The Inside Track: Solo skiing in Sainte Foy

Jess, one of the Peak Retreats team, had the opportunity for a last-minute, solo ski trip to Sainte Foy, and a sneaky half day skiing in La Plagne! Find out more about her trip below... 

The best way to beat the 'January Blues'? A last-minute ski holiday to the French Alps. 

My holiday was confirmed on the Friday, and off I went Saturday afternoon after work. I'd hoped the opportunity would arise at some point in the season, so I had my ski bag all prepped and ready to go. My biggest concern though, would my little, old Mini make it - the poor gal was packed to the gills with my snowboard, suitcase, food, blankets, snow chains etc... (Spoiler alert - she made it there - and back!)

This was my first solo road trip down to the Alps, so having very little time to stress out did make it a little easier and slightly less daunting. If you're apprehensive about driving in France, don't be. The motorways over there are brilliant compared to ours; everyone stays in the correct lanes (most of the time!), service stations are regular and nearly all of them have some outdoor space to stretch your legs in. 

TIP - If you're driving solo, remember that the toll booths are on the other side of your car, it would definitely be worth finding a better system than I did (clambering over the gear stick and passenger seat to reach the buttons!). Bear in mind, the toll is designed so that it doesn't close the barrier until you've driven through, you DO have enough time to get out and walk to the machine to pay or collect your ticket! 

[ You could also use the Liber-t automatic toll payment service, the Emovis tag - as you approach the barriers, a device will read the tag's unique reference, and automatically open the barrier - no need for clambering over the centre console or waking up a sleeping passenger! ] 

Driving through Saturday night, with some naps at services in between, meant that I arrived in Sainte Foy resort on Sunday afternoon. This gave me plenty of time to check into my accommodation, unpack all my bags and food, and rest up ready for my first ski day! 

The Skiing

Although small, Sainte Foy really is a special ski resort - having now visited I can see why our clients go back year on year! Slightly limited in piste choice compared to larger resort neighbours, Sainte Foy has some brilliant off-piste skiing. There is range for all levels, from expert back country ski touring routes (available off the backside of the mountain), to beginner areas for those just wanting to dip their toes into trying some off-piste skiing.

Rule Number 1 for any off-piste skiing is to always have a buddy with you. 

I unfortunately did not have a buddy... 

As I was skiing mostly alone, I was very cautious which trees/off piste skiing I did. Sainte Foy offered perfect places for me to have some fun in the powder, whilst also being able to be seen from the lifts - just in case things got hairy! A great place to start a powder day was on either side of the Marquise chairlift - there are some massive open snow fields to explore, fresh tracks even in the afternoon, and some fun natural features to hit. Whilst I was there a group of skiers built a fun kicker half way down - great fun! Even if you bottled it, the landing was onto perfect soft snow.

On the other side of the resort, at the top of the L'Aiguille chairlift, is a beautiful cruisey red run that wraps round the top of the mountain and offers amazing panoramic views. This run also allows you to access some nice, short and steep nature runs. 

The beauty of Sainte Foy, especially for families, is that you couldn't get lost even if you tried. The smaller number of runs means that it's easy to navigate and if everyone in your group wanted to, you could do different runs and all easily meet up at the bottom of a chairlift. 

I stayed in the Etoile des Cimes apartments whilst away - they were, as Goldilocks might say, 'just right'. Close to the slopes, comfortable, great views and fully kitted out for your needs. Going self-catered is perfect if you're trying to stay on a budget. Most of my meals I had in the apartment, even lunch! It was so easy as the apartments are so close to the slopes.

Although having said that, I did treat myself - can't be in France and not enjoy a slope side drink after a full-day of skiing! It was a holiday after all! Just above the piou piou snow garden, there is a little bar/restaurant with a great terrace. On a bluebird day it was the perfect stop off on the way back to have a seat outside with a good beer and relax. 

It would have been a shame, almost criminal, to be this close to La Plagne, and not squeeze in at least a half day ski before starting the journey home...

The great thing about almost all resorts is you can buy a half day (4 hour) pass. Slightly cheaper than a full day pass, and it allows you to try out the ski area. Knowing me, I'd have probably lost track of time with a full day pass and skied all day, forgetting I had a long drive home to do! The ski area was amazing, from cruisey blues to some absolute thigh-burning nature runs. It could not have been more opposite to Sainte Foy; I had gone from the small, quiet, pretty Sainte Foy, to the purpose built giant that is La Plagne! 

Although I wasn't there for long, I tried my best to get in as many runs as I could. No breaks taken. It was an absolute joy being able to ski for hours, and not ever do the same run twice. That is unless you absolutely deck it on a black nature run, and stubbornly do it all over again so you can go the whole way without falling... I refused to let it beat me! Immediate elation. Was it worth it? Yes - the sore back might tell you otherwise though! 

Walking back to my car that Saturday afternoon, I was mentally prepared for my drive home, already thinking about which service stations I would be having a quick nap in like I did on the drive down to the mountains. 

Turns out I didn't need those naps, as I just powered on and did the drive in one swoop. The skiing beforehand really helped, and prepared me to be couped up in the car for the rest of the day and evening. Arriving home at 3:00am the next morning was really good going I think. I slept away most of my Sunday before returning to work bright and early on Monday morning. 

Looking back at the week, it was the perfect ski break; good weather, sun & fresh snow, great ski resorts, perfect accommodation, and most importantly, I just had a really good time! 

If you're ready to book your next ski break to Sainte Foy or explore your other options for a wonderful winter break, our expert and award-winning team can help with planning the perfect holiday for you. Call us on 023 9283 9310, email on reservations@peakretreats.co.uk, or you can request a quote and we'll be in touch. Keep up to date with all the latest news from us and our French Alps resorts by signing up to our newsletter below!