This French resort is made up of 4 differing villages. Referred to as 1850, 1650, 1550 and 1300 (Le Praz) relating to their altitudes. 1850 is the highest and a magnet for the jet set of Paris. It goes without saying this is the most expensive with a mini airport for high flyers on the slopes. Although many never stray from this classy village the other villages are not far and worth visiting possibly for future holidays. If fewer crowds and a calmer ambiance appeals then head for 1650 where the old village has an attractive centre with chalets in tranquil settings but not missing out on lively bars.
1550 is a chair ride down from 1850 and is quiet and provides cheaper accommodation and places to eat. If more extensive night life is what you like the road to 1850 means a long trip after a day of skiing. Le Praz is probably more family orientated being ideal for children. The village is quite old in a woodland setting and a pleasant location. If you like to mix and match free buses operate within and between all the villages and are very reliable.
With plenty of trees around the villages there are few on the slopes. Good maintenance on the pistes and a daily map is available identifying recently groomed runs. There is plenty of snowmaking but Le Praz can be prone to closure in warmer weather. Piste marking has been praised by skiers but remember it can get quite busy above 1850. Reliability of snow is good, with north and north east facing slopes. With maintenance, snowmaking and good snow at least to 1850 and 1650 the rest of the Alps may be lacking but here the quality and quantity of snow is a pleasant surprise.
There are plenty of black gems to interest the experts with the couloirs near the top of the Saulire cable car. The Grande Couloir is the widest of the pistes but worth overcoming the bumpy and narrow ridge to gain access. With plenty of steep terrain on and off piste where some of the reds verge on black and are not over used. Weather conditions allowing, itis possible to ski all the way down around 6,500 ft to below Le Praz. For the intermediates this is known as a paradise with gentle blues above 1650 and even those with average skills can cope with most of the red runs. An early start will find the runs well groomed with sweeping runs from top to bottom. It tends to change as the day goes on with more people and become rather churned up.
The Chenus area has good blues and reds down to 1850 and the Three Valleys area is fun with fast cruising. Beginners are well looked after with lessons beginning on the short drags near the village. With excellent nursery slopes and the green run down into 1850 this is a long gentle slope. Ski Schools are well recommended and some have an American style of coaching — all age groups are well looked after and the instructors bond well with their protégés.
The jet set in 1850 is dazzled by Michelin stars twinkling in some restaurants where haute cuisine and good wines relax the ardent skiers. These are plentiful and expensive but maybe a treat at least once to sample the excellent French food. Exclusive nightlife with clubs, cocktails and cabaret are all available but don’t forget to take your plastic friend as it does not come cheap. In 1650 the prices are more affordable with plenty to please the children and a visit to The Bubble provides satellite TV, internet access, some local strong brews, and the ever popular Happy Hour. A more British influence in 1550 with a slower pace and some live music. The cinemas throughout show English speaking films, and you can spend your Travellers Cheques in the variety of shops.
The jet set in 1850 is dazzled by Michelin stars twinkling in some restaurants where haute cuisine and good wines relax the ardent skiers. These are plentiful and expensive but maybe a treat at least once to sample the excellent French food. Exclusive nightlife with clubs, cocktails and cabaret are all available but don’t forget to take your plastic friend as it does not come cheap.
In 1650 the prices are more affordable with plenty to please the children and a visit to The Bubble provides satellite TV, internet access, some local strong brews, and the ever popular Happy Hour. A more British influence in 1550 with a slower pace and some live music. The cinemas throughout show English speaking films, and you can spend your Travellers Cheques in the variety of shops.
Resort Height | 1850m | |
Top Station | 2738m | |
Bottom Station | 1300m | |
Vertical Descent | 1438m | |
Drag Lifts | 42 | |
Chair Lifts | 16 | |
High Capacity | 10 | |
Opening Dates | Dec-April | |
Rating Expert | 9 | |
Rating Intermediate | 10 | |
Rating Beginner | 8 | |
Apres Ski Rating | 10 | |
Snow Reliability | 8 |