Travel Guide by Shuttle Direct
  • Home
  • WHAT WE OFFER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Guides
    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Korea Republic
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukranie
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • News
    • Web Discounts and Coupons
MY BOOKING
  • en
    • es
HELP

As you ski on pristine Alpine snow

France, Travel Guides | 6 October, 2014 | 0 | by Gerry Kerkhof
As you ski on pristine Alpine snow
 As you ski on pristine Alpine snow, surrounded by glaciers with glorious winter sunshine beaming down on your back you can only be in one place … Les Trois Vallées. From the highest slopes you marvel at the vistas of countless mountain peaks in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps knowing that life doesn’t get better than this. The Three Valleys lie in the French Alps just 185km from Geneva Airport. With over 600km of skiable slopes this is the world’s largest ski area where an impressive network of ski resorts are interconnected thanks to more than 180 modern ski lifts. As a result visitors can access this vast area of Alpine skiing with a single lift pass.

Les Trois Vallées Ski Season

The resorts which make up the Three Valleys ski area have slightly different ski seasons with some slopes in Val Thorens and Orelle opening as early as the last week of November whilst others such as Brides-les-Bains usually open for business about three weeks later. Most of the resorts plan on ending their season during the final week of April though Val Thorens and Orelle usually manage an extra couple of weeks. Check the official website of Les 3 Vallées for confirmation of this coming season’s dates.

Choosing Your Ski Resort

Les 3 Vallées is made up of eight different resorts each of which has something different to offer visitors in terms of skiing options, accommodation and nightlife. Some cater mainly to the jetsetters whilst the majority are welcoming to the vast majority of visitors travelling with a rather more modest budget. Here’s a brief summary of each of the resorts to help you decide which one will most likely be best for you:

Courchevel (1100m-1850m)

The Courchevel resort is made up of four different villages which until recently were named according to their altitude. Today they are described in the winter ski brochures as follows:

  • Courchevel (formerly known as “Courchevel 1850”)
  • Courchevel Moriond (formerly known as “Courchevel 1650”)
  • Courchevel Village (formerly known as “Courchevel 1550”)
  • Courchevel Le Praz (formerly known as “Courchevel 1330”)

It is the Courchevel at 1850 metres which attracts most attention thanks to its VIP clientele list which has included British Royals William and Kate (Windsor), wannabe Royals David and Victoria (Beckham) as well as A-List entertainers from around the world and a who’s who of Russian oligarchs. Its luxury accommodation includes around a dozen 5-star hotels and two of the new category 6-star hotels (known as “palaces”) which the French authorities have designated as the country’s finest lodgings. Only eight such properties exist nationwide and none of the other six are in ski resorts. Its dining options are consistent with its accommodation having attracted Michelin-star chefs who have earned 11 Michelin stars amongst the resort’s restaurants. Today the resort is a playground of the rich (mainly Russians) and famous and is inaccessible for the masses so let’s take a look at some more realistic resort options.

La Tania (1400m)

Located in a forest right in the heart of the Three Valleys, the family orientated resort of La Tania is a far more modest option. Here you can afford to sleep and eat but are far less likely to bump into George Clooney than you would be in Courchevel! There are local ski runs catering for all levels and a selection of first class ski schools. You can ski directly out from some of the ski lodges and a Gondola is available to take you up to a chair lift from where you can ski to either Courchevel or Méribel. Evenings in the village are low key but most pleasant.

Méribel (1100m-1800m)

If you’d like to stay in the most Alpine of all Alpine destinations then Méribel is the resort to consider. The structural beauty of this stunning destination is largely thanks to a Scotsman called Peter Lindsay who in the 1930s identified Les Allues as a town where he could develop a ski resort well away from the resorts of Austria and Germany where Naziism had taken hold. His property development in Méribel was halted by the outbreak of the Second World War but continued afterwards with an emphasis on building chalets according to the traditions of the Duchy of Savoy. This meant that walls were constructed with locally sourced wood and stone whilst the sloping roofs were made of local slate. Evidence of his passion for this traditional architecture is all around you to this day. Méribel is a very special resort where development has been strictly controlled over the years leaving a vibrant community of locals and visitors. The ability to ski in and out of all the chalets is a particular attraction of this resort. Méribel earned worldwide recognition in 1992 when it hosted events during the Albertville Winter Olympics.

Brides-les-Bains (600m)

During those 1992 Olympic Games neighbouring Brides-les-Bains served as an Olympic village thanks to its proximity to Méribel. Today that proximity has allowed it to grow in its own right as a low cost alternative to the more upmarket resort down the road whose celebrated ski slopes can be reached by cable-car using the 3 Valleys Ski Pass. Brides-les-Bains has gained a reputation as the budget option when it comes to skiing in Les Trois Vallées with accommodation prices a fraction of what they are at more prestigious resorts further up the mountain. Whilst some of the properties on offer are a little ‘disappointing’ to say the least there are still some fine options available provided you do your research. Amenities in the village include some excellent health spas whilst the low key nightlife tends to centre largely on hotel bars.

 

The three valleys

Les Menuires (1850m)

Thanks to its altitude and challenging slopes Les Menuires was an obvious choice to host the men’s slalom at the 1992 Winter Olympics. Nowadays it serves as an excellent choice for skiers of all abilities whilst attracting more than its fair share of fearless downhill junkies hooked on the rush of high speed descents. Lower ability skiers shouldn’t be deterred as there are excellent facilities for beginners including first class ski schools many catering specifically for children. There’s a wide selection of accommodation options on offer to suit a range of budgets, with the ability to ski directly from your lodging (as was introduced in Méribel) available at many of them. With around 40 ski lifts, slopes to suit all ability levels, excellent hotels and plenty restaurants in a relaxed nightlife resort this is another fine choice for a family ski holiday.

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (1440m)

As you enter the beautiful Vallée des Belleville you’ll come across the delightful village of Saint Martin which has stood the test of time in maintaining its rustic French charm whilst developing into a popular ski destination. The quantity of tourist beds on offer has certainly increased over the years but strict development regulations have ensured that a top quality tourism experience awaits the limited number of visitors. In the absence of large scale development the accommodation options available tend to be traditional rural accommodation which has been stylishly converted for the ski fraternity. As such the resort appeals to independent travellers. There are a limited number of ski runs on your immediate doorstep but just two ski lifts gets you to Méribel and Les Trois Vallées. Typical of rural France there’s not a lot of nightlife although there are some outstanding restaurants including La Bouitte which has won two Michelin Stars.

Orelle (880m)

For budget conscious visitors looking for a sound base from which to discover the Three Valleys it’s worth considering the small village of Orelle in the Maurienne Valley. The typical stone and wood houses with slate roofs abound in this charming location from where visitors can quickly travel up the mountain to the diverse slopes of the region via the world’s longest télécabine. There’s little evening entertainment to recommend Orelle so if budget isn’t the number one consideration you’d certainly be better off booking early and making sure to get a place up the mountain in Van Thorens.

Val Thorens (2300m)

Still unsure which resort is best for you? Well we’ve kept the best until last … at 2300m Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort but the superlatives don’t stop there. Last year it was selected as not only France’s best ski resort but also the best ski resort in the world at the prestigious ‘World Ski Awards’. Standing at the top of the Three Valleys it provides ready access to the vast quantity of slopes available in what we’ve already identified as the world’s largest ski area. Whilst some resorts bemoan the lack of snow due to global warming Van Thorens boasts guaranteed snow of exceptional quality throughout the season thanks to its elevated location. The resort’s ski area is a vast expanse of slopes catering for every level of skier as well as the possibility to try every other winter sport. Beginners will feel at ease on the nursery slopes with the option to sign up for classes at any number of excellent ski schools. Advanced skiers can go as high as 3220m to ski the mighty peaks of Pointe du Bouchet and Cime de Caron. Options available are simply mind blowing to such an extent that you’ll want to keep returning here year after year along with the international clientele who frequent these slopes. Together with a fine select of accommodation, excellent restaurants and the best après-ski in the Alps, Val Thorens really does have it all.

Getting to the Three Valleys

Whilst the French airports of Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry provide convenient access to the resorts of The Three Valleys, it is the Swiss airport of Geneva which serves as the main gateway to Europe’s best ski resorts. Geneva International Airport lies just 4km northwest of Switzerland’s 2nd largest city whilst sitting right on the Swiss/French border. Transfers from the airport to Courchevel take around 2½hours along the A41 via Annecy. A number of specialist ski transfer operators provide services from Geneva airport to the resorts of the Three Valleys as well from Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry which are also accessible to the slopes but with a lot fewer incoming flights.

“Uitzicht onderaan de lift” by Joost Voogt is licenced under CC BY-NC-SA
ChambèryCMFGVALyonLyon airportthe three valleys

About the Author

Gerry Kerkhof

Gerry Kerkhof

Gerry Kerkhof is currently living the life of the digital nomad as he follows in the footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors in South America. He continues his work as a freelance travel writer and remains the voice behind the popular Spanish Fiestas website.
View all posts by Gerry Kerkhof →
Previous
Skiing and Sangria on the Slopes of Andorra
Next
SIERRA NEVADA

Related Posts

  • An Introduction to Flaine Ski Resort, the Perfect Winter Getaway Destination

    An Introduction to Flaine Ski Resort, the Perfect Winter Getaway Destination

  • Keep the Little Ones Happy in Samoëns

    Keep the Little Ones Happy in Samoëns

  • A Luxury Skier’s Paradise: Magnificent Megève

    A Luxury Skier’s Paradise: Magnificent Megève

  • Get Down and Dirty in Morzine’s Best Bars

    Get Down and Dirty in Morzine’s Best Bars

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Origin not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

Destination not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

You should at least select 1 passenger.

No

Additional Luggage?

Passengers Done
  • + -

  • + -

You should at least select 1 adult passenger.

Please indicate child age.

Additional Luggage Done

Each passenger may carry one standard piece of luggage and one small item of hand luggage (for example a handbag or laptop). If you have additional or extra large baggage or sporting equipment, select from the options below:

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

Outbound journey Done
Flight arrival date
Flight arrival time

Please insert the date and time of your flight arrival (not take off), as informed by the airline. The driver will take into account luggage collection and inmigration formalities.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

Return journey
Done Flight return date
Flight departure time

Please insert the date and time the flight takes off, as informed by the airline. The pick-up time will be calculated automatically taking into account journey time and check-in time at airport.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

ShuttleDirect

    banner

    Search

    Follow

    Categories

    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Country Profile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Discounts & Coupons
    • Dominican Republic
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • Foodie Posts
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Infographics
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Katar
    • Korea Republic
    • latest news
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macau
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Recipes
    • Romania
    • Route Guides
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Sin categoría @en
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Travel Guides
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • vietnam
    • vietnam
    • All-Ages Thrills and Adventure in Chamonix

      All-Ages Thrills and Adventure in Chamonix

      7 December, 2018 | 0
    • Lounge in the Lap of Turkish Hotel Luxury in Avsallar

      Lounge in the Lap of Turkish Hotel Luxury in Avsallar

      7 September, 2018 | 0
    • Country Profile: Latvia

      Country Profile: Latvia

      10 August, 2016 | 0

    Archives

    • November 2020 (3)
    • October 2020 (2)
    • September 2020 (2)
    • August 2020 (3)
    • July 2020 (5)
    • June 2020 (13)
    • May 2020 (6)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (8)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (11)
    • November 2019 (8)
    • October 2019 (8)
    • September 2019 (10)
    • August 2019 (15)
    • July 2019 (13)
    • June 2019 (15)
    • May 2019 (22)
    • April 2019 (22)
    • March 2019 (21)
    • February 2019 (20)
    • January 2019 (22)
    • December 2018 (33)
    • November 2018 (32)
    • October 2018 (34)
    • September 2018 (35)
    • August 2018 (35)
    • July 2018 (30)
    • June 2018 (32)
    • May 2018 (31)
    • April 2018 (30)
    • March 2018 (31)
    • February 2018 (34)
    • January 2018 (30)
    • December 2017 (33)
    • November 2017 (26)
    • October 2017 (23)
    • September 2017 (24)
    • August 2017 (37)
    • July 2017 (23)
    • June 2017 (26)
    • May 2017 (27)
    • April 2017 (27)
    • March 2017 (28)
    • February 2017 (24)
    • January 2017 (23)
    • December 2016 (20)
    • November 2016 (29)
    • October 2016 (30)
    • September 2016 (32)
    • August 2016 (41)
    • July 2016 (38)
    • June 2016 (40)
    • May 2016 (34)
    • April 2016 (36)
    • March 2016 (58)
    • February 2016 (33)
    • January 2016 (69)
    • December 2015 (37)
    • November 2015 (45)
    • October 2015 (50)
    • September 2015 (36)
    • August 2015 (33)
    • July 2015 (31)
    • June 2015 (28)
    • May 2015 (37)
    • April 2015 (35)
    • March 2015 (34)
    • February 2015 (17)
    • January 2015 (13)
    • December 2014 (5)
    • November 2014 (5)
    • October 2014 (6)
    • September 2014 (1)
    2003 - 2016 Shuttledirect operated by Viajes Alameda CV-Mm037A

    SHUTTLEDIRECT.COM

    • Service types
    • About us
    • help & FAQ
    • Sitemap

    LEGAL INFORMATION

    • Credit card security
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google +
    • linkedIn
    • YouTube
    • pinterest

    BUSINESS SERVICES

    • website owners
    • transport companies

    This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience.

    Find out more or adjust your settings.

    Powered by GDPR plugin
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    3rd Party Cookies

    More information about our Cookie Policy