Ski holidays Les Saisies - Skiing in France's cross-country skiing stronghold!

Les Saisies

Although Les Saisies (1,650 m) is 30 kilometres away from Albertville, the spirit of the 1992 Winter Olympics blew through the community of 1,236 inhabitants. As one of nine competition venues, the ski resort competed for the gold, silver and bronze medals in cross-country skiing and biathlon. This is precisely why the ski resort is still considered one of the best destinations for Nordic skiing in France. With its traditional chalets and houses, Les Saisies exudes the cosiness away from the slopes that has made the resort particularly attractive to families for decades. For guests who are interested in cultural activities in addition to skiing, a day trip to Beaufort, just 15 kilometres away, is always worthwhile. Here, a visit to one of the world-famous cheese dairies, a tour of impressive castle ruins or simply a relaxing walk along the banks of the Lac du Roselend reservoir is recommended.

Beaufortain

Beaufortain's charm and idyll was already recognised by the Celts and later the old Romans. Since the Antique, humans have been living in the valley in the middle of the Savoy Alps. Today, the region, which is known worldwide for the Beaufort semi-hard cheese, is fully committed to tourism and winter sports. The location and the associated snow guarantee provide ideal natural conditions, which were also used here to host the cross-country skiing and biathlon competitions at the 1992 Winter Olympics. In the three ski areas Espace Diamant, Les Contamines - Hauteluce and Arêches around the summit of the Grand Mont (2,686 m), almost 400 kilometres of pistes and thus an alpine experience in a class of its own await guests in the Beaufortain massif.

With 192 kilometres of pistes, the Espace Diamant is the largest winter sports area in the region. In 2005, the mountain railways in Les Saisies, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz sur Arly, Flumet and Crest-Voland merged to a ski area at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,069 metres. There, skiers and snowboarders can use 82 lifts before conjuring up their turns in the snow on runs such as the 7-kilometre Choucas.

Winter sports enthusiasts can also look forward to a strong 120 kilometres of pistes in the Les Contamines - Hauteluce ski area. From the valley stations at 1,273 m, four gondolas and 20 lifts take you up to an altitude of 2,437 m, where an unobstructed view of the majestic Mont Blanc (4,809 m) is possible in the winter weather. Traditionally, the double ski area appeals to sporty skiers, as almost two thirds of the runs are classified as medium and difficult.

On the other hand, things are a little more intimate in Arêches, Beaufort's home ski area (1,080 to 2,300 m). 14 lifts open up a total of 50 kilometres of slopes, including 15 kilometres of easy runs. And it is precisely these that provide a great offer for beginners and families. In the "Espace ludique du Cuvy" children's area at 1,719 m, the youngest skiers will find everything their hearts desire.

Travel Les Saisies

• By train: Bourg-Saint-Maurice (approx. 85 km)
• By plane: Chambéry (approx. 90 km), Genf (approx. 110 km), Grenoble (approx. 150 km)