Les Saisies sits in the Beaufortain area of the Savoie region, often dubbed the “French Tyrol” for its gentle meadows, chalet-style architecture, and excellent snow reliability. Perched at 1,650 m (5,413 ft), this family-friendly resort offers 77 km (48 miles) of local pistes and forms part of the larger Espace Diamant domain, totalling 192 km (119 miles) linking Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Flumet, Praz-sur-Arly, and Hauteluce. Renowned for its cross-country credentials and panoramic Mont Blanc views, Les Saisies strikes a balance between a cosy Alpine ambience and a well-developed ski infrastructure.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know to plan a memorable Les Saisies ski holiday, from practical details on reaching the resort and understanding its slopes, to insights on typical snowfall, dining options, and the best spots to unwind off the mountain.
Let’s get started!
Les Saisies is located in south-eastern France, roughly 30 km (19 miles) east of Albertville, and 92 km (57 miles) south-east of Geneva.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| "Snow pocket” microclimate, with consistent snow coverage | Limited challenge for experts |
| Family, and beginner-friendly | Après-ski is relatively quiet |
| Connected to Espace Diamant’s 192 km (119 miles) of pistes | Road up from Albertville can be busy on peak days |
| Traditional chalet architecture | Not a high-energy resort environment |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Les Saisies has to offer.
Les Saisies sets up secure beginner zones on the resort outskirts, with free conveyor belts (like the Lutins area) and easy green runs, a perfect learning ground. Three kindergartens and two ski schools, plus 150+ instructors, ensure novices receive attentive help. Gentle slopes around La Légette or Mont Bisanne’s lower sections let you progress seamlessly from nursery to mild blues.
With 77 km of local slopes (and up to 192 km if you dip into Espace Diamant), mid-level skiers can enjoy wide, winding blues and a handful of reds. Mont Bisanne’s vantage yields Mont Blanc glimpses, while the runs through forests or open meadows remain crowd-free most weekdays. Linking to Crest-Voland or Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe broadens your itinerary if you fancy more daily mileage.
Though not known for advanced thrills, Les Saisies does have a few black runs (like on Légette side) and pockets of off-piste potential in good snow. True experts may find the terrain modest, but a day or two exploring the Espace Diamant’s edges can reveal short tree or powder stashes.
Les Saisies especially suits beginner snowboarders, with its gentle slopes and fewer dreaded flat sections to snag those still mastering the basics. Small freestyle zones, like the Montagne des Elfes or the runs near Mont Bisanne, add playful banked turns, boxes, and low-key jumps. But while this laid-back setup is ideal for novice freestylers or cruisy riders, advanced boarders looking for a major snowpark may find the local features too modest to keep them fully engaged.
The ski season in Les Saisies for 2024/25 began on December 12th and is expected to run until April 14th, although the official closing date has yet to be confirmed. If you're planning a ski holiday this winter, be sure to explore our Les Saisies deals for the best offers available.
Les Saisies offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 30 cm (11.8 in) and 31 cm (12.2 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 22 cm (8.6 in) occurring across 2.7 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Les Saisies, with an impressive 42 cm (16.5 in) of snow over 3.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 12 cm (4.7 in) of snow over 1.7 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 30 cm/11.8 in | 2.7 days |
| January | 31 cm/12.2 in | 2.8 days |
| February | 22 cm/8.6 in | 2.7 days |
| March | 23 cm/9.0 in | 2.7 days |
| April | 12 cm/4.7 in | 1.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Les Saisies boasts around thirty dining spots, ranging from rustic Savoyard fare and traditional French cooking to lighter, vegetarian-friendly options and gourmet cuisines. At the heart of the local scene is Les Arcades, La Table de Laurent, known for regional recipes updated with subtle contemporary twists. La Table des Armaillis highlights artisanal cheeses, Savoie charcuterie, and creative plating, while Les Flammes du Very offers a convivial mountain atmosphere paired with wood-fired specialties. If you’re up for panoramic meals, Restaurant Le Signal stands out near the slopes, serving up savoury dishes with sweeping Mont Blanc views.
Les Saisies isn’t a raucous nightlife resort, but it still presents a warm, sociable scene come late afternoon. Night skiing can extend your slope time, while snowmobiling and village-organised evening events keep non-skiers engaged. At the heart of the action is the longtime favourite Olympe Café, which combines a lively bar with a pool table and occasional live music. Nearby, La Cordée (or “Pub La Cordee”) feels small but inviting, with crêpes, a nightly happy hour, and a friendly crowd. Other cosy bars beckon too, from La Tartiflette for relaxed drinks to Le Benetton Bar’s upbeat vibe, while Le 1650 stands out for live gigs. For a late-night hangout, Le Bowling doubles as both bar and game venue.
Download Les Saisies village map here
