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).
135 properties in Three Valleys
Ski Resort: Saint Martin de Belleville
Based at 1400m and directly linked into the vast Three Valleys network by an 8 person gondola, St Martin de Belleville offers unlimited, world-class skiing.
The village is picture perfect, unspoiled and authentic making St Martin de Belleville the perfect ski resort if you are looking for a taste of authentic France combined with state of the art skiing. Clusters of traditional chalets and original Savoyard farmhouses are dominated by the close mountains with chamois and wild boars roaming free in the surrounding forests. St Martin was voted a “Top Ten Picture Postcard resort” for its pretty, traditional architecture and stunning Alpine scenery, it’s interesting to note that the commune have had the foresight to bury all the electric and phone cabling which means that not only does it have a clean uncluttered look, but you are unlikely to lose power when the snow hits!
As an added bonus Val Thorens, officially the highest resort in Europe is situated at the top of the valley offering great skiing from mid-November to mid-May. St Martin also has some of the best and clearest runs in the Three Valleys; with skiing for all levels back down to the village and red run Jerusalem a firm favourite with many, and the confidence inspiring off-piste powder fields have to be experienced to be believed. In the height of summer during July and August the valley is host to walkers, nature lovers and adventure seekers who arrive to enjoy the traditional and less traditional mountain activities along with the colourful mountain meadows and beauty of the contrasting vibrant green against snow capped mountains.
It is also a near neighbour to the Vanoise Park, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. St Martin de Belleville has a lower key nightlife than its glitzy neighbours. Having said that, the valley boasts two Michelin starred restaurants, one being situated three minutes from the village, the other in Val Thorens. St Martin itself has several friendly bars and restaurants which retain a mountain village atmosphere with prices to match. This ski resort seems ideal for ski and mountain lovers looking for an authentic atmosphere a little apart from the crowds, and out of season it still has life and enough year round residents to stop it feeling like a ghost town.
52 properties in Saint Martin de Belleville