Les Saisies

Les Saisies
Name	Les Saisies
Location	Savoie, France
Nearest city	Albertville
Coordinates	45, 45, N, 6...
Top elevation	1650 m
Base elevation	1100 m
Website	www.lessaisies.com

Les Saisies. A purpose-built ski resort situated in the Beaufortain region of the French Alps, within the Savoie department. It is renowned as a major Nordic skiing center and was a key venue during the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. The resort offers a family-friendly atmosphere with extensive cross-country and alpine ski networks, connecting to the larger Espace Diamant ski area.

Geography and location

Les Saisies is located on a broad, sunny plateau at an average altitude of 1,650 meters, nestled between the Beaufortain and Aravis mountain ranges. The resort overlooks the Mont Blanc massif to the north, providing spectacular panoramic views. It is part of the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges and lies within the historic province of Savoie, approximately 30 kilometers from Albertville. The area is characterized by its relatively gentle terrain, which is particularly conducive to cross-country skiing, and is bordered by traditional villages like Hauteluce and Villard-sur-Doron.

History

The modern development of the area as a ski resort began in the 1960s, with its designation as a "Station de Tourisme" under the French government's Plan Neige. Its international profile was cemented when it was selected as the primary Nordic venue for the 1992 Winter Olympics, hosting the biathlon and cross-country skiing events. The construction of the Stade Nordique for these games transformed its infrastructure. Prior to this tourism-focused development, the plateau was primarily used for summer pasture and dairy farming, associated with the production of the renowned Beaufort cheese from local Tarentaise cattle.

Winter sports and tourism

Les Saisies is a premier destination for Nordic skiing, boasting over 130 kilometers of groomed trails that formed the Olympic circuit. It is a central hub of the Espace Diamant, one of France's largest linked ski areas, providing access to over 190 kilometers of alpine skiing runs. The resort is particularly popular for biathlon, with a dedicated international training center, and also offers extensive facilities for snowshoeing and dog sledding. Its reliable snow cover and family-oriented slopes attract visitors from across Europe, with many ski schools offering instruction in Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowboarding.

Summer activities

During the warmer months, the plateau transforms into a center for hiking and mountain biking, with numerous trails accessing the surrounding peaks of the Beaufortain. It is a recognized stage on the Tour du Beaufortain hiking circuit and part of the Via Alpina long-distance trail network. The area is also popular for paragliding, with take-off sites offering flights over the Mont Blanc range. Other activities include trail running, fishing in alpine lakes, and horse riding, utilizing the vast network of paths originally created for winter sports.

Infrastructure and facilities

The resort features a mix of apartment residences, hotels, and traditional chalets, centered around the main village at Le Planay. Key sporting infrastructure includes the Olympic Stade Nordique, the Télécabine de la Légette gondola linking to the Espace Diamant, and a network of over 30 ski lifts. Visitor amenities include a tourist office, a medical center, multiple restaurants serving Savoyard cuisine, and a supermarket. The resort is accessible via the RN212 road from Albertville and is approximately 90 minutes from Chambéry and its airport.

Cultural events

Les Saisies hosts several annual events that highlight its sporting heritage and local culture. The most notable is the Festival des Arts de la Rue, a summer street arts festival. In winter, it stages the Foulées Blanches, a major international cross-country skiing race, and commemorative events related to the 1992 Winter Olympics. The resort also participates in celebrations of local traditions, such as the Transhumance of cattle to alpine pastures and festivals centered on Beaufort cheese.

Category:Ski areas and resorts in Savoie Category:1992 Winter Olympics venues Category:Communes of Savoie