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: Courchevel 1650
Courchevel 1650 is situated on a sunny plateau above the Vallée des Avals and is a really great all-round resort that has worked hard to come out of the shadow of Courchevel 1850.
It offers visitors a great ski base to enjoy, what some consider to be, the best skiing for the valley. On the edge of the vast Three Valleys ski area the slopes of 1650 are quieter than most with wide open pistes making skiers feel that they are in a secluded resort rather than being part of a vast 600km system and the largest linked ski area in the world.
1650 has interesting scenery, vast views and some stunning powder fields leading down to its sunny centre and is an ideal resort for all levels of skier. I often head over to Chapelets for some quiet uninterrupted turns before heading into 1650 for lunch. The skiing of Courchevel 1650 is excellent for beginners and intermediates who do not have to look further than the local slopes to get the most of their ski experience. All the final runs into the centre are blues or greens and there are no surprises.
Catch the next lifts of Chapelets or signal and access some excellent red runs. Cut off the piste slightly to enjoy some great off-piste without venturing to far astray. Or for those who like to earn their dinner then enjoy the challenge of making it over to the fourth valley and back in time for a well deserved après-ski aperitif – it’s not that easy!
You can buy local valley ski pass or the full Three Valleys depending on your level. The Three Valleys ski domain provides more than 600km of runs and probably the same again off-piste. In fact it should now be called the Four Valleys with the link into Orelle (Maurienne Valley) which can be accessed by ski from Val Thorens. This has also opened up some extraordinary off-piste runs.
If you are not skiing, the 1650 has some great terraces to relax on with a book and a glass or 4, there are some decent shops or whizz up to 1850 on the free navette to browse alongside the rich and famous in the branded shops like Gucci and Lacroix. The restaurants and bars in 1650 are really good, not fine dining but good European and local fare well done. The prices are reasonable by comparison to 1850 and the bars are lively and well populated by locals as well as tourists. Whilst this is an excellent family resort it also knows how to party!
TRAVEL Geneva Airport: 2 hours. Grenoble Airport: 2 hours. Lyon Airport: 2 hours. Chambery: 1hour 30. Train: TGV stops at Moutiers, 30 mins from 1650. Road: 8 – 10 hours from the ports of Dover and Le Havre.
14 properties in Courchevel 1650
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