Saint Colomban des Villards - the North Cape of Sybelles Saint Colomban des Villards (1100 m)

At the northernmost end of the Sybelles ski area, one of the largest ski areas in France, you will find the two authentic ski villages of Saint Colomban and Saint Alban in the Vallée des Villards. Since the end of the 50s, when the first lifts were built in Saint Colomban des Villards, the two small areas have welcomed ski holidaymakers who appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of the Villards valley. Since the creation of the Sybelles ski area, which includes 6 ski areas, including the Villards Valley, the popularity of Saint Colomban has undoubtedly increased. Nevertheless, the cozy ski village is still a starting point for skiers who appreciate the seclusion and tranquility in the heart of a beautiful Alpine valley and at the same time enjoy the connection to a diverse ski area with a total of 310 km of pistes. Both places themselves, whose roots go back to Roman times, have retained their historic charm, which is reflected above all in the traditional regional houses made of stone and wood. At the same time, ski holidaymakers are offered a modern tourist infrastructure that meets all requirements.

Mecca for tourers

A total of 9 lifts are part of the area of Saint Colomban des Villards, of which 1 rope lift and 3 ski lifts are located directly at the station and are ideal for beginners and small skiers ideal for practicing. With 4 chairlifts and another ski lift, winter sports fans finally reach the pistes above Saint Colomban and the L'Ouillon summit, which connects the Villards valley to the rest of the Sybelles ski area.p>

In the Villards valley alone, 40 kilometers of pistes are available for ski holidaymakers, spread over 13 runs of all levels. If you would like to make use of the entire ski circuit, you can look forward to a total of 310 km of pistes that cover the ski areas of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, Saint-Jean-d'Arves, Le Corbier, La Toussuire, Les Bottières and Saint-Colomban- distribute des-Villards.

Thanks to the wide variety of easy and intermediate runs, especially families and beginners appreciate the large ski area Sybelles. But there are also real downhill challenges awaiting ski pros, as well as numerous deep snow routes. Snowboarders get their money's worth at the three snow parks in La Toussuire, Le Corbier and Les Bottières.p>

Tourists are in the right place in Saint Colomban des Villards. No fewer than 60 different tours of all levels to the untouched terrain are available in the Villards Valley, the most popular being the routes in the Merlet Valley. Skiing enthusiasts who prefer the Nordic disciplines will also be well- looked after in Saint Colomban des Villards. Approximately 8 km above the village, in the direction of Col du Glandon, a circuit was created, which invites to 10 km for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or winter hiking. By the way, in winter the road there is closed off from the district of La Chal, so that it only continues on foot from there to the circuit.

Fast trip to Italy

If you fancy a special holiday experience, you should not miss an evening snowshoe hike, a dog sled ride or the weekly torchlight downhill run, which is always on Thursdays. Saint Colomban des Villards also has a natural ice rink during the winter season.

For small skiers there is a ski kindergarten right in the village, where future ski professionals from the age of 4 learn skiing for 2 hours per day. A haven for the little ones can be found in the town of Saint Etienne de Cuines, around 10 kilometers away.

A must for skiers in Saint Colomban is at least a culinary excursion to the traditional Savoyard cuisine, which is offered in numerous restaurants in Saint Colomban and Saint Alban, and guests, e.g. spoil with Tartiflette or a fondue Savoyarde.p>

Extra tip: For a day trip to the well-known cities of Albertville, Annecy and Chambéry or to the Italian winter sports area of Bardonecchia, ski holidaymakers from Saint Colomban have only 45 to 90 minutes to travel.