Les Saisies

Les Saisies sits on a broad col in the Beaufortain massif. It is a quieter, low-rise alternative to the large purpose-built resorts in the nearby Tarentaise valley. The village consists mostly of traditional wood and stone chalets rather than concrete apartment blocks, and many of the slopes face Mont Blanc. Les Saisies hosted the cross-country and biathlon events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, and Nordic skiing remains a major focus here. The alpine ski area is geared heavily towards beginners and families, with very little late-night après-ski.

Mountain culture & milestones

Before the ski lifts were built, the area was summer pastureland for dairy cows producing Beaufort cheese, and agriculture is still active in the valley today. The resort expanded significantly to host the Nordic events for the 1992 Winter Olympics. Subsequent development has been restricted by local building regulations that require new construction to use traditional wood and stone materials.

Valley bases: where to stay

The resort has two main accommodation areas on the col, plus a valley village connected by lift.

Ski sectors at a glance

The local Les Saisies ski area consists mostly of rolling terrain and forest runs.

The mountain & skiing

The local Les Saisies ski area has 77 km of marked pistes, mostly suited to beginners and intermediates. The slopes are generally wide and tree-lined. Les Saisies is also the highest gateway to the Espace Diamant domain, which links 192 km of pistes across six villages. The local area lacks steep terrain, but the wider domain has more red runs and a few black pistes. The lift system uses modern detachable chairlifts on the main routes and older fixed-grip lifts in quieter sectors.

The village & après-ski

Après-ski in Les Saisies is quiet. The village centre has Savoyard restaurants, crêperies, and bars, but no major nightclubs. The resort focuses heavily on families. Off the slopes, there is an aquatic and sports centre called Le Signal, a bowling alley, and the Mountain Twister alpine coaster.

Snow & season

Les Saisies has a reputation for reliable snow despite its modest altitude. It sits on a plateau that catches weather systems moving through the Savoie region. The tree cover and the north- and east-facing slopes help preserve the snow. The ski season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.

Summer & year-round

In summer, the alpine pastures and forests are used for hiking and mountain biking. The resort has dedicated downhill mountain bike tracks and cross-country routes. Other summer activities include the Mountain Twister coaster, paragliding, and visits to local Beaufort cheese farms.

Safety & mountain etiquette

The forest skiing requires care regarding tree wells and hidden obstacles off-piste. The ski patrol provides daily avalanche bulletins and weather updates. Skiers heading off-piste should check these reports and consider hiring a local guide.

Who it suits best

Les Saisies suits families, beginners, and intermediate skiers. It is also a major destination for cross-country skiers. Expert skiers looking for steep terrain, extensive off-piste, or active nightlife will likely find the resort too quiet.

Getting there

The nearest airports are Chambéry (85 km) and Geneva (105 km). The closest major rail hub is Albertville.

Written by the Alps2Alps editorial team.

This guide is published by Alps2Alps for general information only. It is not affiliated with Wikipedia or any resort, airport, or lift operator. Facts were accurate at the time of writing; always check official sources before travel.