Sybelles

Les Sybelles offers a large and varied ski area, perfect for intermediate skiers but also well suited to both beginners and advanced skiers. There are 310 km of linked ski runs which cover an altitude range of 1100m to 2620m. In total, the ski area is home to 108 ski runs, 21 green, 44 blue, 37 red and five black with two snow parks in Le Corbier and La Toussuire. Most of the skiable terrain is situated above 1600m which gives means that good skiing conditions are guaranteed throughout the season. In addition to the good snow conditions there are 514 snow cannons which cover a lot of the slopes leading to the base stations.

All of the main resort centres offer a good base for beginners, with a good selection of nursery slopes easily accessible from the main accommodation areas. La Toussuire also has the advantage of offering a good choice of easily accessible blue runs providing the perfect environment in which to progress once the basics are mastered.

Intermediates will flourish in Les Sybelles with plenty of variety on wide slopes situated above the treeline. The terrain of the ski area covers several bowls and valleys and therefore one has the appealing sensation of travelling when skiing around the different parts of the ski area. Skiers will enjoy the adventurous challenge of completing the Sybelles circuit by skiing through all parts of the ski area and visiting all resorts in one day!

Les Sybelles isn't the most challenging ski area for advanced skiers however there are a handful of black runs dotted around the area which unusually are only groomed once a week, allowing moguls to form. There are also some decent off-pistes routes to be found; from the accessible and secure off-piste adjacent to the groomed slopes in the Le Corbier and La Toussuire bowls, to more serious freeride terrain from the Les Perrons peak in Saint Sorlin and off the back of the Tete de Bellard above La Toussuire.

For freestylers there are two snowparks located at a high altitude and right in the centre of the ski area just below the Ouillon peak. The Easy Park offers small kickers, boxers and rails for beginner freestylers whereas the SyX park offers larger kickers, a hip, multiple boxes and rails for seasoned freeskiers and boarders.

In Les Sybelles you can try all the usual snowy sporting activities you would expect from a mountain resort; Snowshoeing, husky sledding, snowmobiling and parapenting amongst others. If you fancy something a bit different, why not try snow mountain biking! - Les Sybelles has one of the longest snow bike descents in the French Alpes, dropping over 600m in altitude and taking approximately 90 minutes. Other options include laser games in the snow, snow sculpting contests and night time skiing. If you are looking for something away from the cold stuff then head off on a treasure hunt or cheese trail, or take the load off at the cinema.

There are a good range of eateries to be found in Les Sybelles, both in the form of slopeside mountain restaurants or in the resorts themselves. Many of the mountain restaurants are built in the traditional savoyard style and some located high up with fabulous vistas to enjoy. Our tips for lunch on the slopes? For a quick pit stop lunch, with or without wine, try Le Saint S'O. If the sun is out there is a great terrace or alternatively a roaring fire to warm up. For something a little different, l'Auberge du Coin is a hidden gem; a traditional chalet tucked deep in the valley on the way down to St Colomban de Villard offering home-cooked traditional savoyarde fayre with a friendly welcome. Les Carliens above La Toussuire offers a great combination of a good-quality, self-service restaurant with an unbeatable view with a separate Folie Douce style dance floor terrace! For evening meals we recommend Hors Piste and l'Arbate in Saint Sorlin, Le Tonneau and l'Ancolie in La Toussuire and Le St Moritz in Le Corbier.

Nightlife tends to be low key, particularly as the area attracts families but each resort offers a handful of bars and at least one club. La Grotte du Yeti in Saint Sorlin is a late-opening bar offering happy hours, live music and a good night out! Le Soft lounge bar in La Toussuire is a cosy wine bar with a chilled atmosphere.

The ski season runs from mid December to mid April.

Depending on where you are staying there are always 2 main options available for lift passes, either a local pass, covering the local resort (St Jean d'Arves-Le Corbier, St Sorlin d'Arves, La Toussuire) or a full area pass covering the entire Les Sybelles area. If you are staying in St Sorlin d'Arves with Madame Vacances, don't forget to book your lift pass along with your accommodation in order to get a 5% discount.

The major ski equipment hire shops are present in all of the resorts in Les Sybelles. It is advisable to book in advance online to benefit from discounts. If you're staying with Madame Vacances, add ski hire to your accommodation booking and get a 30% discount. Otherwise try www.skiholidayextras.com.

Across the entire area there are six ski schools which offer instruction in French, German, English and Italian. The ski schools are all French Ski School and courses in La Toussuire start for children as young as 2.5 years old.

This area is family friendly, offering childcare from as little as three months in the resort of Saint Sorlin. Tobogganing, ice skating rinks and the snowy forest promise to keep your little ones happy.

Free outdoor parking is available in all resorts in Les Sybelles as well as paid indoor parking. Please note that the road to Saint Sorlin and Saint Jean d'Arves is renowned for being relatively difficult compared to many other resort ascents in France. Winter tyres or snow chains (and the knowledge to use them) are obligatory during the winter months. Please note that the Col de la Croix de Fer mountain pass is closed during the winter and therefore the correct way to Les Sybelles is via Saint Jean de Maurienne (despite what your satnav may suggest!).