About St Colomban des Villards

St. Colomban des Villards is a commune situated in south-eastern France, specifically in the St-Jean-du-Maurienne District of the Rhone-Alps Region's Savoy Department. The commune lies at an elevation peaking at 9,540 feet above sea level and forms part of the Les Sybelles Ski Resort. At an area of 31.32 square miles and with, in 2006, a total population of 185 people, this commune is not the most densely populated of the region. Given that the area depends on tourism to survive, most of the residents are employed in the St. Colomban ski hire and skiing industry. The small population is split between the two tiny villages lying in the Villards Valley, one of which is named St. Colomban after the commune and the other, St Alban.

Show sights

In winter, St. Colomban's main attraction is, of course, skiing and, to assist the tourist, ski hire opportunities abound. In summer, the focus shifts to other outdoor sports and you can get to know the area by walking the hiking trails that surround the village or, if you're the stay at home type, join the locals in a game of bocce, tennis or football. For those more interested in history than sports, the St. Colomban must-see is the ruined Benedictine Priory dating back to the 11th or 12th century. But the major attraction of St. Colomban is that it, along with six other villages in the area, comprises the world famous ski and ski hire resort, Les Sybelles.

Show destinations

Apart from the 96 ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and covering 193 miles featured at Les Sybelles, there are many other exciting things to do in the St. Colomban region. Spend time at the outdoor ice rink or perhaps go Nordic Skiing or dog sledding but, whatever you do, make sure you book your ticket for Snowshoe Night as you won't want to miss this exciting introduction to night time snowshoeing that comes with a delicious dinner. And if you are lucky enough to visit during July, put attending the Festivillards Music Fest on top of your to-do list. Children are especially catered for at St. Colomban so let your child take their first skiing lesson at The Snow Garden (for ages 3 and up) or join the exciting activities club "The Bullies". But don't forget to pamper yourself as well and revel in the quaint old-world luxury that is the St. Colomban ski and ski hire experience.