.jpg)
- Stays inspirations journal
- Destination Les Saisies: The Most Nordic of Alpine Resorts
As you navigate the final turn, you are greeted by a vast plateau, adorned here and there with evergreen forests—a somewhat rare sight at such altitudes, earning Les Saisies the nickname of "Little Lapland." The resort, with its village-like charm (thanks to well-planned constructions), sprawls gracefully like a balcony to the Col des Saisies, the link to the neighbouring Val d'Arly. Surrounded by gentle peaks, the alpine slopes cater to skiers of all levels, while the plateau and its wooded areas are a haven for Nordic skiers.
Photo credit : ©Thuria - ©Patrick Somelet - ©G.Lansard
A Playground for All Types of Skiing
Les Saisies’ versatile topography is ideal for both alpine and Nordic skiing, which is the resort’s greatest appeal. On the alpine side, the resort’s own ski area boasts 77 km of slopes and is part is of the larger Espace Diamant ski area and its 192 km of slopes linking Les Saisies with the charming village resorts of Val d'Arly: Crest Voland/Cohennoz, Flumet, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, and Praz-sur-Arly. The ski area is remarkably versatile, accessible enough for beginners to make rapid progress, but with challenging red or black slopes that will certainly put your thighs to the test.
Speaking from a cross-country skier's perspective, Les Saisies boasts one of the most beautiful Nordic areas in the Alps. Explore 120 km of trails winding through forests, alpine meadows, and hidden clearings. Less technical and slower-paced its alpine counterpart, cross-country skiing is the ideal activity to discover the resort’s snowy landscapes serenely. For those seeking a challenge, head to the international shooting range (built for the Albertville Olympics) where you can experience the thrill of biathlon shooting. You might even even cross paths with local champions Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Julia Simon, proud ambassadors of Les Saisies on the Biathlon World Cup circuit.
Photo credit : ©Thuria - ©Julien Dorol Les Saisies
A Family-Friendly Resort by Nature
Family is ingrained in the DNA of Les Saisies. The resort offers a wide array of activities, from the gentlest to the most adventurous, catering to visitors of all ages. It's the perfect playground for creating unforgettable family memories.
The resort offers a multitude of recreational activities: a year-round toboggan run (Mountain Twister), Mountain Games, an innovative concept blending escape games and treasure hunts in the great outdoors, and a baby park for introductory sessions in dog sledding. The elves, those legendary creatures that inhabit the Les Saisies plateau, have inspired their own play areas: "Elf Mountain" an adventure course to be discovered on skis, and "Elf Forest", a venture into the legendary creatures’ natural habitat. In the summer, the "Elf Park," an adventure park perched in the trees, delights both children and parents. Le Signal, the resort’s new indoor leisure centre, adds to the list of family activities with an aqua park and a bowling alley.
Photo credit : ©Ariane Fornia Les Saisies - ©Julien Dorol Les Saisies
A Resort with a “Made in Beaufortain” seal
Surrounded by the prestigious massifs of Mont-Blanc and Vanoise, Beaufortain is a mountainous region as beautiful as it is preserved. It's not an exaggeration to say that it encapsulates all the charms of high valleys: villages scattered on the slopes, centuries-old chalets, ridge lines etched against the horizon, mesmerizing reservoirs, and alpine meadows with their herds of cattle in the warmer seasons. A massif where tradition and modernity, leisure and pastoral activities, and tourist and local life intimately intertwine.
To feel its heartbeat, head to Hauteluce. This village, just a few kilometres from Les Saisies, beats to the tranquil rhythm of mountain communities, barely disturbed by tourist activities. Traditional houses encircle a church adorned with exuberant baroque decor. The aroma of mulled wine emanating from the village centre’s shops floats through the air. An eco-museum offers a dive into local history through carefully arranged rooms that bring the bygone life and traditions of Hauteluce to life.
Continuing the journey toward Col du Joly, you'll encounter a few hamlets frozen in time before reaching the base of the La Girotte dam. The oldest dam in Beaufortain, accessible by hiking, and the hydroelectric plant harnessing its waters have stories aplenty to share. An invitation to savour the authenticity and magic of Beaufortain!
Photo credit : ©Ariane Fornia
A Land of Adventures for All Seasons
Summer or winter? In Les Saisies, there's no need to choose – why not have both? When the vast white expanses transform into an alpine garden, the resort unveils new landscapes, where only Mont-Blanc stands seemingly unchanging. Whether you're looking to be active, climb, rejuvenate, or simply contemplate, the possibilities for activities are endless.
It all begins on the vast network of trails and routes suitable for all levels. Hiking, mountain biking in its various forms (enduro, downhill, cross-country), or trail running on tracks of varying difficulty levels are popular choices. The mountain biking area in Les Saisies is widely regarded as a reference, boasting an impressive 175 km of cross-country trails, a Bike Park with 14 downhill tracks accessible via 3 ski lifts, and enduro routes that playfully explore the vast playground of Beaufortain. Those less inclined towards strenuous activities can explore the mountain paths effortlessly with electric mountain bikes available to rent from the resort's sports shops.
Finally, summer is the perfect season to explore the local terroir and its undisputed star: Beaufort cheese. A genuine institution in Beaufortain, it is the cornerstone of a thriving agricultural sector, represented here by the Coop du Beaufortain. Whether it’s enjoyed in alpine meadows, in restaurants, during tastings at the farm, or as the star of the August 15th celebration in Les Saisies, Beaufort is omnipresent, ready to enchant your palate.
Photo credit : ©Julien Dorol Les Saisies - ©Thuria
