The resort of Les Saisies, part of the Espace Diamant ski area in Savoie, is a family-friendly holiday destination for all mountain lovers. The village resort, set in an enchanting setting between Mont-Blanc, Aravis and Beaufortain, has preserved its traditional architecture, which blends so well with the surrounding landscape. Known by some as the "French Tyrol", Les Saisies is not only a winter sports paradise, but also an adventure playground for summer vacations, far from the crowds that flock to the coast. Whether you want to enjoy Les Saisies in winter or summer, we've specially selected 13 must-do activities for you to try out.
1. Nordic skiing
Nordic skiing is a kind of long ski tour in the heart of nature, with medium-sized vertical drops. Les Saisies, a destination well worth considering for a January vacation, boasts one of the finest Nordic ski areas in the Alps. In fact, it hosted the cross-country skiing and biathlon events at the 16th Albertville Winter Olympics in 1992! 120 km of ski trails wind through forests and clearings, offering breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and the mythical Mont-Blanc. A magical world of peace and quiet. For beginners, there's a free beginners' area, the Nordic Park. Advanced skiers can tackle the Olympic loops.
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of our partner's rates and rent the best cross-country ski equipment in Les Saisies right now by booking right here.
2. Learn the musher's trade
Between two ski sessions, why not take advantage of a vacation in Les Saisies, one of the best resorts for mountain vacations, to get into the skin of a musher? This original and unusual activity involves learning to drive a team of sled dogs. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new sensations, while enjoying the beauty of the Alpine landscape. Theexperience is supervised by a specialized instructor. Training lasts about 1 hour. And then there's the complicity with the dogs, moments of gentleness that you won't soon forget.
3. Tobogganing, a must at Les Saisies
Luge is a great winter activity for the whole family. In Les Saisies, Luge'N'Troll offers 2 km of night-time tobogganing by headlamp. All equipment is provided, so all you need to do is dress warmly for total comfort. There's sure to be plenty of laughs as you hurtle down the slope! A variation is offered in Les Saisies with Mountain Twister. This time it's rail tobogganing. It's a thrilling 800 m-long activity, with accelerations, turns and passages up to 8 m above the ground. And don't panic if you're less daring: you can regulate your speed.
Two good reasons to consider Les Saisies one of the best family ski resorts!
4. Enjoy downhill skiing and good food
Espace Diamant offers 192 km of groomed, safe runs (77 km of skiing in Les Saisies alone). And there's something for every level. Les Saisies is nicknamed the "Grenier à neige" of Savoie. There's no need to worry when you arrive in winter: the powder is there, and it's good. While the downhill runs reveal breathtaking panoramas of the mountains and villages, don't hesitate for a moment to stop and recharge your batteries. Not far from the best pistes in Les Saisies, "Le Signal" is a brasserie serving traditional Savoyard cuisine with the Aravis mountain range as a backdrop. There are also 6 bowling lanes.
And if you're coming to ski with the family, be sure to read our top family resorts where to ski with kids!
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of our partner's rates and rent the best ski equipment for your winter sports in Les Saisies right now by booking right here.
The activity to book : Want to enjoy the pleasure of gliding through powder snow, link turns and discover new horizons? Follow Stéphane for a crazy freeride day at Les Saisies by booking right here.
5. What to do in Les Saisies in winter? Ride a moonbike
Everyone has heard of snowmobiling in the mountains. Les Saisies offers a variant with the moonbike. Also known as the "electric snowbike", this all-terrain vehicle has been specially designed for use on snow. Quiet, maneuverable and fast, this machine is an excellent way to discover the surrounding countryside. Guides offer 45-minute rides, and the activity is open to people aged 16 and over. A great way to spend some quality time with teenagers in search of a thrill.
6. Relax at the aquasportive center
Winter sports are hard on the muscles. So it's important to take time out to soothe and relax them. In Les Saisies, the 5,000 m² "Le Signal" aquasport center offers an aquatic area with pool, bubble bench, jeysers and river, as well as a paddling pool for toddlers. The wellness area features a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and a wide range of à la carte treatments. There's also a sports area, with ping-pong, climbing, squash and badminton machines. The perfect way to vary the pleasures of your stay in Les Saisies.
7. Discover the hamlet of Bisanne
The hamlet of Bisanne, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps, is a little corner of paradise, especially in winter in the midst of its white coat. This small village boasts magnificent traditional chalets and stone farmhouses. Perched at an altitude of 1,500 m, it's worth taking the time to stroll through its narrow streets and admire the sublime panorama of the Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc mountains. Bisanne is just 6 km from Les Saisies. You can reach this enchanting hamlet by taking the Rosières gondola, the Planay blue run or one of the free shuttles. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Savoie!
8. Hiking, a must at Les Saisies in summer
It's time to make way for the must-do summer activities in Les Saisies. From short family strolls to multi-day hikes, the natural surroundings of the resort are a call to action. Start with a leisurely stroll along the Sentier des Crêtes or the Tour de la Légette. Hiking enthusiasts can put their calves to the test on the Hauteluce balcony, a challenging loop through forests and meadows. Or leave Les Saisies and take to the heights on the Tour du Chard du Beurre. The mountain pastures here are wonderful in summer.
And if you're a keen hiker, don't miss our top list of the best hikes in Savoie!
9. Downhill mountain biking
Les Saisies, one of the top 5 resorts for summer vacations, is an excellent choice for mountain bikers. Lifts, such as the Légette chairlift, provide access to incredible downhill trails. The good news is that there's something for everyone, from beginners to the more experienced. Les Saisies also offers 175 km of Cross Country itineraries, and there's even a fun loop for learning the basics. The Tour des Bois, a loop around Mont Bisanne, offers a wide variety of landscapes. The Bois de Covetan circuit, meanwhile, offers an attractive forest trail ride.
10. A trail in the Beaufortain
The Beaufort region, a must-see in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a prime destination for trail running enthusiasts. The region offers a multitude of routes for runners of all levels, enabling them to set off on authentic, unspoilt trails in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. In Les Saisies, two dry climbs are signposted, with two others located around the village, as well as five circuits for exploring the resort. In total, the Beaufortain region offers no less than 270 km of marked trails spread over 17 different itineraries, entirely dedicated to mountain running.
11. Cool off with water sports
It can get hot in Savoie in summer. Fortunately, families and groups of friends can cool off with a range of water sports. A number of local service providers offer water sports, often starting from the Chard du Beurre leisure park. The gorges and canyons of the Alps can be discovered during canyoning sessions , combining climbing, sliding down natural slides and jumping into water basins. You can also go rafting on rough rivers. Or maybe you'd like to take advantage of your stay in Les Saisies to try outhydrospeed, which consists of descending the river on a water toboggan.
12. Horseback riding, a must in summer at Les Saisies
Horseback riding is an infinitely gentle way to discover the landscape of Les Saisies. Le Ranch invites holidaymakers to take part in day-long or multi-day escapades, with overnights in a high-altitude refuge. Family travelers can also introduce their children to the equestrian world, by taking part in a family carriage ride or a week-long pony course. Horseback rides are signposted and accompanied by professionals. All safety conditions are met. Another unforgettable mountain experience.
Les Saisies is a paradise for hikers of all kinds. Find out more about the best destinations for hiking.
13. A moment at the Hauteluce Ecomuseum
In Les Saisies, the call of the great outdoors is irresistible in winter and summer alike. However, it would be a shame not to discover the local history and culture too. A visit to the Hauteluce Ecomuseum is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region's heritage. This interpretive center takes visitors on a journey through the life of the Hauteluce people, from the 19th century to the 1960s. Reconstructions of old houses, a classroom, costumes, objects, farming techniques and trades of yesteryear: this captivating space attracts children and adults alike.
