Little known french resorts, anybody been there?

Has anybody got any feedback on Saint Francois Longchamp or St Sorlin d Arves. Overall feel of resorts, snow records, anything to build up some knowledge about the resorts? Thanks.

bensamson wrote:Has anybody got any feedback on Saint Francois Longchamp or St Sorlin d Arves. Overall feel of resorts, snow records, anything to build up some knowledge about the resorts? Thanks.

I skied there in 2001 although I stayed in Valmorel the links over to Longchamp are very good, I enjoyed the ski area but what I would say is that longchamp is more French,nether resorts have very difficult runs and are mainly for the cruisers.But an enjoyable week was spent there by me and Mrs W.

We have been to St Francoise a few times. The last time was term time in March 2009 and the slopes were empty. There had been loads of snowfall so it was brilliant to have the mountains almost to ourselves. It is linked to Valmorel which had a few more people and has a nice little area of cafes and restaurants. The runs are mainly very cruisy and lots of fun, some tree lined ones lower down. Great for taking children on. I can only remember one very difficult black in St Francoise which our instructor said was an "extra dark black!"

We also went to St Francoise during February half term in 2008, it was much busier there but still not overcrowded. The only time we had to wait for a lift was just after lunchtime. That reminds me the lift system is very old and slow and there are quite a few button lifts. The only thing we didn't like when we went at half term is that we took our children age 6 and 8 and as they were almost the only English kids around they found it a bit tough in ski school. The area is mainly used by French and Dutch.

Each time we have been there has been lots of snow though I would avoid the area in very early or late season as I think it is quite low.

We stay at a friends house at the bottom of the mountain and drive up every day. But this also gives us the option of driving to Trois Valley which is only just over a hour away (from the bottom of the mountain)

It helps if you can speak a bit of French as few people speak English and menus were not often translated in to English. Overall we like the area and would recommend it.

Not stayed in St Francois so cannot comment. Have stayed in St Sorlin and whilst the skiing was ok the 310km of Les Sybelles is still not well connected and the main ski areas of Le Corbiere and la Toussuire are 60's villages so not that easy on the eye.

St Sorlin is a more traditional village but it is spread out and does not have a definite centre. Restaurants and Bars were limited when we visited in 2005 (I think!.