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).
136 properties in Three Valleys
Ski Resort: Les Menuires
Les Menuires is a superb ski base for ski and board lovers of all levels and tastes. For a long time it was known as the bargain basement of the Three Valleys and there’s nothing wrong with that. Well nothing except the buildings thrown up to house the staff for the winter Olympics were all concrete blocks and felt ugly when compared to little wood and stone chalets. This created a reluctance to buy here by anyone looking for something more than just a ski base.
Increasingly however, with lovely new chalets and developments going that are good quality and in the Savoyard stone and wood style, more people are looking here as a good place to find a well priced ski property - and with the 600kms of the Three Valley pistes accessed from your doorstep that has to make sense.
Its big selling point has always been its superb location for skiers. Situated at 1800 with Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe just up the valley, and linking directly into the skiing of the Meribel, Courchevel and Orelle valleys. The Belleville valley in its own right out classes most ski resorts both on marked pistes available to ski and the incredible network of lifts and mountain restaurants. Because of its great skiing and sensibly priced activities it has become a popular resort for those buying to rent as the ski rental business here has proved to be very strong and consistent. Due to this in 2008/09 when other resorts were losing money due to the crunch Les Menuires actually increased its visitors.
There is a lot of ski in / ski out property from which all areas of the Three Valleys are easily accessed, and don’t forget its local slopes are some of the best for good skiers: challenging, usually with good snow, and rarely used by visitors from the other valleys especially La Masse a wonderful area that allows access to some great slopes as well as stunning off-piste runs. That said there is something for every level of skier and non-skiers are not left out with many activities both exiting and relaxing available.
The long term investment by the council to improve and upgrade the resort plus a decent range of shops, restaurants, bars and a good quality gym and spa makes this resort worth a look for the keen skier who likes to get value for money.
12 properties in Les Menuires