Les Saisies
Why Les Saisies Ski Resort?
- It’s 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
- It’s a large vibrant village with a decent amount of après-ski
- It’s France’s top Olympic cross-country ski area
Read Briony Key's review on Family Ski News, 'Living the high life in Les Saisies'!
Les Saisies (Mont Blanc) Information
Half-way between the 'Beaufortain' and the 'Val d'Arly' valleys, two magnificent Savoy areas, offers a spectacular setting with glorious views across to Mont Blanc. The 'Beaufortain' region, with its wonderful scenery, is sometimes called 'The French Tyrol'.
Les Saisies itself sprang to international prominence during the 1992 Winter Olympic Games at Albertville in the French Alps. It’s a charming French ski resort with timber-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.
With its 360-degree panorama ranging from Alpine meadows to the snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc in Beaufortain, Aravis, and close to the Chartreuse Mountains, Les Saisies offers stunning scenery and the chance of wonderful discoveries. The ski resort of Les Saisies is a set of typical Beaufortain villages, where visitors can enjoy both the architecture and their traditional way of life.
Interested in buying an apartment in Les Saisies or Cohennoz/Crest Voland? See our Buying in the Alps section.
Read about one of our loyal client's Christmas in Les Saisies with her family to learn more about this charming resort.
Les Saisies ski area
Best recognised as a major centre for cross-country skiing since it hosted the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic events, Les Saisies also has extensive alpine skiing shared with its neighbours to form the 'Espace Diamant'. This links six pretty Alpine villages: Crest Voland Cohennoz, Flumet, Hauteluce, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz sur Arly and Les Saisies.
Set among forests and alpine meadows, with stunning views of Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain and Aravis ranges, the ski area extends between the Beaufortain and Val d’Arly, offering really varied terrain.
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!
Even if your children are too small to take the chairlift, this need not stop them from having a go at skiing! Three rope tows are available for them: at 'Les Trolles', located in the cross-country ski park (also accessible to adults), 'Les Lutins', near the snow garden and at 'Les Gobelins' at Bisanne 1500m. They are safe and easy to use - and 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 120km of tracks for every skill level (from beginner to expert). It extends over a large sunny plateau between 1,570m and 1,760m, which guarantees a long season of snow cover. See more details under 'The skiing'.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):
Les Saisies local area - 77km of pistes, 29 lifts (1 gondola, 15 chairlift, 11 draglift, 2 carpet), 72 slopes:
Green slopes: 9
Blue slopes: 34
Red slopes: 16
Black slopes: 6
Les Saisies skiing info
Beginners
Les Saisies is an ideal resort for beginners who will find plenty of gentle nursery slopes (see Lutins beginner area) and long, wide blue runs to progress on.
Aiglon beginner - this green slope of the eaglet is now dedicated to "slow ski." This 500m long zone has a signage adapted to beginners skiers to allow them to evolve with confidence, in peace and in complete safety.
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.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Advanced skiers will be keen to discover the black run from the top of 'Légette' with its narrow couloirs, and the off-piste runs through the trees. Hauteluce’s ski area has a variety of challenging runs and is a favourite among local freeriders.
Les Saisies resort runs
There are multiple access points, so the resort runs are of all levels from green to black.
Mountain fun zones
The Elfik Park at 1,750m
3 hectares dedicated to skiing, totally scripted and arranged for families and young people inc. the snootcross with its banked turns, tunnels in the shape of a tree trunk, giant mushrooms to cross or playful sound modules. Find the Snoot elf on the different modules...
The elves's forest at 1,650m
Discover the magical world of the elves of Les Saisies. In the forest next to the resort, you can visit elf hut and search Tauron in his territory. Tell him you arrive by ringing the bell and he will open the door of its wonderland for you.
Nordic skiing
Stats:
A huge 120km of tracks with a telecorde
18 tracks including 7 green, 7 blue, 2 red, 2 black
1 Nordic park
The largest Nordic area in France, there are 120km of tracks for every skill level (from beginner to expert). Thanks to its high altitude, Les Saisies cross-country area is one of the best in the Alps for its snow level. Each year you can Nordic ski from early December (at the latest) until the end of April.
Raphaël Poirée, 7 times World Biathlon Champion and Nordic Ambassador in Les Saisies explains that “Cross-country skiing in Les Saisies is better than in Norway. In Les Saisies there is more snow, more sunshine, more light and it isn’t as cold as in Scandinavia".
You can get FREE access to the Nordic area with a valid downhill/alpine ski lift pass. Nordic skiers can take the Gentianes skilift to easily reach 'La Palette'. From 'La Palette' you can find breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and of course Mont Blanc.
Les Saisies also have Les Marmottons track for children. It's a nature treasure hunt to learn Nordic skiing the smooth and fun way. The children follow the Marmotton trying to complete challenges to get their degree. For children aged 5-10 years.
Les Saisies ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Les Saisies ski hire and/or Les Saisies lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Les Saisies group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 13 years in Les Saisies with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 9 years+. We can also book private lessons. For non-skiing childcare, please enquire.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Les Saisies private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Les Saisies for private lessons - 0033 4 79 38 90 40
Les Saisies childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 2-3 years (non-skiers)
ESF Club Nounours - daycare in centre of resort. A team of professionals will take care of your child from 2 to 3 years old to offer them indoor and outdoor activities adapted to their age and rhythm. No ski lessons included with this package.
Please contact ESF Club Nounours direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 38 90 40.
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Les Saisies
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable
Baby park®
Dog-sledging experience for kids age 3 to 7.
Walking, snow-shoeing and Nordic walking itineraries
Enjoy a number of itineraries on foot or on snowshoes. Discover the natural surroundings and magnificent panoramic views. 2 chair lifts are open to pedestrians. A map of footpaths and trails is available from the Tourist Information Office.
Dog sledging
Enjoy a ride on a comfortable dogsled driven by one of our enthusiastic and experienced mushers.
Snowmobile outings
Outings are organized every evening on an accredited circuit.
Snow grooming
Experience Enjoy a 20-minute discovery ride as a passenger or a 45-minute driving lesson.
Ski joering
Enjoy skiing behind a horse in a specially prepared area.
The enchanted forest
Accessible on skis only. Come and discover the fairy tale world of the enchanted forest. Follow clues to find Tauron's log cabin and his book of magical spells.
Top activities to experience in Les Saisies
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable
Mountain twister (luge)
A toboggan run on rails! Race down a 750m long track around 360° and 540° bends.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Discover the beautiful natural surroundings in a horse-drawn sleigh and enjoy a completely different view of the resort.
Ice climbing
Learn to climb the ice or perfect your technique under the supervision of a qualified mountain guide.
Mont Blanc balcony view
In winter, from late December to mid-April, ski through the snow by taking the Chard du Beurre chairlift. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can access the Balcon du Mont-Blanc on foot or snowshoes during the winter. Follow the specially prepared footpaths to immerse yourself in the magical winter landscape and admire the snow-capped peaks.
10 pin Bowling (Le 1650)
A 6-lane bowling alley for fun-packed evenings.
Paragliding
The triple French champions, “Les Volatiles”, propose a choice of tandem initiation flights.
Fun footpaths
Discover the different aspects of Les Saisies and the village of Hauteluce along one of our fun footpaths. Satellite guidance available on request.
Panoramic flights
Enjoy magnificent scenery on a Mont-Blanc discovery flight or circuit.
Discover local heritage
Enjoy a choice of guided heritage walks and activities for children.
Les Saisies après-ski, restaurants & bars
Les Saisies has over 20 restaurants (including 4 in Hauteluce and 2 in Bisanne 1500) and 5 bars/pubs/discos.
Amenities
Les Saisies is served by a range of amenities including 4 grocery stores, 4 butchers/caterers, 2 bakeries, 5 boutiques, 2 newsagents, 7 artisans, a medical centre, doctors, pharmacy, banks/cash points, post office, cinema and a laundrette.
Accessing Les Saisies, France
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 & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Les Saisies is roughly 25km in Albertville.
4 international airports are nearby, see our flying page for information on airlines. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Les Saisies is roughly 92km, approx. 1hr 30 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Les Saisies is roughly 92km, approx. 1hr
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Les Saisies is roughly 159km, approx. 1hr 30 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Les Saisies is roughly 169km, approx. 2hrs
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus transfers from some French/Swiss airports and SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with them), we invite you to do your own research.
Resort shuttle bus:
A free shuttle bus service runs every day around Les Saisies during the winter season. Also shuttles run between the villages of Les Saisies, Bisanne 1500 & Belleville / Hauteluce.
