoble (115kms).
156 properties in Three Valleys
Ski Resort: Valmorel
Valmorel is a charming ski resort; it is a smaller size with some of its neighbours and is often compared to the huge resorts of nearby Three Valleys and Espace Killy, which is a bit unfair as this resort has a lot to offer in the way of skiing and charm. The centre is pedestrianised giving the après ski a very cosy and fun feel.
The resort nestles on the edge of the forest, next to the Cheval noir peak - Valmorel is a village that melts in with the landscape. The wooded, stoned and lauze roofed chalets spread around the ski lift departure points, the well designed centre and nice pedestrian street full of shops and restaurants give Valmorel a heart and it is a place where you will feel welcome and gives Valmorel its unrivalled character of a Savoyard village.
Also very popular and busy in the summer when tourists come to enjoy every type of mountain activity as well as the beautiful views and flower meadows. The ski area offers a diversity of terrain for the confirmed and adventurous skiers on the vertiginous black slopes and yet is also reassuring for beginners and children to learn on the gentle slopes of summer pastures.
Before I lived here I used to come for long weekends to Valmorel – and never had a dull visit, it always delivers for me. Specially equipped and secured areas have been designed especially for those new to the snow: 2 beginner stadiums for adults and children, and for those not so new - a snowpark including a half-pipe and a boarder cross.
Down the valley from Valmorel you’ll find La Léchère a small thermal town which provides all sorts of therapies to experiment with! Valmorel also has some charming satellite resorts which in themselves are worth a visit. Doucy Combelouvière, Longchamp and Celliers all with their own ski lifts and identity.
If you’re feeling adventurous get yourself a guide, the off-piste is meant to be interesting! So in winter this resort sits best with beginners and intermediates but also has a lot to offer the more hardened skier who is prepared to seek out the challenges.
In summer it’s a delight, the cycling in particular is stunning with plenty of refuges open for very good lunches. This is a great place to buy with prices lower than its neighbouring resorts mostly because it hasn’t got the following that the others have.
9 properties in Valmorel
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