Mont-Blanc/Val d'Arly - Les Saisies

Les Saisies itself is a charming French ski resort with wood clad chalets and a bustling high street complete with some 40 shops and a big selection of bars, crêperies, grills and restaurants offering delicious Savoyard dishes.

There is actually to villages in Les Saisies – Hauteluce (Village de Lessy) and Bisanne 1500 (Hameau du Beaufortain).

With its 360-degree panorama that ranges from alpine meadows to snow-capped Mont Blanc in massive Beaufortain, Aravis, and close to the Chartreuse, Les Saisies offers great scenery and wonderful discoveries. The ski resort of Les Saisies is a set of typical beaufortain villages, where visitors can enjoy its architecture and traditions.

Les Saisies has been known on the international level since the 1992 Winter Olympic Games at Albertville in the French Alps.

Les Saisies Resort Opening Dates

Les Saisies downhill ski area opens from 17/12/2011 to 20/04/2012

Partial opening weekends in Dec (3-4^th and 10-11^th) if snow permits. Partial opening from 21^st – 27^th April 2012.

View here for a virtual tour of Les Saisies

Voted top resort for Beginners

Voted one of the top resorts for Children

Follow the links below

Why Les Saisies?

·          Easily accessed by motorway from Albertville to the South and Megève to the North

·          The close proximity of Mont-Blanc not only provides superb views but also above average snow coverage

·          A large vibrant village with plenty of après-ski

·          Newly enlarged ‘Espace Diamant’ ski area

·          France’s top Olympic cross-country ski area

Childcare in Les Saisies

The Bear Club in Les Saisies village – children from 2-3yrs. Games, songs etc. Contact: 00 33 479 38 90 40

LES DOUDOUS

Groupe Scolaire Le Chozal

73620 HAUTELUCE

Tel. +33 (0)4 79 31 24 49

Open all winter season until 28^th April 2012 from 08.30-18.00.

Welcomes children from 3 months to 4 years old.

1 hour from €3.90.

Child minders

Mme Aline VIDAL - La Péchette, apartment n°6 - Les Saisies

Tel. +33 (0)4 79 39 91 37

Children’s activities

Every Thursday, during winter, children from 5 to 12 years can enjoy evening snow shoe discovery adventures with Beatrice Jiguet, medium mountain guide. Hot chocolate and “Marie & David Crockett” certificate.

Discovering nature in winter, animal footprints, observing stars and building an igloo, equipped with fur hats and head lamps, kids enjoy

pretending to be hunters on an adventure.

Informations:

Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 79 38 90 30

Béatrice Jiguet: +33 (0)6 13 21 47 25

b.jiguet@wanadoo.fr #

Elf Forest

The elf’s forest is located in the last part of Les Blanchots alpine slopes. Discover their hut and search for him behind the trees. Ring the bell when you enter his area to tell him that you will arrive soon and he will open the door of its kingdom for you. Free access during the opening hour of the alpine skiing area.
More information: +33 (0)4 79 38 90 30

Little Marmot

Located in Les Saisies cross country skiing area "Les marmottons" is a funny treasure hunt made for children (about 5 to 10 years old). The aim around a 4km track: answer the quiz, find the secrets, take up challenges and maybe get a present.

Childrens Ski Lessons in Les Saisies

Children can ski from 3 years old in Les Saisies with ESF Club Piou Piou.

Peak Retreats can pre-book this. See here for details.

Nannies/babysitters can be booked through the tourist office.

Some sports shop rent buggies, pushchairs and sleighs. Enquire with the tourist office.

Activities in Les Saisies         

Après-ski in Les Saisies village: Non-skiers can make the most of the 20km of signposted footpaths or try snowshoeing, snow scooters, dog-sleigh rides, Telemark, child’s quads, parapenting, ice cart racing.

Mountain Twister

Between roller coaster and bobsleigh, slide down a 750 m trail (solo or duo). From 3 yrs. €5 (for 2 pers).

Tree top adventure park

For adults and children:

-          Monkey bridges

-          Tyrolienne slides (up to 130m long)

-          Mini via ferrata or rock climbing

Daily or evening sessions.

Located in the canyon Nant Rouge, amidst the forest,Open throughout the year.Course Orientation Nant Rouge:find 20 markers scattered around
the adventure trail through the planspecifically provided.

www.escaladadventure.com

0033 479 38 83 02

Icefall
Discover new sensationsclimbing with a guide to a waterfallnatural ice taken from the cold.
Sports Recreation Mountain:0033 6 11 27 76 72

Walkers

Choice of marked/groomed footpaths and 2 chairlifts open to walkers.

NEW! Path takes you towards mountain ridges above Hauteluce for great views over Beaufortain.

20km of footpaths (6 trails).

Husky Dogs
Please note this is a sport that requires a minimum of physical condition.
Several options for how to musher (guide) dogs:
- Initiation, about 1 hour session. 1 person per sled, sledding maximum 3 per session.
- Development, leaving a half-day. Session for adults who have practiced this activity. 1 adult per sled, sledding 2 maximum per session.
- a full day hike for adults who have practiced this activity. Picnic included. 1 adult per sled, sledding 2 maximum per session.

RATES 11/12:

1 hour - €70 per adult, €40 for 5-12yrs and €10 for under 5’s. ½ day is €120 per adult and €70 per child. Full day €200 per adult and €120 per child.

Skidoo, scooter etc

When slopes are closed -20km snow scooter ride. Specials for under 12’s.

0033 479 38 95 54

Cinema

Tariffs: adulte7.80 € / child (under 8yrs) 6.50 €
Cinéma "Le Refuge": 0033 479 38 92 32

Flights

Flying aircraft or helicopter
1st flights or circuits around Mont-Blancto discover the most beautiful landscapes.

Paragliding

Paragliding School
"Les Volatiles". Les Volatiles, triple champion of France,
offer baptisms 1200 m in altitude and discovermagnificent landscapes at an unusual angle. They also organize
courses for all levels throughout the year.
Les Volatiles: Tel. 04 79 38 95 54
volatiles@wanadoo.fr - www.les-volatiles.com

Night skiing

The “Periots” run is equipped with lights and sound system for the pleasure of night skiers. Various animated night happenings all along the winter season, in a warm and lively atmosphere.

Among others: telemark demonstrations, traditional costume animations, ski history shows, fireworks... A unique experience, totally different from day skiing!

Ski joering

A new slide is accessible to all (children from 4 years at the first star, skijoring disability). Initiations, baptisms, adult courses and children, laid track. Get pulled by a horse while on skis.

Rates: Baptism (20 min): € 25 & € 20 per adult per child
Course (1 hour): € 45 & € 35 per adult per child
Stage (3 x 2 hours): € 100 per adult & € 85 per child

Eating Out and Après-Ski in Les Saisies

Bars, restaurants, nightclub, shops.

Other amenities in Les Saisies

Medical centre, doctors, pharmacy, banks/cashpoints, post office, cinema, laundrette.

All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website

Les Saisies Tourist Office

Les Saisies Tourist Information

Tourist Office Tel. 00 33 4 79 38 90 30, Fax. 00 33 4 79 38 96 29

www.lessaisies.com

Access to Les Saisies 

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Les Saisies 563 miles (approx 8hrs)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) exit Sallanches. Follow signs to Megeve. 25km from the motorway exit to Les Saisies.

By Rail: Albertville 25km (1 hour) - Shuttle bus (Cars S.T.A)

Contact for shuttle: 00 33 479 32 08 88

Airports:

Chambery Airport is 92km from Les Saisies (1 hour)

www.chambery-airport.com

Geneva Airport is 92km from Les Saisies (1 ½ hours)

www.gva.ch/en 

Grenoble is 159km from Les Saisies (1 ½ hours)

www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon Saint-Exupery is 169km from Les Saisies (2 hours)

Bus link via Satobus.

www.lyonairport.com

Getting around Les Saisies

A free shuttle bus service runs everyday around Les Saisies during the winter season. Also shuttles run between the villages of Les Saisies, Bisanne 1500 & Belleville / Hauteluce.

There are designated parking areas in the resort.

Airport Transfer

Pre-book your taxi transfer with Peak Retreats

From Geneva to Les Saisies - £110 per person return based on 4 people sharing. 

For all other transfer prices please click here

Access Plan

Les Saisies France

Click on maps to enlarge

Resort Map

Les Saisies France

SKI AREA

Les Saisies benefits from above average snow conditions – the French weather centre confirms that since 1982 the average accumulated snowfall is superior to all surrounding mountain ranges.

If your kids are too small to take the chairlift this need stop them having a go at skiing. 3 ski ropes are available for kids. Les Trolles is located in the cross country ski park (also accessible to adults), Les Lutins is near the snow garden and Les Gobelins is at Bisanne 1500m. They are safe and easy to use and are FREE!

Within the Espace Diamant ski domain you have access to ski the other areas including Notre-Dame de Bellecombe which is fully lift linked to Les Saisies.

Les Saisies is the top Nordic ski resort in France. The Olympic area has 80km of marked pistes and extends over a large sunny plateau between 1570 and 1760 metres high, which guarantees a long season of snow cover.

BEGINNERS

Les Saisies is an ideal resort for beginners who will find plenty of gentle nursery slopes and long wide blues to progress on.

INTERMEDIATES

Intermediates will enjoy well-kept pistes on which to gain confidence, and easy links into Crest-Voland and the runs from the top of Mont-Lachet.

EXPERTS

Advanced skiers will discover the black off the top of Légette with its narrow couloirs, and there are off-piste runs through the trees.

RESORT RUNS

There are multiple access points so the resort runs are of all levels from green-black.

LES SAISIES PISTE MAP

To see the Les Saisies piste map for 11/12 please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

LES SAISIES SNOW REPORTS

To see Les Saisies snow reports please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

What’s new with the ski area for 11/12?

See LES SAISIES RESORT NEWS

Les Saisies Lift passes

Save time in resort and budget ahead by pre-booking Les Saisies lift passes. See below for prices.

PRE-BOOK* your ESPACE DIAMANT LIFT PASS with PR

BEGINNER PASSES

Please note there is a cheaper pass covering Les Saisies ski area only (50km). You will need to buy this in resort as we cannot pre-book this.

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

Les Saisies ski pass –half day & daily rates:

½ day - €19 children, €22 adults

Day - €26 children, €29 adults

Val d’Arly ski pass – half day & daily rates:

½ day - €17 children, €23 adults

Day - €21 children, €27 adults

Espace Diamant ski pass -half day & daily rates:

½ day - €22 children, €29 adults

Day - €26 children, €34 adults

Les Saisies Ski Schools        

PRE-BOOK* your LES SAISIES GROUP SKI/BOARD LESSONS

Please note that a booking fee of £9 per party will be charged

Group Ski Lessons

Times and Schedules (ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES).

¹ Sunday lessons are always in the afternoon

18/12/-11/02:

1 Afternoon and 5 morning lessons: Sun 14.30-16.30 + Mon-Fri 09.15-11.45

Afternoons lessons: Sun 14.30-16.30 + Mon-Fri 14.15-16.30

12/02-27/04:

1 Afternoon and 5 morning lessons: Sun 14.15-16.45 + Mon-Fri 09.15-11.45

Afternoons lessons: Sun 14.15-16.45 + Mon-Fri 14.15-16.45

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (18/12-2/1, 13/2-13/3 & 9/4-24/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

Les Saisies Individual tuitions

(11/12 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change

Ski school Les Saisies contact numbers:

ESF Les Saisies Tel 0033 479 38 90 40

Ski Hire Les Saisies

Les Saisies ski hire prices start from £37 for children (skis and boots) & £54 for adults (skis and boots) for 7 days. View here for Les Saisies ski hire prices.

Mountain restaurants

‘Le Chalet des Marmottes’ – fireplace and sunny terrace

‘Le Benetton’ – panoramic terrace and on piste au col de la Lézette.

Cross-country in Les Saisies

120km marked tracks – situated between 1600m and 1700m (one of highest in Europe).

Cross-country domain of the 1992 Olympic Games.

Starting in Mont Lachat, very easy to reach by chairlift (La Logère, Le Cernix) or by the completely renovated road (3 km).

A free loop for getting into shape, then a whole range of increasingly long and technical routes. 

1 x 3 km piste, 1 x 5 km piste, and then you can reach the entire domain by very easy links.

Perfectly groomed and safe, they will guarantee, whatever your level a perfect stay in an outstanding environment.

There is also a free initiation circuit 3 km from Les Saisies village. 

Costs 11/12:

½ day adult €7.10 (€3.30 child), full day €8.80 (€4.90 child). Free for under 5’s.

Snowparks in Les Saisies

There are 3 snowparks within the Espace Diamant including 1 in Les Saisies.

Snowshoeing in Les Saisies

3 circuits – one joins part of the skiing cross country site. Free access. A guided outing costs from approx €14pp per half day in Les Saisies.

Big Airbag in Les Saisies

Learn to jump with a giant airbag to cushion your fall. Ideal to learn or train in freestyle. Find the Big Air Bag winter: next to teleski de la foret.

Admission: € 3 jumping / 5 € for two / five € 10.

*ALL PRE-BOOKABLE EXTRAS ARE PAYABLE TO PEAK RETREATS IN STERLING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRICES ARE IN £.

ANYTHING IN EUROS (€) WE ARE UNABLE TO PRE-BOOK AND

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.