Half-way between the 'Beaufortain' and the 'Val d'Arly' valleys, two magnificent areas of Savoy, Les Saisies offers a spectacular setting with glorious views towards Mont Blanc. The 'Beaufortain' with its wonderful scenery is sometimes called 'The French Tyrol'.
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.
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
Interested in buying an apartment in Les Saisies or Cohennoz/Crest Voland? See our Buying in the Alps section
Opening Dates
Child Care
Activities
Apres Ski/Eating
Access
Resort News
Other Amenities
Opening Dates
Espace Diamant/Les Saisies ski area opens on 22/12/12 – 05/04/2013
From 6th April 2013 - 12th April partial opening only of the Espace Diamant (86%). From 13th April 2013 - 19th April, Les Saisies only open.
Child Care
The Bear Club in Les Saisies village – children from 2-3yrs. Games, songs etc. Contact: 00 33 479 38 90 40
Mon-Fri.
2hrs 30 from €27
5am or 5pm from €80-€131.50 (depending on date)
5am+5pm from €136-€219 (depending on date)
LES DOUDOUS
Groupe Scolaire Le Chozal
73620 HAUTELUCE
Tel. +33 (0)4 79 31 24 49
Open all winter season from 07.30-18.30.
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.frElf 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
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
New attraction, source of thrills ... In about 800 meters, passengers onboard will experience a feeling of omnipotence to 8 meters above the ground while enjoying the passing scenery. Adrenaline guaranteed thanks to strong acceleration, sharp turns, spins from 360 to 540 °, a series of waves ... For the less adventurous, do not panic, there is a braking system to regulate its speed! Attraction guarantee safe from 3 years. Children less than 1.25m must be accompanied by an adult.
Prices € 4.20 € 5.20 solo or duet € 19.20 5 downhill runs € 37 10
Dates and opening hours: Tuesday 18 December 2012 to Friday, April 19, 2013: open daily (From 10:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:30)
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 canyonNant Rouge, amidst the forest,Openthroughout 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
CinemaTariffs: adulte7.80 € / child (under 8yrs) 6.50 € Cinéma "Le Refuge": 0033 479 38 92 32
FlightsFlying aircraft or helicopter 1st flights or circuits around Mont-Blancto discover the most beautiful landscapes.ParaglidingParagliding 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.frwww.les-volatiles.comNight 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
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
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 - £127 per person return based on 4 people sharing.
For all other transfer prices please click here
Resort News
Event
Date(s)
CHRISTMAS TRAIL RACE
10 and 30 kilometre trail races, at the heart of our ski area. Come and discover the magnificent winter scenery. On the programme: uphill slopes, fresh powder and forest ground. A fun and festive atmosphere guaranteed!
15th December 2012
Garmin Endurance Week
A week of training and coaching Nordic disciplines. Improve your performance with the help of qualified professionals. On the programme: nordic walking, racing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoe outings...
22nd – 29th December 2012
16th PARAGLIDING OPEN “VOLASKI”
This paragliding competition includes a “Touch & Go” event and a precision test.
12th -13th January 2013
LA GRANDE ODYSSÉE SAVOIE MONT-BLANC
Espace Diamant capital of the Grande Odysée Savoie
Mont-Blanc, chases international of huskies since 2005.
Espace Diamant created for the 16, 17 and January 18th 2013,
3 news stages of the fabulous epopee.PRE PROGRAM:
January 16th: stage Praz-sur-Arly > Flumet > Crest-Voland / CohennozJanuary 17th: stage Les Saisies > ND-de-Bellecombe and challenge Megève
January 18th: stage Megève > Les Saisies
16th - 18th January 2013
FREE-STYLE COMPETITION: TRIBUTE TO THE AIR
6th edition of this ski & snowboard contest. Open to experienced free-style skiers & snowboarders. At the snow-park in Les Saisies.
2nd February 2013
DOWNHILL SKI RACE: TITOU’S CUP
A friendly competition for young skiers aged 10 and 11, all members of a ski club in the region. This team event includes several different disciplines; ski-cross, parallel slalom, speed race and a derby A fun event sponsored by Franck Piccard, the Olympic Ski Champion.
January 2013
30th High in the Sky
Great hot air ballons meeting. Saturday and Sunday, flights around 9 a.m and 2 p.m. Free first flights (captive balloon), real scale Alphajet model, parachutists drops, precise landing...
March 2013
19th Long distance Cross Country Championships
After 4 other famous long distance races, the competitors cover 42 or 21km, men & women, for this last stage of the long distance cross country “Grand Prix”.
24th March 2013
19th Comic Book Festival
Throughout the week, come and enjoy a choice of entertainment and creative workshops on a cartoon theme.
16th – 19th April 2013
All events are courtesy of Les Saisies Tourist Office – www.lessaisies.com
Other
New chairlift Covetan (11/12). Next winter the chair lift (2 places) of Covetan will be replaced by a brand new 6-seater detachable camera equipped with a security system inova (guardrails lowered automatically.)
Other Amenities
Medical centre, doctors, pharmacy, banks/cashpoints, post office, cinema, laundrette.
ski info
Best recognised as being the centre for cross-country skiing since it hosted the Winter Olympics, Les Saisies also has extensive alpine skiing linked with its neighbours Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame de Bellecombe and Flumet to form the 'Espace Diamant'.
Additional ski facts info, main ski area listed in panel above
Local ski area Les Saisies
LES SAISIES 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 Bellecombewhich 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.
LES SAISIES BEGINNERS
Les Saisies is an ideal resort for beginners who will find plenty of gentle nursery slopes and long wide blues to progress on.
LES SAISIES 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.
LES SAISIES 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.
LES SAISIES RESORT RUNS
There are multiple access points so the resort runs are of all levels from green-black.
Espace Diamant: 185km of pistes incl Les Saisies, Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame de Bellecombe, Praz sur Arly, Flumet
For complete beginners, please note that there is also a cheaper lift pass covering Les Saisies ski area only (50km) although we cannot pre-book this so it has to be bought in resort.
PLEASE NOTE: €2/pass for hands-free pass included in price PHOTO NECESSARY (to save time, we advise you take your own but this can be done on site at the desk).
Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):Les Saisies ski pass –half day & daily rates:
½ day - €20 children, €26 adults
Day - €23.50 children, €30.50 adults
Espace Diamant ski pass -half day & daily rates:
½ day - €23.20 children, €27 adults
Day - €27.20 children, €31.70 adults
Ski School
SKI SCHOOL LES SAISIES 12/13 (ESF) Lessons only (lift pass & lunch not included)
Ski Lessons
Adults (12 yrs+)
Child (5-11)
Piou-Piou (3-4)
6x Mornings (17/2-15/3)
£127
£133
£133
6x Mornings (23/12-4/1 + 10/2-16/2 + 14/4-26/4)
£103
£109
£109
6x Mornings (5/1-9/2 + 16/3-13/4)
£80
£85
£85
6x Afternoons (17/2-15/3)
£119
£125
£125
6x Afternoons (23/12-4/1 + 10/2-16/2 + 14/4-26/4)
£88
£94
£94
6x Afternoons (5/1-9/2 + 16/3-13/4)
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 PM + 5 Full Days (17/2-15/3)
£192
£198
£198
1 PM + 5 Full Days (23/12-4/1 + 10/2-16/2 + 14/4-26/4)
£140
£146
£146
1 PM + 5 Full Days (5/1-9/2 + 16/3-13/4)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Snowboard Lessons
Adult + Children (9 yrs+)
5x Afternoons (17/2-15/3)
£111
5x Afternoons (23/12-4/1 + 10/2-16/2 + 14/4-26/4)
£85
Please note that Sunday lessons are always in the afternoon. TIMES (FOR INDICATION ONLY): 23/12-9/2 Sunday 14.30-16.30, Monday-Friday 09.15-11.45 or/and 14.15-16.30; 10/2-26/4 Sunday 14.15-16.45, Monday-Friday 9.15-11.45 or/and 14.15-16.45
TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED - Please note that a booking fee of £9 per party will apply.
Ski School: 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 (23/12-6/1, 16/2-16/3 & 14/4-21/4) 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
(12/13 prices, NOT pre-bookable)
23/12-04/01 + 10/02-16/02 + 14/04-19/04: 1hr = €36, 2 hrs = €67
05/01-09/02 + 16/03-13/04: 1hr = €35, 2hrs = €64
17/02-15/03: 1hr = €45, 2hrs = €90
Supp/pers/hr: €15, €15 and €20 consecutively
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
Activities
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.
Other Accommodation In: Les Saisies
Le Hameau du Beaufortain
4* MGM Apartments. Sleeps 2-8 Indoor Pool Le Hameau du Beaufortain is a prestige residence located 2km from the resort centre offering and very convenient doorstep skiing.
Le Village des Lapons
MGM Apartments. Sleeps 2-6 Indoor pool Le Village des Lapons is ideally located in a quiet area of Les Saisies, with easy access to the slopes.
Chalets d’EmeraudeNew to our programme
Sleeps 2-8. Indoor pool Chalets d’Emeraude residence is located 600m from the resort centre and the lifts.