French in the Alps: Les Saisies in the shadow of Mt. Blanc!

The Resort
We first came across Les Saisies on a summer tour when our driver enthused over it! He wasn’t wrong and we think it’s a little gem! Largely purpose built but without the large apartment blocks, the village came to prominence as the site for the cross country and biathlon events for the Winter Olympics of 1992 based around Albertville. It has a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants and an ambience that is very French!

The Course
The language school is located in the upper part of the village and was established and accredited in 1994. It’s a chalet style building where the tutors create an atmosphere for learning second to none. Classes are small with a maximum of 10 students at any one time making this a perfect destination for small groups. The lessons in the mornings follow the immersion method with emphasis on speaking and understanding through role-play, discussions etc. The accommodation is in apartments for up to 6 persons, with meals taken at the language school. During the afternoons in the winter, skiing would be the main activity, whilst in the summer a variety of activities such as golf, horse riding, mountain biking, walking and visits to local places of interest such as Annecy, Chamonix, the medieval town of Conflans, Albertville are all possible. For groups larger than 10 persons, accommodation will be at Terres des Gosses at Crest Voland with the opportunity to ski in the same village or at Less Saisies according to snow conditions. The same summer activities are accessible too.

 


The Skiing
Situated close to Mont Blanc, Les Saisies has an exceptional quantity and quality of snow during the season. Located in a sunny bowl above the Val d’Arly the village straddles a col that provides access to both sides of the valley. The lifts are centred on the village and radiate in all directions; an extension to the system opened for winter 2006. Beginners will find that they rapidly progress from the village nursery slopes to the blues for a real sense of achievement. For intermediate and advanced skiers there are longer and more challenging on Mt. Legette and the link to the resort of Notre Dame de Bellecombe.

Price Guide
Based on 10 students

  LS HS
FB 6 nights £575 £745

LS: Summer/Autumn (hotel, tuition and activities)
HS: Winter/Spring (hotel, tuition and ski costs)