Get to know the Espace Diamanté

In certain parts of the Alps, ski resorts and areas are grouped together under a title which applies to the whole region; and this is true of the Espace Diamanté, which can be found in the French Alps.It comprises of the Savoie and Haute-Savoie and translates literally as the diamond space; the shape which the area creates.

It’s a versatile area with plenty to do for skiers of all abilities - 185km of ski slopes are distributed between 910 metres above sea level and 2069 metres above sea level. There are almost 60 blue slopes in the area, as well as 32 green slopes, 47 red slopes and 9 black slopes, offering options for every member of a party.

Included in the Espace Diamante are the Crest-Voland, Cohennoz, Flumet, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly and Les Saisies in Hauteluce communes, famed for their excellent skiing. Downhill skiing isn’t all that the area has to offer though; cross country and nordic skiing are also popular activities in the winter, while the summer months see opportunities to ride horseback, take part in watersports and go canyoning, as well as many other outdoor activities.

While the Espace Diamante offers fantastic skiing, one of its major benefits is that the area isn’t too built up - many of the towns (or communes) in the area are small and have retained much of the quaint charm of the traditional Alpine village.

It’s refreshing, in a time when many ski resorts offer as many amenities as the average shopping mall - and means you’ll find lots of serious skiers in this neck of the woods, as well as families looking for a more relaxed skiing and holidaymaking experience.

Praz-sur-Arly is perhaps the most popular ski resort in the area, with spectacular views of the surrounding area at any time of the year. A programme of cultural events runs in the summer months and there’s plenty to do year-round - even here, however, the shopping available is pretty practical in its nature, and the area isn’t overdeveloped.

The year round appeal of this part of the world makes it a popular place for holiday homes - and for good reason. As well as a base for your family and friends to get together and ski it offers a great base for family holidays in the summer months too. Because Praz-sur-Arly is like a different place depending on the time at which you visit, you’ll never get bored!

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