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Three Valleys

When discussing the world's largest ski area, the question often arises what the Three Valleys doesn't have. With seemingly endless lift-linked pistes, all manner of accommodations and more varieties of après ski than you can shake a ski-pole at - all ages, abilities, tastes and budgets are sure to be satisfied.

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboard

At a glance: • Vast interlinked 3 Valleys ski area • Vibrant and varied après ski • Chocolate box Swiss chalets • Incredible scenery

Great for: • Families • Groups • Non skiers

When discussing the world's largest ski area, the question often arises what the Three Valleys doesn't have. With seemingly endless lift-linked pistes, all manner of accommodations and more varieties of après ski than you can shake a ski-pole at - all ages, abilities, tastes and budgets are sure to be satisfied.

Three Valleys Region

The Three Valleys, or Les Trois Vallées boasts its status as the largest ski area on earth, covering an area four times the size of Paris. An extensive 600km of slopes connect the 8 resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, St. Martin, Val Thorens and Orelle.

Purpose built Val Thorens has the highest altitudes at 2,300m. Below, with more authentic architecture, sit Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville. Stylish Courchevel and Brit-favourite Méribel are two hugely popular, must-visit resorts – Courchevel is perfect for luxury skiing while Meribel sits right in the middle of the ski area. Family friendly La Tania and budget friendly Brides les Bains sit below and between Courchevel and Meribel and lovely little Orelle can be found at far end of the valleys. Depending on where you want to stay, these have a range of accommodations to suit your group, taste and budget, with traditional chocolate-box villages, modern apartments, hotels of all sizes and even a couple of palaces...

While the skiing is amazing, the surroundings are too. The Three Valleys rubs shoulders with the Vanoise National Park and you can see the French, Swiss and Italian Alps from certain viewpoints.

Stats & FAQ

Location: France, Alps.

Open: December - May

Downhill: 600km

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • 183runs 57%

  • 106runs 33%

  • 32runs 10%

Highest Altitude:3330m
Lowest Altitude:1100m
No. lifts:200
No. runs:358
Slope Orientation:N, S, E, W
Night Skiing:Courchevel
Glacier:Yes
Cross country trails:130km
Downhill Runs:600km
Beginner slopes:57%
Intermediate:33%
Advanced slopes:10%
Lift Pass Price: 3 Valleys Ski Pass €300 (adult 6 day)
Resorts: Brides les Bains, Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires, Meribel, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens

Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Three Valleys

With such a huge amount of pistes, the Three Valleys has suitable ski runs for all tastes and abilities. Whether you want to be surrounded by white pistes or amid snowy alpines, ski down arguably the best off-piste routes in Europe or just feel like you're on top of the world, the varied slopes of the Three Valleys will have something for you. Intermediates are catered for fantastically, and there's plenty for beginner and advanced skiers too. Snowboarders are also kept well entertained with the fantastic boarding terrain and 9 snowparks providing for children, beginners, intermediates and pro's.

The Three Valleys is also thought to be one of the safest skiing areas in the world. 80 piste grooming machines work hard to keep the slopes in optimum condition, and the Three Valley's 200 lifts use the best of modern technology to form an efficient and comfortable network between slopes and resorts. Six lifts are fitted with new ‘Magnestick' technology, so children wearing special padded vests are safely secured to their chairs until they reach their destination. Meanwhile, as you enjoy the scenery from the lifts at Val Thorens, you can also keep in touch with the rest of the world through the free wi-fi provided in all the resort's lifts.

Three Valleys Apres Ski

In terms of après ski, the Three Valleys has pretty much everything for everyone. However you'd like to spend your evening: with a fireside beer, game of pool, enjoying live music or sipping a cocktail; and whether you want to party the night away or simply relax, you're sure to find something in the vast variety of pubs, bars and clubs. The food scene is just as varied, with cuisines from all over the world including loads of local dishes served in a range of establishments from self-service to Michelin starred. You won't be disappointed by the off slope activities either – you can visit one of many gyms, swimming pools and spas, go bowling, ice skating, rock climbing or to the cinema. For adrenaline junkies, there's sky-diving and paragliding and non skiers can enjoy hiking and snow-shoeing. There are also hundreds of shops to explore. Children will have a whale of a time in the Three Valleys, with play parks, snow gardens, toboggan runs and various activities on and off the snow. All resorts have fantastic ski schools that cater well for children and offer excellent childcare services, so you can enjoy the slopes or après ski while your little ones are well cared for.

Best time to go

Best time to ski Three Valleys

When is the best time to ski Three Valleys?

Most resorts in the Three Valleys have a ski season running from the beginning of December through to the end of April. The later months of the ski season are the sunniest, and also likely to have the best ski conditions. It's usually said that the higher you go, the better snow you get, and with 85% ski area above 1800m and 10 of 25 accessible summits with an altitude over 2,500m (including the highest skiable area in Europe) the Three Valleys rarely disappoints! To maintain the excellent snow, 1,500 snow cannons are positioned around the resorts covering around 1/3 of the ski area.

More Three Valleys Holiday Resources


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