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).
133 properties in Three Valleys
Ski Resort: Champagny-en-Vanoise
Champagny-en-Vanoise is rather special. Its part of the enormous National Parc de Vanoise, a truly beautiful and breathtaking wilderness and it is linked in to Paradiski – one of the largest ski areas in the world.
The village is charming. It is a traditional mountain village and has kept, for the most part, an authentic feel. Champagny Station is at an altitude of 1250m so runs back to the village can get a bit scratchy, but this is OK because you can catch the cable back down. Here you’ll find a range of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s all pretty low key and very much aimed at families.
There is also Champagny le Haut at 1450m a glorious village that makes you feel as though you’re stepping back in time. When I was last up there I was so captivated I turned into a tourist and started taking pictures. This is a preserved valley, classified in ‘the natural monuments and sites of France’ for its beautiful countryside and the preserved architecture of its villages. It is also the Gateway to the National Park of Vanoise (the oldest National Park in France, founded in 1963) and one of the most beautiful sites for cross country skiing and Nordic activities in the region. Champany offers a lot more than downhill skiing, there is nordic skiing, snow shoe walks, ice climbing, parapenting, sleigh rides and much more.
So from the resort centre you leap on the cable car which can have queues in peak season but once on, 8 minutes and you’re off on your skies. It takes skiers to the Southern slopes and the vast area for boardsports of la Grande Plagne: 225km of pistes for all levels between about 2,000 and 3,000 metres. You can ski on the sunny Southern slopes of Champagny, perhaps on the Bellecôte glacier or in the forest around the villages opposite Mont Blanc, wherever you ski there is plenty here to keep all levels of skier entertained.
8 properties in Champagny-en-Vanoise