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: Meribel
Meribel is one of most popular resorts in Europe for English-speaking skiers along with Courchevel and Val d’Isere.
Meribel is the central valley of the largest ski domain in the world, Les 3 Vallees.
With 600 km of groomed pistes, 85% of which are above 1800 metres, 25 accessible summits, 174 modern lifts and over 2090 snow cannons covering 43% of the ski area the statistics are impressive as is the skiing. However Méribel is much more than the 5 month winter ski season and an extended stay in summer or during the colours of autumn are needed to appreciate this.
The initial development of the ski resort in the late 1930’s was a British and French partnership and this acceptance of English speakers continues to this day. Meribel is now a much more diverse international community with a large percentage of residents or visitors speaking English as their main or second language.
The main village of Meribel is built on the eastern side of the valley between 1450 and 1700 metres and because of this it is surrounded by forests or grass & timbered slopes. The strict architectural codes of alpine sloping rooflines, timber and stone cladding compliments this setting and makes it one of, if not the most, attractive of all the large high altitude French ski resorts.
The other major “resort villages” are Meribel Mottaret (1750 m), Meribel Village (1400 m), Les Allues (1100m) and the spa town of Brides-Les-Bains (600 m) at the very bottom of the valley. There are many smaller villages or hamlets so the range of property covers all tastes from barn conversions & village houses through to ski apartments and super luxury ski in ski out chalets with private swimming pools. As well as the normal range of hotels, bars, restaurants & shops Meribel boasts a range of facilities and activities.
The Meribel Olympic Centre is home to a full size ice rink, indoor climbing wall, 25 metres indoor heated pool and water slide, conference centre, gymnasium and wellness centre of spa, steamrooms, etc.
There is a spectacular 18 hole Golf Course at 1700 metres and a huge range of other outdoor activities such as tennis, hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, paragliding, fishing, etc which are enjoyed in the warmer months. Meribel property is generally more expensive than other French resorts but not yet at the dizzy heights of Courchevel 1850 with perhaps the exception of a few of the most prestigious pockets.
As Meribel continues to become ever more popular with the big spenders of the world the strong capital growth experienced over many many years is likely to continue.
17 properties in Meribel