Sainte Foy - introduction

If you’ve never heard of Ste Foy, you’re missing out. It’s loved by those who know it, because right in the heart of the Tarentaise is a ski area that has plenty of snow, fabulous off-piste, and yet remarkably quiet slopes. 

While the village is tucked away, it’s just a 20–25 minute transfer from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. For years, it’s been ignored by skiers driving past, toward the household names of Val d’Isere and Tignes, not realising this little gem en route.

Nonetheless, in the past few years, the resort’s reputation has grown through word of mouth and glowing reports from ski writers who have savoured its seclusion. In pace with this, more chalets have been built to keep up with a steadily growing demand for this ‘off-the-beaten-track’ ski experience. Thankfully, however, Ste Foy remains off the mass-market radar, protecting its wonderful ambience.

Though the pisted ski area is small, it makes up in quality: calm slopes, no lift queues and abundant off-piste. Indeed, Ste Foy’s powder lasts a long time because, unlike busier resorts, there simply aren’t enough skiers to use it up—a fact that shows in the delight on skiers' faces, all week long.

Photo: SF Tourist Office

The compact, friendly village is built in classic Savoyard style and is very easy on the eye. While it’s no place for those who want to party hard, you do have some après right at the foot of the slopes, and plenty more places to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

• Cross-border skiing in France and Italy on the combined lift pass
• Convenient ski-school areas
• Terrain for all levels – including off-piste and heliskiing
• Developments (and redevelopments) here have a high-quality feel
• Family-friendly vibe, both on and off the mountain 

Lowlights

• Small ski area (i.e., quality, not quantity)
• Quiet nightlife
• Some lifts are quite slow, but you won’t have to queue for them