If we’re planning an unforgettable trip to the French Alps, Espace Diamant in the Beaufortain area of Savoie (73) is an excellent choice.

With over 190 km of slopes, multiple connected resort villages, a friendly atmosphere, and year‑round activities, this ski zone combines nature, adventure, and relaxation in one place.

Below is a practical guide to help us plan every detail of the trip—ticket prices, opening hours, transport, accommodation, dining, tips, and more.

Best Time to Visit

For snowy skiing, the core season runs from late December through early April. Most lifts and trails operate daily from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though exact times can vary by week and weather. Peak snow conditions and best skiing terrain are typically found January to February. For summer activities like hiking, biking, paragliding, and lakeside fun, June to September is ideal. Spring and autumn are quieter and perfect for nature walks and photography.

Lift Ticket Prices & Ski Passes

Espace Diamant offers a range of passes depending on how long we plan to ski:

Daily Ski Pass (typical winter season):

- Half‑day (~4 hours): ~$43–$54 (Adults) / ~$37–$47 (Youth)

- 1‑day pass: ~$54–$62 (Adults) / ~$43–$54 (Youth)

Multi‑day Ski Pass:

- 2 consecutive days: ~$101–$121 (Adults)

- 6 consecutive days: ~$270–$348 (Adults)

- 7–8 days: ~$304–$348 (Adults)

Season Pass (winter): ~$570–$877 depending on early booking discounts.

Notes:

- Children under 5 ski free (with a $2 keycard).

- Insurance (optional) costs about $3.60 per day.

We can buy lift tickets online before arrival or at ticket offices in each resort village. Booking early often secures lower rates. Multi‑resort passes let us explore Crest‑Voland, Les Saisies, Flumet, and Praz‑sur‑Arly without extra charges.

Opening Hours

- Lifts & slopes: Usually 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (subject to weather and snow conditions)

- Resort shops and rentals: Typically open 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM during peak season

- Equipment rental desks: Often open around 08:30 AM and close around 06:00–07:00 PM

Transportation & Costs

Fly + Train:

- Fly into Geneva Airport (about 1.5–2 hours by car to Espace Diamant)

- Fly into Lyon Airport (about 2.5–3 hours by car)

- From either airport, we can take a train to Albertville, then a shuttle bus or taxi to resort villages

Train + Shuttle:

- Albertville is the main rail hub. Seasonal buses serve Crest‑Voland, Les Saisies, Flumet, Praz‑sur‑Arly, etc.

- Typical bus rides: ~$11–$22 per person one way, depending on distance and operator

Car Rental:

- Rental cars from Geneva or Lyon airports start around $44–$88/day (varies by season)

- Parking at resort villages is usually free or low cost

Accommodation & Costs

Espace Diamant villages offer a range of stays from apartments to chalets:

Typical Weekly Prices (winter high season):

- Small apartment (2–4 people): ~$418–$935 per week (self‑catering)

- Larger apartments or chalets: ~$990+ per week (depending on location and comfort)

Notes:

- Many places require a $440 deposit refundable on check‑out

- Bed linen: ~$14–$22 per bed; towels: ~$11 per set (optional)

Choosing accommodation in a ski‑in/ski‑out village like Les Saisies or Notre‑Dame‑de‑Bellecombe makes slope access easier, though prices tend to be higher.

Dining & Meal Costs

Mountain Restaurants (mid‑slope / mid‑day eat):

- Lunch entrée or hot dish: ~$17–$33

- Hot drink or cocoa: ~$4–$8

Village Restaurants & Cafés:

- Casual meal (sandwich, salad, pasta): ~$11–$20

- Heartier meal (local specialties, cheese platter): ~$22–$33

For budget options, grocery stores in villages sell ready meals and snacks, which helps keep meal costs lower.

Winter Activities Beyond Skiing

Besides downhill skiing, we can try:

- Nordic skiing: 80 km trails across villages

- Snowshoeing: Guided tours or self‑guided trails

- Winter hiking: Marked paths with scenic viewpoints

- Four-season sledding: Les Saisies has dedicated sled tracks

These activities give us options for a slower-paced day or family fun.

Summer Activities

During summer (June–September), Espace Diamant offers:

- Hiking trails: Free access; guided hikes available (~$17–$33 per person)

- Mountain biking: Lift access plus trail riding; bike passes optional

- Paragliding: Tandem flights from peaks (~$132–$198 per person)

- Lakes & swimming: Free or low-cost public access

- Horse riding & alpine slides: Fun for families; rentals available

Equipment rentals for bikes or paragliding vary by provider but expect ~$22–$44/day for bikes and higher for guided aerial sports.

Practical Tips for a Great Trip

- Book lift tickets + accommodation early, especially for January–February

- Layer clothing for changing mountain weather

- For easier slopes, start at Crest‑Voland or Flumet; for more skiing variety, explore Les Saisies

- Reserve rental equipment before arrival to ensure size and availability

- Bring some snacks and water—mountain meals can be pricier at midday

Why We’ll Love It

Espace Diamant offers a perfect mix of snowy slopes, charming alpine villages, and breathtaking natural scenery. We can explore quiet trails, enjoy thrilling ski runs, and relax in cozy accommodations. With clear pricing, convenient transport, and a variety of activities throughout the year, this destination promises a smooth, unforgettable mountain adventure for everyone.

See You on the Slopes!

Lykkers, now you’ve got the practical lowdown. Pack your gear, book those passes, and let’s hit the French Alps for snow, views, and fun that we’ll remember long after the trip ends!