The Tarentaise Valley
Famous for its snow-sure winter resorts; all of our properties are within easy reach of the big names – Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne and La Rosière with its link to the Italian La Thuile – as well as Sainte Foy Tarentaise itself.
Often referred to as the “best kept secret in the French Alps” and “the jewel in the crown” of the Tarentaise, Sainte Foy is where the local ski instructors choose to ski on their day off.
Although it is smaller than its better-known neighbours, it offers plenty of terrain for all ability levels and disciplines.
It has built up a cult following amongst off-piste skiers and boarders who revel in the extensive powder fields, where it’s still possible to make fresh tracks days after a snowfall. It is equally popular with families and beginners as the wide, sunny, quiet pistes are ideal for those just getting acquainted with the joys of skiing or boarding. Non-skiers will find plenty to enjoy too.
There are well-marked trails for snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing or simply hiking which offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. One of the best trails takes you to the picturesque, tranquil summer farming hamlet of Le Monal where you can picnic gazing at the glaciers of Mont Pourri across the valley.
You could also choose to try your hand at dog-sledding with your own sled pulled by a team of huskies. The less active can while away the day soaking up the sun with a glass of wine or a beer on one of the mountain restaurant terraces, or be pampered at one of the two spas at Sainte Foy. Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to get together for a ski holiday with loved ones.
Click here to find out more about how we can help you create a festive holiday to remember for years to come. Sainte Foy certainly lives up to the old adage that the best things come in small packages.
Tignes & Val d'Isere
The ski areas of Tignes & Val d’Isere form the Espace Killy, one of the largest ski areas in the world, with 300kms of slopes for all ability levels. It also offers one of the longest ski seasons in the world.
Tignes Les Brevieres combines the charm of a traditional alpine village, with the convenience of fast lift access directly into the Espace Killy. The village offers all the amenities you need on a winter sports holiday, with a choice of restaurants and bars, equipment rental shops, a supermarket, newsagent/tobacconist, post office and its own ski school.
There is a wide range of activities on offer for all ages, both on and off the slopes.
" This is the last bastion of unexploited French skiing. Ste Foy is where instructors come on their day off "
Our position in the middle of everywhere gives you the most fantastic choice of winter sports resorts!
Some of our guests choose to ski a different resort each day; others choose to ski the world famous Val d’Isère-Tignes circuit without paying world famous resort prices or enduring world famous resort commercialisation!
The off-piste paradise of Sainte Foy is uncrowded and the powder can last untracked for days. It’s also a perfect place for children and beginners as well as for a relaxing ski holiday away from the crowds.
You can drive to the Espace Killy in 20 minutes at Tignes Les Brévières and to the Les Arcs area in 15 minutes at Villaroger. La Rosière with its link to the Italian La Thuile, one of the few remaining heli-ski sites in Europe, is just 30 minutes away.
The skiable area of the Espace Killy comprises 300 Kilometres of ski runs located at altitudes ranging between 1,550 metres and 3,450 metres, at varying levels of difficulty:
- 22 green runs,
- 68 blue runs,
- 39 red runs,
- 26 black runs.
In addition to these runs, there are:
- 9 slalom courses,
- 1 mogul field,
- 2 snowparks and
- 1 gliss’ park.
There is also extensive backcountry skiing to be explored in the area. Tignes Les Brévières is located in the North-East part of the Espace Killy. Sunny from the early morning, you benefit from the views of the Grande Sassière (3748m), the Chevril lake and the Mont Blanc peak. Its highest peak is the Aiguille Percée (2748m), a huge rock with a hole in it through which you can ski (conditions permitting). The village has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope, with a free lift for beginners. Intermediates will enjoy the long sweeping red and blue runs that return to the village, whilst the more advanced will be challenged by the infamous black Sache piste and off-piste terrain.
Our properties offer easy access to some of the best off-piste or backcountry ski terrain in Europe. Sainte Foy has deservedly built up a reputation as an iconic off-piste resort and has become a must-ski destination for dedicated powder hounds. Popular routes include
- the infamous Fogliettaz North Face,
- Col Granier and
- The descent to the deserted summer farming hamlet of Le Monal.
The series of steep couloirs descending from the top ridge will get the adrenalin flowing for even the most adventurous off-pisters, whilst the easily accessible, gentle powder fields between the pisted runs offer an ideal training ground for powder “pups” new to the delights of off-piste skiing.
A little further afield there are plenty of classic descents to be explored:
- The North Face of the Bellecote at La Plagne;
- The Vallon de la Sache at Tignes;
- Cugnai at Val d’Isère; or,
- Grand Col at Les Arcs to name but a few.
La Rosière links up to La Thuile in Italy that has one of the last remaining heli-ski bases in Europe. The area also offers a huge choice of ski touring routes, from the gentle climb to the village of Le Crôt to the epic ascent of the Archeboc. For those new to off-piste skiing, or wanting to improve their technique, we offer a number of courses based at the Auberge sur la Montagne. Click here for more details.
Auberge sur la Montagne
We have our own professional ski workshop and full rental facilities at the Auberge sue la Montagne, so we can fulfil all your equipment rental needs.
We have a variety of standards of skis and our prices are very competitive. We also have a small selection of boards, and touring skis.
Our products and prices are comparable or better to those in rental shops. The biggest difference is that here, when you are fitted for equipment, you don’t need to endure rental shop queues. All fitting is done at our Auberge sur la Montagne. Enjoy a drink at our bar or a complimentary coffee/tea whilst you wait for others of your group. Either pre- arrange a time to do the fitting on your way to resort. Or we can collect you and drop you back to your accommodation.
Children and first time skiers particularly appreciate our personal attention and the privacy this service provides. The more experienced appreciate the quality of our equipment, the enthusiasm of our technicians and the refreshing way in which renting kit becomes an easy and pleasurable experience.
When you rent equipment from us you are welcome to change it as often as you want – all included in your week’s rental fee. For the first couple of days of your holiday get your ski legs back with a pair of forgiving skis. Then change them for a pair of all terrain or off-piste skis. Or have a day trying a snowboard. For a complete change, give the gliding a rest and have a days walk on snowshoes.
SkiDoc
New for 2022/23 we are also working together with SkiDoc. They will deliver top quality equipment direct to your accommodation, their ski technicians will then make sure everything fits during the in accommodation fitting. They are on call throughout the week to make any changes if needed, meeting you at the bottom of the slopes during the day with a pair of new boots or skis in case of emergency, or at your accommodation after you're done riding for the day, if you just want to try something different.
There is no payment or card details collected pre-arrival, simply book using the handy form below or check out their offer at https://skidoc.fr/ski-hire/, pre-order your equipment by entering "allatski" as the partner code under the "book now" tab. Once you have arrived and your equipment has been delivered and fitted, they will charge you only for what you need and what you are happy with. Last minute cancellations or changes to your group or requirements are done without a hassle.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Sainte Foy offers one of the best value lift passes in the French Alps at just €179.90 per adult for 6 days or €208.00 including a day in Les Arcs (2019-20 prices).
Recently installed snowmaking facilities have improved Sainte Foy’s already excellent snow record.
A 6+ day pass for Sainte Foy also allows you to ski at a reduced price for a day during your stay at the neighbouring resorts of
- Val d’Isère, Tignes,
- Les Arcs,
- La Plagne and
- La Rosière / La Thuile (Italy) so you can plan your own tailor-made ski safari. Or just pick and choose where you want to ski each day according to the weather and snow conditions.
Lift passes at Sainte Foy are FREE for the under 5’s and those aged 74 and over, and there are reductions for those aged 5-12 and 65-73. There are Family and Group rates available.
There are two lift pass options available: Espace Killy, offering access to all the lifts in Val d’Isère as well as Tignes, or you can choose to ski only in the Tignes sectors of the ski area. A 6 day Espace Killy pass is €304.00 for the 2019-20 season.
The Family lift pass allows all members of the same family (a minimum of 4 fee-paying skiers, including at least one parent) to ski at the reduced rate.
We recommend that you take out the Carré Neige insurance with your ski pass if your travel policy does not cover you for evacuation from the slopes in the event of injury. You can find details of the cover provided on their website.
Tignes Les Brevieres
There are two lift pass options available: Espace Killy, offering access to all the lifts in Val d’Isère as well as Tignes, or you can choose to ski only in the Tignes sectors of the ski area.
A 6-day pass for the Espace Killy entitles you to a FREE day at Les Arcs and La Rosière, and a 20% reduction on a day pass at Sainte Foy.
Passes are free for the under 5’s and those aged 75 and over, but they do still need a pass. Passes for children aged 5-13 and seniors aged 65-74 cost roughly 20% less than adult passes.
The Family lift pass allows all members of the same family (a minimum of 4 fee-paying skiers, including at least one parent) to ski at the reduced rate.
For details of prices and to book online, visit the website.
We recommend that you take out the Carré Neige insurance with your ski pass if your travel policy does not cover you for evacuation from the slopes in the event of injury. You can find details of the cover provided on their website.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Our properties are a particularly suitable base for a winter sports holiday with children, being perfectly placed to ski in probably the most child-friendly resort in the world: Sainte Foy!
Ski passes are FREE for the under five’s and reduced until they reach their 13th birthday.
The well-equipped crèche takes those over 3 years and can link up with the ski school so that your children can be entertained and cared for from 9AM to 5PM should you so wish. Sainte Foy is a resort where parents can ski with the peace of mind that their children are in good hands.
Nanny Service
We have our own qualified nannies during the winter season that will look after your children aged 6 months and over. They can collect older children from ski school if required and return to your accommodation where they can give them lunch and entertain them until you return from skiing.
Both indoor and outdoor activities are available e.g. board games, colouring, sculpting, sledging and building snowmen. We also have a good stock of children’s videos and DVD’s. They will also be available for evening babysitting. As places are limited, we advise you to book in advance – ask for further details.
Teenagers
Provisions for older children are often overlooked but not at Sainte Foy, teenagers can participate in the ESF classes specially designed for those aged 13-16 who would like to experience new sensations such as freestyle, powder or tree skiing with others of the same age.
Or why not sign them up for Evolutions 2’s Junior Academy classes specifically aimed at accomplished younger skiers. See the Instruction & Guiding section for more details.
Tignes Les Brevieres
Le Belvedere is the ideal base for a family ski holiday. The village has its own ski school and nursery slope with a dedicated free draglift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brevieres in the school holidays, however some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season).
There is a lift situated 100m from Le Belvedere which offers direct access to and from the main bubble lift and ski school meeting point. Better skiers can ski down beside the lift (snow conditions permitting).
Lift passes are free for the under 5’s and there is a 20% reduction from the adult price for children aged 5 to 13. There is also a family lift pass offering reduced rates for families of at least 4 (see the Lift Pass section for more details).
Nanny Service
We have our own qualified nannies during the winter season who will look after your children aged 6 months and over. They can collect older children from ski school if required and return to your accommodation where they can give them lunch and entertain them until you return from skiing.
Both indoor and outdoor activities are available e.g. board games, colouring, sculpting, sledging and building snowmen. We also have a good stock of children’s videos and DVD’s. They will also be available for evening babysitting. As places are limited, we advise you to book in advance – ask for further details.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
The ESF ski school is like many other things in Sainte Foy: small, friendly and intimate! The ESF at Sainte Foy have a great record of successful teaching of our friends, family and guests.
They offer group lessons as well as individual tuition and off-piste instruction and guiding. We strongly recommend that you book well in advance, especially for peak weeks. You can book online so that your tickets will be waiting for you on arrival avoiding those first day queues – BOOK YOUR SKI LESSONS WITH ESF.
- Evolution 2 are especially good for older children and teenagers and offer private lessons, off-piste guiding, heli-skiing and adventure activities such as dog-sledding - Click here for details
- Snocool are highly recommended for their small group sizes, skilled and enthusiastic teachers, and their flexibility. For more information on the group and private tuition they offer - Click here for details
- Apex is the first British ski and snowboard school in Sainte Foy, new this season. They offer a range of private lessons and technical sessions to improve your skills - Click here for more information
Private lessons and guiding
If these ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
- We particularly recommend Bryan Hogg, a BASI qualified Scottish ski instructor who is based in Sainte Foy during the winter (click here for more details). Bryan runs most of the off-piste courses based at the Auberge but is equally good at teaching beginners and children as well as those just wanting to improve their technique. A couple of sessions with Bryan will put most people back on the right track; we really can’t recommend him highly enough.
- We also recommend Nick Quinn another BASI qualified instructor based in Sainte Foy and Tignes. Nick has been teaching all levels of skiers in the area for the last 5 years, before which he was a BASI trainer. Nick can also organise snowboard lessons with a fellow instructor. You can find more details and book Nick directly by clicking here.
- Laurent Camus was born in Paris and has been skiing in Val d’Isère since he was 10 years old. He was a racer for many years (downhill and giant slalom). He started teaching and guiding with Topski in 1976 and after ten years he and some friends set up a ski school called Mountain Masters. Now he is working as a freelance instructor teaching all levels of skiing and boarding.
- Alextreme, Alexandre Rippe, has 20 years of experience within the Tarentaise Valley, is nationally qualified and can offer ski and snowboarding tuition and guiding for all levels and ages, on or off piste. You can contact him via his website
Off-Piste Courses and Ski Safari
We have a programme of off-piste courses based at the Auberge sur la Montagne running throughout the winter. There are courses for different ability levels from beginners to experts. Visit the pages in the Auberge section for further details.
Click on the links to find details of courses based at the Auberge run by our main off-piste partner Mountain Tracks as well as Ski Club Freshtracks.
The village of Les Brévières has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope with dedicated FREE drag lift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brévières in the school holidays, and some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season). Click here for further details.
Group & private lessons are also available with Evolution 2 and Snocool. We particularly recommend Snocool for their small class sizes and individual attention.
If for any reason the local ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
We are happy to provide help and advice and to make bookings on your behalf.
Tignes Les Brevieres
The village of Les Brévières has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope with dedicated FREE drag lift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brévières in the school holidays, and some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season). Click here for further details.
Group & private lessons are also available with Evolution 2 and Snocool. We particularly recommend Snocool for their small class sizes and individual attention.
If for any reason the local ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
We are happy to provide help and advice and to make bookings on your behalf.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Non-skiers
Non-skiers are well catered for, with facilities for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snow-biking, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, ice-skating, quad-biking, snowmobiling and swimming nearby. You can also get a pedestrian pass for the lifts. The view from the top of the Grande Motte cable-car is stunning and there is a large terrace at the Panoramic restaurant at the top of the funicular from which to enjoy the amazing views. Evolution 2 are offering dog-sledding, evening sledging, as well as snow shoeing excursions – click here for details.
Auberge guests can relax in the hot-tub or sauna, whilst all our guests can choose to laze on their sunny balcony or terrace and leave the strenuous activities to others. Shoppers will enjoy a stroll around the shops and weekly markets at the major resorts. There are two swimming pool/spa complexes at Sainte Foy resort. Both have a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and beauty treatments available.
Après-ski
Guests at the Auberge can relax in the hot-tub and sauna whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne. Kids and adults alike enjoy hurling themselves down our sledging tracks. The bar with its roaring log-fire is a convivial place for pre- and post-dinner drinks. You can also chill out in the Den to watch a movie, your favourite soap, or that all-important match.
Guests at Powder Ridge chalet can relax in the hot-tub whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne, whilst all our guests can enjoy a drink or two on their sunny balcony or terrace. In the village, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or meal. The Vault and Moose bars offer a lively après-ski scene with live coverage of your favourite sports and regular live music.
At the resort you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or two. The Yeti Boots bar faces the sledging area (complete with magic carpet lift) so the grown-ups can imbibe whilst keeping a watchful eye on the kids. The new Whiplash Pub often has live music, and the Après (formerly the Pitchouli) has a lively atmosphere and offers crèpes to keep the kids happy until supper time.
Our favourite restaurants include:
- L’Armailly (opposite the bubble lift station), a bustling restaurant offering pizzas (including take-aways) and local specialities.
- La Bouida (on the bridge near the bubble lift), a family run restaurant renowned for its selection of typical savoyard specialities including raclette, fondue and pierrade.
- La Sachette (in the main village street), a cosy interior and a sun-trap terrace serving modern European cuisine.
We are happy to suggest suitable restaurants and to make bookings for you.
Tignes Les Brevieres
Non-skiers
Non-skiers are well catered for, with facilities for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snow-biking, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, ice-skating, quad-biking, snowmobiling and swimming nearby. You can also get a pedestrian pass for the lifts. The view from the top of the Grande Motte cable-car is stunning and there is a large terrace at the Panoramic restaurant at the top of the funicular from which to enjoy the amazing views.
Après-ski
Guests at Powder Ridge chalet can relax in the hot-tub whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne, whilst all our guests can enjoy a drink or two on their sunny balcony or terrace. In the village, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or meal. The Vault and Moose bars offer a lively après-ski scene with live coverage of your favourite sports and regular live music.
Our favourite restaurants include:
L’Armailly (opposite the bubble lift station), a bustling restaurant offering pizzas (including take-aways) and local specialities.
La Bouida (on the bridge near the bubble lift), a family run restaurant renowned for its selection of typical savoyard specialities including raclette, fondue and pierrade.
La Sachette (in the main village street), a cosy interior and a sun-trap terrace serving modern European cuisine.
We are happy to suggest suitable restaurants and to make bookings for you.
Some of our guests choose to ski a different resort each day; others choose to ski the world famous Val d’Isère-Tignes circuit without paying world famous resort prices or enduring world famous resort commercialisation!
The off-piste paradise of Sainte Foy is uncrowded and the powder can last untracked for days. It’s also a perfect place for children and beginners as well as for a relaxing ski holiday away from the crowds.
You can drive to the Espace Killy in 20 minutes at Tignes Les Brévières and to the Les Arcs area in 15 minutes at Villaroger. La Rosière with its link to the Italian La Thuile, one of the few remaining heli-ski sites in Europe, is just 30 minutes away.
The skiable area of the Espace Killy comprises 300 Kilometres of ski runs located at altitudes ranging between 1,550 metres and 3,450 metres, at varying levels of difficulty:
- 22 green runs,
- 68 blue runs,
- 39 red runs,
- 26 black runs.
In addition to these runs, there are:
- 9 slalom courses,
- 1 mogul field,
- 2 snowparks and
- 1 gliss’ park.
There is also extensive backcountry skiing to be explored in the area. Tignes Les Brévières is located in the North-East part of the Espace Killy. Sunny from the early morning, you benefit from the views of the Grande Sassière (3748m), the Chevril lake and the Mont Blanc peak. Its highest peak is the Aiguille Percée (2748m), a huge rock with a hole in it through which you can ski (conditions permitting). The village has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope, with a free lift for beginners. Intermediates will enjoy the long sweeping red and blue runs that return to the village, whilst the more advanced will be challenged by the infamous black Sache piste and off-piste terrain.
Our properties offer easy access to some of the best off-piste or backcountry ski terrain in Europe. Sainte Foy has deservedly built up a reputation as an iconic off-piste resort and has become a must-ski destination for dedicated powder hounds. Popular routes include
- the infamous Fogliettaz North Face,
- Col Granier and
- The descent to the deserted summer farming hamlet of Le Monal.
The series of steep couloirs descending from the top ridge will get the adrenalin flowing for even the most adventurous off-pisters, whilst the easily accessible, gentle powder fields between the pisted runs offer an ideal training ground for powder “pups” new to the delights of off-piste skiing.
A little further afield there are plenty of classic descents to be explored:
- The North Face of the Bellecote at La Plagne;
- The Vallon de la Sache at Tignes;
- Cugnai at Val d’Isère; or,
- Grand Col at Les Arcs to name but a few.
La Rosière links up to La Thuile in Italy that has one of the last remaining heli-ski bases in Europe. The area also offers a huge choice of ski touring routes, from the gentle climb to the village of Le Crôt to the epic ascent of the Archeboc. For those new to off-piste skiing, or wanting to improve their technique, we offer a number of courses based at the Auberge sur la Montagne. Click here for more details.
Auberge sur la Montagne
We have our own professional ski workshop and full rental facilities at the Auberge sue la Montagne, so we can fulfil all your equipment rental needs.
We have a variety of standards of skis and our prices are very competitive. We also have a small selection of boards, and touring skis.
Our products and prices are comparable or better to those in rental shops. The biggest difference is that here, when you are fitted for equipment, you don’t need to endure rental shop queues. All fitting is done at our Auberge sur la Montagne. Enjoy a drink at our bar or a complimentary coffee/tea whilst you wait for others of your group. Either pre- arrange a time to do the fitting on your way to resort. Or we can collect you and drop you back to your accommodation.
Children and first time skiers particularly appreciate our personal attention and the privacy this service provides. The more experienced appreciate the quality of our equipment, the enthusiasm of our technicians and the refreshing way in which renting kit becomes an easy and pleasurable experience.
When you rent equipment from us you are welcome to change it as often as you want – all included in your week’s rental fee. For the first couple of days of your holiday get your ski legs back with a pair of forgiving skis. Then change them for a pair of all terrain or off-piste skis. Or have a day trying a snowboard. For a complete change, give the gliding a rest and have a days walk on snowshoes.
For our prices and to book please contact Ruth by her email bookings@allatski.com
SkiDoc
New for 2022/23 we are also working together with SkiDoc. They will deliver top quality equipment direct to your accommodation, their ski technicians will then make sure everything fits during the in accommodation fitting. They are on call throughout the week to make any changes if needed, meeting you at the bottom of the slopes during the day with a pair of new boots or skis in case of emergency, or at your accommodation after you're done riding for the day, if you just want to try something different.
There is no payment or card details collected pre-arrival, simply book using the handy form below or check out their offer at https://skidoc.fr/ski-hire/, pre-order your equipment by entering "allatski" as the partner code under the "book now" tab. Once you have arrived and your equipment has been delivered and fitted, they will charge you only for what you need and what you are happy with. Last minute cancellations or changes to your group or requirements are done without a hassle.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Sainte Foy offers one of the best value lift passes in the French Alps at just €179.90 per adult for 6 days or €208.00 including a day in Les Arcs (2019-20 prices).
Recently installed snowmaking facilities have improved Sainte Foy’s already excellent snow record.
A 6+ day pass for Sainte Foy also allows you to ski at a reduced price for a day during your stay at the neighbouring resorts of
- Val d’Isère, Tignes,
- Les Arcs,
- La Plagne and
- La Rosière / La Thuile (Italy) so you can plan your own tailor-made ski safari. Or just pick and choose where you want to ski each day according to the weather and snow conditions.
Lift passes at Sainte Foy are FREE for the under 5’s and those aged 74 and over, and there are reductions for those aged 5-12 and 65-73. There are Family and Group rates available.
There are two lift pass options available: Espace Killy, offering access to all the lifts in Val d’Isère as well as Tignes, or you can choose to ski only in the Tignes sectors of the ski area. A 6 day Espace Killy pass is €304.00 for the 2019-20 season.
The Family lift pass allows all members of the same family (a minimum of 4 fee-paying skiers, including at least one parent) to ski at the reduced rate.
We recommend that you take out the Carré Neige insurance with your ski pass if your travel policy does not cover you for evacuation from the slopes in the event of injury. You can find details of the cover provided on their website.
Tignes Les Brevieres
There are two lift pass options available: Espace Killy, offering access to all the lifts in Val d’Isère as well as Tignes, or you can choose to ski only in the Tignes sectors of the ski area.
A 6-day pass for the Espace Killy entitles you to a FREE day at Les Arcs and La Rosière, and a 20% reduction on a day pass at Sainte Foy.
Passes are free for the under 5’s and those aged 75 and over, but they do still need a pass. Passes for children aged 5-13 and seniors aged 65-74 cost roughly 20% less than adult passes.
The Family lift pass allows all members of the same family (a minimum of 4 fee-paying skiers, including at least one parent) to ski at the reduced rate.
For details of prices and to book online, visit the website.
We recommend that you take out the Carré Neige insurance with your ski pass if your travel policy does not cover you for evacuation from the slopes in the event of injury. You can find details of the cover provided on their website.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Our properties are a particularly suitable base for a winter sports holiday with children, being perfectly placed to ski in probably the most child-friendly resort in the world: Sainte Foy!
Ski passes are FREE for the under five’s and reduced until they reach their 13th birthday.
The well-equipped crèche takes those over 3 years and can link up with the ski school so that your children can be entertained and cared for from 9AM to 5PM should you so wish. Sainte Foy is a resort where parents can ski with the peace of mind that their children are in good hands.
Nanny Service
We have our own qualified nannies during the winter season that will look after your children aged 6 months and over. They can collect older children from ski school if required and return to your accommodation where they can give them lunch and entertain them until you return from skiing.
Both indoor and outdoor activities are available e.g. board games, colouring, sculpting, sledging and building snowmen. We also have a good stock of children’s videos and DVD’s. They will also be available for evening babysitting. As places are limited, we advise you to book in advance – ask for further details.
Teenagers
Provisions for older children are often overlooked but not at Sainte Foy, teenagers can participate in the ESF classes specially designed for those aged 13-16 who would like to experience new sensations such as freestyle, powder or tree skiing with others of the same age.
Or why not sign them up for Evolutions 2’s Junior Academy classes specifically aimed at accomplished younger skiers. See the Instruction & Guiding section for more details.
Tignes Les Brevieres
Le Belvedere is the ideal base for a family ski holiday. The village has its own ski school and nursery slope with a dedicated free draglift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brevieres in the school holidays, however some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season).
There is a lift situated 100m from Le Belvedere which offers direct access to and from the main bubble lift and ski school meeting point. Better skiers can ski down beside the lift (snow conditions permitting).
Lift passes are free for the under 5’s and there is a 20% reduction from the adult price for children aged 5 to 13. There is also a family lift pass offering reduced rates for families of at least 4 (see the Lift Pass section for more details).
Nanny Service
We have our own qualified nannies during the winter season who will look after your children aged 6 months and over. They can collect older children from ski school if required and return to your accommodation where they can give them lunch and entertain them until you return from skiing.
Both indoor and outdoor activities are available e.g. board games, colouring, sculpting, sledging and building snowmen. We also have a good stock of children’s videos and DVD’s. They will also be available for evening babysitting. As places are limited, we advise you to book in advance – ask for further details.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
The ESF ski school is like many other things in Sainte Foy: small, friendly and intimate! The ESF at Sainte Foy have a great record of successful teaching of our friends, family and guests.
They offer group lessons as well as individual tuition and off-piste instruction and guiding. We strongly recommend that you book well in advance, especially for peak weeks. You can book online so that your tickets will be waiting for you on arrival avoiding those first day queues – BOOK YOUR SKI LESSONS WITH ESF.
- Evolution 2 are especially good for older children and teenagers and offer private lessons, off-piste guiding, heli-skiing and adventure activities such as dog-sledding - Click here for details
- Snocool are highly recommended for their small group sizes, skilled and enthusiastic teachers, and their flexibility. For more information on the group and private tuition they offer - Click here for details
- Apex is the first British ski and snowboard school in Sainte Foy, new this season. They offer a range of private lessons and technical sessions to improve your skills - Click here for more information
Private lessons and guiding
If these ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
- We particularly recommend Bryan Hogg, a BASI qualified Scottish ski instructor who is based in Sainte Foy during the winter (click here for more details). Bryan runs most of the off-piste courses based at the Auberge but is equally good at teaching beginners and children as well as those just wanting to improve their technique. A couple of sessions with Bryan will put most people back on the right track; we really can’t recommend him highly enough.
- We also recommend Nick Quinn another BASI qualified instructor based in Sainte Foy and Tignes. Nick has been teaching all levels of skiers in the area for the last 5 years, before which he was a BASI trainer. Nick can also organise snowboard lessons with a fellow instructor. You can find more details and book Nick directly by clicking here.
- Laurent Camus was born in Paris and has been skiing in Val d’Isère since he was 10 years old. He was a racer for many years (downhill and giant slalom). He started teaching and guiding with Topski in 1976 and after ten years he and some friends set up a ski school called Mountain Masters. Now he is working as a freelance instructor teaching all levels of skiing and boarding.
- Alextreme, Alexandre Rippe, has 20 years of experience within the Tarentaise Valley, is nationally qualified and can offer ski and snowboarding tuition and guiding for all levels and ages, on or off piste. You can contact him via his website
Off-Piste Courses and Ski Safari
We have a programme of off-piste courses based at the Auberge sur la Montagne running throughout the winter. There are courses for different ability levels from beginners to experts. Visit the pages in the Auberge section for further details.
Click on the links to find details of courses based at the Auberge run by our main off-piste partner Mountain Tracks as well as Ski Club Freshtracks.
The village of Les Brévières has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope with dedicated FREE drag lift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brévières in the school holidays, and some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season). Click here for further details.
Group & private lessons are also available with Evolution 2 and Snocool. We particularly recommend Snocool for their small class sizes and individual attention.
If for any reason the local ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
We are happy to provide help and advice and to make bookings on your behalf.
Tignes Les Brevieres
The village of Les Brévières has its own ESF ski school and nursery slope with dedicated FREE drag lift. (Note that lessons only start at Les Brévières in the school holidays, and some classes start from Tignes Le Lac all season). Click here for further details.
Group & private lessons are also available with Evolution 2 and Snocool. We particularly recommend Snocool for their small class sizes and individual attention.
If for any reason the local ski schools do not suit your requirements, we can suggest local independent instructors and guides who have extensive experience working with both adults and children.
We are happy to provide help and advice and to make bookings on your behalf.
Auberge/Frontline sur la Montagne
Non-skiers
Non-skiers are well catered for, with facilities for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snow-biking, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, ice-skating, quad-biking, snowmobiling and swimming nearby. You can also get a pedestrian pass for the lifts. The view from the top of the Grande Motte cable-car is stunning and there is a large terrace at the Panoramic restaurant at the top of the funicular from which to enjoy the amazing views. Evolution 2 are offering dog-sledding, evening sledging, as well as snow shoeing excursions – click here for details.
Auberge guests can relax in the hot-tub or sauna, whilst all our guests can choose to laze on their sunny balcony or terrace and leave the strenuous activities to others. Shoppers will enjoy a stroll around the shops and weekly markets at the major resorts. There are two swimming pool/spa complexes at Sainte Foy resort. Both have a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and beauty treatments available.
Après-ski
Guests at the Auberge can relax in the hot-tub and sauna whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne. Kids and adults alike enjoy hurling themselves down our sledging tracks. The bar with its roaring log-fire is a convivial place for pre- and post-dinner drinks. You can also chill out in the Den to watch a movie, your favourite soap, or that all-important match.
Guests at Powder Ridge chalet can relax in the hot-tub whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne, whilst all our guests can enjoy a drink or two on their sunny balcony or terrace. In the village, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or meal. The Vault and Moose bars offer a lively après-ski scene with live coverage of your favourite sports and regular live music.
At the resort you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or two. The Yeti Boots bar faces the sledging area (complete with magic carpet lift) so the grown-ups can imbibe whilst keeping a watchful eye on the kids. The new Whiplash Pub often has live music, and the Après (formerly the Pitchouli) has a lively atmosphere and offers crèpes to keep the kids happy until supper time.
Our favourite restaurants include:
- L’Armailly (opposite the bubble lift station), a bustling restaurant offering pizzas (including take-aways) and local specialities.
- La Bouida (on the bridge near the bubble lift), a family run restaurant renowned for its selection of typical savoyard specialities including raclette, fondue and pierrade.
- La Sachette (in the main village street), a cosy interior and a sun-trap terrace serving modern European cuisine.
We are happy to suggest suitable restaurants and to make bookings for you.
Tignes Les Brevieres
Non-skiers
Non-skiers are well catered for, with facilities for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snow-biking, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, ice-skating, quad-biking, snowmobiling and swimming nearby. You can also get a pedestrian pass for the lifts. The view from the top of the Grande Motte cable-car is stunning and there is a large terrace at the Panoramic restaurant at the top of the funicular from which to enjoy the amazing views.
Après-ski
Guests at Powder Ridge chalet can relax in the hot-tub whilst sipping a beer or glass of champagne, whilst all our guests can enjoy a drink or two on their sunny balcony or terrace. In the village, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants for an après-ski drink or meal. The Vault and Moose bars offer a lively après-ski scene with live coverage of your favourite sports and regular live music.
Our favourite restaurants include:
L’Armailly (opposite the bubble lift station), a bustling restaurant offering pizzas (including take-aways) and local specialities.
La Bouida (on the bridge near the bubble lift), a family run restaurant renowned for its selection of typical savoyard specialities including raclette, fondue and pierrade.
La Sachette (in the main village street), a cosy interior and a sun-trap terrace serving modern European cuisine.
We are happy to suggest suitable restaurants and to make bookings for you.
