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The Inside Track: A First Family Ski Holiday in Sainte Foy
Having skied as a couple previously, Nicola, one of the Peak Retreats team, decided that 2024 would be the year she headed to the French Alps on a ski holiday with her children.
Hidden alpine gem with lovely apartments and uncrowded skiing
Sainte Foy is a peaceful, charming alpine resort offering uncrowded slopes and some of the French Alps’ best off-piste terrain.
Accommodation ranges from ski-in/ski-out residences such as Les Fermes de Sainte Foy and Etoile des Cimes to boutique stays like Le Ruitor. With wellness areas in the properties we feature, traditional architecture and excellent locations, it provides the perfect balance of comfort, authenticity and access to outstanding skiing.
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Sainte Foy Quick Facts
- Ski area: Sainte Foy
- Resort height: 1500m
- Resort top height: 2620m
- Km piste: 41
- Snow cannons: 100 (55% of area)
- Distance from Calais: 608 miles (8hrs 55)
- Lift pass: ££££
- No. of slopes: 25
- Green slopes: 2
- Blue slopes: 7
- Red slopes: 13
- Black slopes: 4
-
Beginners:
★ ★ ★
-
Intermediate:
★ ★ ★
-
Expert:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Boarders:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Freeride:
★ ★ ★ ★
Highlights
Quiet uncrowded slopes ideal for relaxed skiing and families
Excellent off-piste terrain with safe marked natural adventure routes
Ski-in/ski-out apartments with spa and wellness facilities
Traditional chalet-style accommodation with luxury touches and comfort
A 6-day lift pass that includes a day in nearby Tignes
Compact resort layout with accommodation close to lifts and slopes
Travel options
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
More Ski Services
More Ski Services
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation.
Accommodation
Sainte Foy - SAINTE FOY
Les Fermes de Sainte Foy
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 10
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Foot of the slopes
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Residence lounge with open fireplace
Sainte Foy - SAINTE FOY
Le Ruitor
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- 600m from the lifts
- Superb views of the valley & resort
Sainte Foy - SAINTE FOY
Etoile des Cimes
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Heart of the village
- Foot of the slopes
Sainte-Foy, j’y crois, they said. In Sainte-Foy, I believe I have found something special.
Another good discovery was the outdoor bar Moulinettes. Situated next to one of the nursery slopes, this was a favourite spot of ours for a late afternoon drink. There was daily music, sometimes a live band, other times a DJ. We were able to have a drink, watching the sun set and helping the children with sledging.
Sainte Foy has a lovely family friendly vibe. There are nice cruising runs and pretty tree-lined skiing, and for such a small resort there were at least two mountain side restaurants. It's feels different to larger neighbouring resorts, more compact and easy to get around. Stunning views down the valley towards La Rosiere were another highlight.
This was our 4th booking with Peak Retreats at Ste-Foy, and we absolutely love it.
Les Fermes apartments in Ste Foy are optimally situated in the family friendly resort and we love staying there and enjoy using the swimming pool!Â
Overall the accommodation is excellent and we will return many times again.
We used Peak Retreats for our 2018 holiday and the experience was excellent, couldn't fault a thing. It was so good we booked the exact same holiday for 2019! Now we're just back from our 2019 holiday and had the same amazing experience. The service from Peak Retreats staff was so good - really friendly and helpful, and we had another amazing holiday. For us, Etoile des Cimes in Sainte Foy is the perfect spot for a super easy and fun family ski holiday!
We were fairly new to skiing (second holiday) and found your team to be very helpful, very very patient. Overall a very good service and holiday.
This was our 3rd time in Sainte Foy - we absolutely love it!
We had a fantastic time from start to finish!
Great holiday, great resort. Just loved it.
We had a great time and Peak Retreats were wonderful.
Les Brevettes, Restaurant 1580, La Bergerie and Le Saint Germain are all fantastic. We recommend them all!
Excellent for families. Pistes never crowded. Can walk to all amenities.
Perfect for kids and young teenagers - small resort, car free, safe on slopes and off.
Le Bergerie is a lovely restaurant!
I have been going to Sainte Foy for 12 years now - it had a lot of great additions this year - the Nuts and Foxy run and hammocks at the mid station among them.
Our accommodation was really good. Slopes just a short walk away.
Charming place, not crowded, really good atmosphere and great snow. We have been there 22 times so know it well!
Perfect for families with children young and old. Small but perfectly formed. Just a lovely place to be and one we look forward to returning to next year.
Thank you for recommending Sainte Foy to us - we weren't sure quite what to expect, and it was amazing.
Etoile des Cimes was fantastic accommodation - great views, large ski lockers, decent sheets and a reasonable sized apartment.
Sainte Foy is a great ski resort for beginners and advanced skiers, despite being so small.
It was a great experience overall and Peak Retreats were brilliant and very helpful. The resort of Sainte Foy is lovely and I will definitely go back some time.
We've had the best time ever in Sainte Foy, courtesy of Peak Retreats. The whole process, from booking to sorting out complex ski lesson requests, was handled magnificently by the team. Nothing was too difficult and we always received prompt answers in a friendly and courteous manner. We'll definitely book with Peak Retreats again!Â
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Sainte Foy
What types of accommodation are available in Sainte Foy?
Accommodation in Sainte Foy includes high-quality self-catered apartments. Options such as Les Fermes de Sainte Foy, Le Ruitor and Etoile des Cimes provide a mix of ski-in/ski-out convenience, central locations and quieter settings. Apartments are spacious and well suited to couples, families and groups.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy is ski-in/ski-out?
Les Fermes de Sainte Foy and Etoile des Cimes are located at the foot of the slopes, offering excellent ski-in/ski-out access. This allows you to step straight from your accommodation onto the snow, making your ski day easy and efficient.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy is centrally located?
Etoile des Cimes is located in the heart of the village and at the foot of the slopes, while Les Fermes de Sainte Foy is also close to shops and amenities. These locations provide excellent convenience for skiing and village access.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy is best for families?
All three main residences cater well to families. Etoile des Cimes offers kids clubs and entertainment, while Les Fermes de Sainte Foy provides spacious apartments and a pool. The resort’s calm atmosphere and proximity to beginner areas make it particularly family-friendly.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy is best for groups?
Larger apartments sleeping up to 10 or more guests are available across Les Fermes de Sainte Foy, Le Ruitor and Etoile des Cimes. These offer multiple bedrooms and shared living spaces, making them ideal for groups.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy has spa facilities?
All three main residences offer wellness facilities. These typically include indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and fitness areas, with additional spa treatments available at Les Fermes de Sainte Foy and Le Ruitor.
Which accommodation in Sainte Foy offers the best views?
Le Ruitor offers particularly impressive views over the valley thanks to its elevated, quieter location. Many apartments across all residences also include balconies with mountain views.
What makes Sainte Foy different from other resorts?
Its peaceful atmosphere, lack of crowds and exceptional off-piste terrain make it stand out. It offers a more authentic and relaxed alternative to larger neighbouring resorts.
Does Sainte Foy offer access to larger ski areas nearby?
Yes, resorts such as Val d’Isère, Tignes and Les Arcs are within a short drive, providing access to extensive additional skiing. A 6-day lift pass includes a day skiing in Tignes, which is a great bonus!
Does Sainte Foy offer authentic alpine accommodation?
Yes, accommodation is built in traditional Savoyard style with wood and stone, blending seamlessly into the alpine landscape and creating a warm, authentic atmosphere.
What type of lift pass is available?
Lift passes for Sainte Foy cover the local ski area and can be pre-booked with us, 6-day passes include a day skiing in Tignes. Your hands-free lift pass is delivered with your travel documents, allowing you to go straight to the lifts without queuing. This adds convenience and helps you maximise your ski time from day one.
What ski school do you recommend?
We recommend ESF Sainte Foy, offering lessons for children and adults of all levels. Group lessons and private lessons can be pre-booked with us. We strongly advise booking at least six weeks in advance during peak weeks, as morning sessions fill quickly.
What should I know about ski essentials in Sainte Foy?
Planning ahead is important in Sainte Foy. Ski lessons and extras can book up early during peak dates, and availability of English-speaking instructors may vary. Booking your ski essentials in advance ensures availability and allows you to organise your holiday more efficiently.
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