Overview of Ski Area
A hidden gem in the Beaufort region of France, Les Sybelles boasts 310km of linked runs and offers some of the finest views that you will find in any ski area. This is largely due to the impressive work completed to minimise the environmental impact on the mountain, which results in uninterrupted natural views without pylons and cables.
Although relatively unknown to the British market, Les Sybelles is the fourth largest ski region in France and features six resorts which form a ring around the region; this makes access quick and easy between resorts and valleys and generates a pleasant atmosphere throughout.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Families
- Low Cost
- Off the Slopes
Overview of Resorts in Les Sybelles
La Toussuire
La Toussuire is the main resort in the area and one that is best suited to families, intermediates and beginners. It is small, cosy and has many great practice ski slopes and red runs. Visitors here will benefit greatly from excellent skiing conditions. There are also many off-slope facilities and activities to keep you entertained.
Le Corbier
Le Corbier is a modern ski-in ski-out resort which provides great skiing for beginners and has everything you need in one area. It’s practicalities make up for its unappealing skyline. It mainly comprises of green, blue and red slopes, but there are decent off-piste tracks and challenging slopes further afield.
Les Albiez
Les Albiez is a small and scenic resort found 1,500 metres above sea level. It has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families. It also has quick access to excellent skiing and is surrounded by the majestic Aiguilles D’Arves mountains.
St Jean d’Arves
With a quaint old village centre, St Jean D’Arves is small, picturesque and ideal for families. The centre is wonderful to explore and there are many excellent off-piste options, plus easy access to the slopes in the area.
Les Bottières
This is a small resort which is comprised of two villages: Bottières is the ski resort with accommodation, whilst Jarrier is a charming and traditional village with plenty to see and do. Les Bottières is a pretty place with great skiing for both beginners and advanced skiers.
St Sorlin d’Arves
For those seeking late evening fun, St Sorlin’s thriving après scene is the best in the area. It has undergone a recent transformation to become a superb resort with great connections to the entire Les Sybelles area. The skiing around St Sorlin is best suited to beginners and intermediates.
St Colomban des Villards
A small and authentic resort, St Colomban des Villards is situated near Col du Glandon – the famed mountain pass where the Tour de France ends. It also features top cross-country skiing and a brilliant toboggan run.
Piste Guide
The 310km of runs in the area are all interconnected: this ensures that there is varied skiing throughout Les Sybelles, although it is particularly good for beginners. You will also benefit from sunny skiing and sublime views, particularly up on the La Toussuire slopes (1,800m). La Toussuire boasts over 55km of runs, whilst the other resorts are smaller but provide a range of options and easy access to the rest of the Les Sybelles ski area.
With such variety, great conditions and fabulous views, Les Sybelles is a great place to visit as a family or to in order to hone your skills.
Facilities
With a heavy focus on minimising the environmental impact on the mountain, draglifts are used in the region to reduce unsightly pylons and cables. This is not ideal for those who prefer high-speed chairlifts nor for snowboarders, but it does ensure spectacular natural views.
Away from the slopes, there are many terrific facilities and activities to try. Situated in the heart of Beaufort, there are superb and scenic cheese farms to explore (and cheese to sample). Tobogganing and snowshoe hikes are always popular, whilst snow cycling is an exhilarating and challenging alternative winter sport.
The traditional and charming villages of St Jean d’Arves, Les Albiez and Jarrier, each with their own personality, are also wonderful places to explore.
Après
Les Sybelles is largely a family-orientated ski area, which means that there are limited après options. There is a selection of bars and restaurants around the resorts, which can be good fun and have a lively atmosphere early evening, but for late-night entertainment you will need to head to St Sorlin d’Arves.
Here you will find a cluster of around 15 bars and restaurants, with L’Avalanche proving to be one of the most popular establishments. There is also a club, D’Sybell, which stays open till four in the morning; this ensures that there is a cheery, lively and electric atmosphere around this resort and the best après scene in the region.
How to Get There
The resorts in Les Sybelles can easily be reached from a handful of airports, with Chambéry (CMF) being the closest and just a 90-minute drive away. Lyon (LYS) and Grenoble (GNB) take a little over 2 hours, whilst Geneva (GVA) is around 2 hours and 20 minutes away.
For the quickest and easiest journey from the airport to your resort, it is best to book a transfer with Shuttle Direct. In addition to taking the stress out of the journey, you can also have your ski equipment transported for no additional cost.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct provides fast, easy and affordable transfers across Europe, including winter ski transfers in the Austrian, Italian and French Alps. They can accommodate all group sizes and budgets and provide a service from airports, cruise ports, hotels and train stations.
In the French Alps they provide transfers from Geneva, Chambéry, Grenoble and Lyon.
Book now and let their expert team handle your transfer.
