Hauteluce – a charming skiing holiday in the Espace Diamant: anyone looking to combine a winter holiday in France with authentic village life, stunning mountain panoramas and varied skiing experiences will find Hauteluce a particularly charming base. This Savoyard mountain village lies at an altitude of around 1,150 metres in the Beaufortain and has retained much of its traditional character. Timber-framed houses, narrow alleyways and the striking church characterise the village’s appearance, whilst the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps rise up all around. Instead of large holiday resorts, holidaymakers can expect a peaceful, authentic atmosphere here. For winter sports enthusiasts, the main attraction lies right on the doorstep: Hauteluce is part of the Espace Diamant, a vast ski area with 192 kilometres of slopes. It is linked to resorts including Les Saisies, Crest-Voland/Cohennoz, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Flumet and Praz-sur-Arly. The mix of wide, leisurely runs, more challenging red and black runs, and family-friendly areas makes the resort appealing to skiers of all abilities. Particularly lovely are the many runs offering unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and – on a clear day – towards Mont Blanc. A skiing holiday in Hauteluce is therefore ideal for families as well as couples and groups of friends. Beginners will find easily accessible practice areas and gentle slopes, whilst experienced skiers can enjoy plenty of variety on longer circuits through the Espace Diamant. Those who like to explore several villages in a single day can ski from village to village, taking in ever-changing scenery along the way. The region also has plenty to offer away from the alpine slopes. Around Les Saisies lies a well-known Nordic winter sports area with around 120 kilometres of cross-country trails, plus opportunities for relaxing winter days away from the classic downhill runs. This allows you to enjoy the snow-covered mountain world at a more leisurely pace. After a day out and about, the atmosphere in Hauteluce is just right: a cosy evening meal, regional cuisine and specialities from the Beaufortain region make for a relaxing end to the day. It is precisely this combination of winter sports and village life that makes Hauteluce so special. In the morning, head out onto the slopes of the Espace Diamant ski area; in the afternoon, return to a village that has not lost its alpine character. Here, the focus is not on hustle and bustle or large après-ski scenes, but on nature, enjoyment and the feeling of having truly arrived in the French Alps. Those who like to combine their winter holiday with regional cuisine will also find the Beaufortain region a delightful complement to a day’s skiing. Anyone looking for an alternative to the large, bustling ski resorts for next winter should therefore get to know Hauteluce better. The village combines authentic Savoyard charm with a surprisingly wide range of winter sports and offers the perfect conditions for relaxing yet varied days in the snow. The result is a winter holiday that will be remembered for a long time to come.
