Saint Sorlin d'Arves is one of those French mountain villages that feels as though it's been there forever - because it largely has. Sitting at 1,500m at the head of the Arvan Valley in the Maurienne, it's a proper working farming hamlet of stone houses, a Baroque church, and narrow lanes that predate skiing by centuries. The village faces directly towards the Aiguilles d'Arves, a trio of dramatic rocky spires that dominate the skyline and give the resort one of the most striking mountain backdrops in the French Alps. It's the kind of view you remember long after the holiday is over.

Saint Sorlin d'Arves is part of the Les Sybelles ski area, the fourth-largest linked domain in France with over 310km of pistes across six interconnected resorts. From Saint Sorlin itself, the local ski area covers 120km across 39 runs, reaching 2,620m with a substantial 1,120m vertical drop. The lift system includes four high-speed six-seater chairs, keeping things moving efficiently. The terrain is well-balanced across abilities, with a notably strong expert sector - 18% of the runs are graded black, giving strong skiers more to work with than you'd expect. The resort averaged 115 days open last season, running from mid-December through mid-April.

Away from the slopes, Saint Sorlin retains the unhurried character of a genuine Savoyard village. There are no high-rise apartment blocks or commercial strips - just a cluster of traditional buildings, a handful of restaurants, and the kind of quiet, community atmosphere that comes from a village where farming and skiing coexist. The Maurienne Valley's lower profile keeps prices in check, and the proximity to the Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Glandon - legendary Tour de France climbs that pass through the area - adds a touch of sporting heritage. Check out Saint Sorlin d'Arves ski deals to start planning your trip.