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| Hospitality Today | Oct / Nov 2016
EUROPEAN FOCUS
Les Saisies: Sun, ski,
Les Saisies may be the best French ski resort you have never heard of, long overshadowed in the UK market by its near neighbour Megève. Situated at an altitude of 1650m, only 30 kilometres from Albertville, the Saisies mountain pass lies between the Beaufortain and Arly valleys, linking the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions.
The tourist office is trying to make Les Saisies better known in the UK market, which is so important to the French ski industry.
There are stunning panoramic views of Mont-Blanc from in and around the resort – whose centre includes a good choice of restaurants( such as the Malabar Princess, specializing in dry-aged local beef), shops specializing in the superb local cheeses and charcuterie( don’ t miss trying the local aged Beaufort cheese).
Two different ski areas are available in Les Saisies. The first is the‘ Alpine’ skiing area, with 77 kilometers of slopes( just Les Saisies) or 192 kilometers of slopes including the whole ski area of Espace Diamant. Skiing is rated suitable for all, from beginners to advanced, who can enjoy the views of Mont Blanc and the other mountains of Beaufortain and Aravis. The slopes will be open from from December 17th 2016 to April 21st 2017.
Secondly, the so-called‘ Nordic’ ski area in Les Saisies boasts a world-wide reputation. In 1992, the resort welcomed all the Nordic events, both cross-country and Biathlon, during the Albertville Winter Olympic Games.