Family Ski Drive to the French Aples – Les Saisies

On searching the bargins for a skiing holiday at Easter one year I came across the not so well known French Ski resort of Les Saisies. It may not be well known amongst the British Downhill Skiing population however it is famous for holding the Cross Country skiing and Nordic events in the 1992 Winter and many more World Class Events.

Les Saisies 1650m - La Lègette

It has a traditional timber built Chalet atmosphere with one main road running throught the centre of the village. You can ski-in ski-out generally from most Lodgings which is a big bonus for many.

Our family of six were lucky enough to obtain an amzing deal in a newly opened quality MGM appartment with free use of the private indoor heated swimming-pool with Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish baths and fitness room. I think we got a good package as it had just opened and some minor items were not finished in time for the winter season. However this did not effect our family at all, the accommodation was as imaged in their marketing brochures.

Les Saisies Balloon Festival & MGM Appartments

Half our family were beginners so I was looking for a resort for the family, I was amazed that most of the runs were friendly towards children, beginners and intermediates. I didn't want a resort that had intimidating runs which would break their confidence and put them off for the rest of the holiday or forever. This resort was just perfect for all of us. Les Saisies is now linked to other small resorts and is called the 'Espace Diamant' which includes Praz sur Arly which is near the larger resort of Megève. It now boasts 185km of downhill pistes and 80km of Cross Country pistes to suit all levels. You have the chance to try Cross Counrty Skiing in the morning to warm up those muscles and then take to the Downhill pistes to test your turns and take in the panoramic views of the Mont Blanc.

The snow record for this area is one of the best in the Alpes due to its location near Mont Blanc, we went in April and there was not one run closed or going thin. We were lucky as the sun shone for all seven days so the children could play in the snow after skiing without getting cold and my wife could top up her tan at the bar.

I have been skiing and snowboarding since 1989 and visited many different ski resorts and this is the first ski resort where I have seen masses of walkers with snow shoes on buzzing around

Les Saisies Village & Slopes

the place which was lovely to see for a change. You can hire them in most of the Ski Hire Shops aswell as Cross Country Ski's.

Apart from Skiing you can use the outdoor Ice Rink which was nice to have for a small resort and their was a dedicated sledging Area which was very popular with the younger families. As the MGM Chalet was on the slopes we went sledging every night after the slopes were closed and had a great time.

At the time we visited there were not many British Families however the Ski School Spoke good English for the children. In our personal opinion we felt this was a good point about the resort.

Our journey back home to the UK started at 08.00, stopping off at 08.30 at the Patisserie in Praz sur Arly in the valley for our breakfast of pain au chocolat's and drinks. We arrived back in the East Midlands just gone Mid night the same day. We travelled by the motorways and used the channel ferry having regular stops for the children, so overall we didn't feel it took that long and it was well worth the trip and one day we wish to return to see how it has changed.

Check out the possible bargins below, to help reduce costs on your family Ski holiday. I always feel Easter is a good time to go in Europe as the air temperatures are warmer inthe day, so the kids can mess about inthe snow and not get so cold quick.