Situated between 1,400 and 1,600m and bordering the spectacular wilderness of the Les Ecrins National Park, Puy St Vincent, or PSV, is a family-friendly ski resort that boasts a traditional, peaceful atmosphere.
Three hamlets comprise the village of PSV, and feature a delightful heritage of old wooden and stone churches and buildings, with one chapel dating back to the 15th century. Complementing this medieval feel are the vistas encompassing the vast and wild Barres des Ecrins Alpine region. Families are attracted by the resort’s quiet and relaxed ambience, with most of the establishments closing by 21:00. In keeping with its family theme, there are extensive childcare facilities.
One of the pleasures of staying at Puy St Vincent is that most of the accommodation is in affordable, quaint wooden and stone chalets and bungalows. There are several quality restaurants serving local cuisine, and there is a smattering of tasteful bars. Après-ski activities are limited; however, there is usually a variety of interesting exhibitions running at some of the more historical chapels.
Puy St Vincent ski resort has a fairly extensive range of pistes, totalling 67kms. The slopes are serviced by 16 lifts with a capacity to move 13,150 people per hour. Most of the slopes cater to intermediates, but there are plenty of off-piste alternatives to challenge more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The longest run is three kilometres, with a vertical descent of 1,350m. Boarders have a half-pipe and fun park to snowboard in, while cross-country skiers can look forward to a staggering 100kms of well marked trails.
Puy St Vincent is near to many other popular ski resorts, such as Montgenevre, Serre Chavalier, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe D’Huez, which are livelier, noisier and offer a wider range of après-ski activities for those who find Puy St Vincent too quiet at times.
The ski resort’s season runs from early December to late April, with cheapest time at either end of the season and in mid-January. Turin International Airport is the gateway airport to the resort, just two hours away by road.
