Our Guide to The Three Valleys Ski Resort

The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) in France is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, located in the French Alps, specifically in the Savoie region. It comprises three main valleys, which are:

1. Vallée de Courchevel: Known for its luxury resorts, Courchevel is famous for its upscale accommodations, fine dining, and wide range of ski slopes. The area includes several villages at different altitudes: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), Courchevel 1550, and Courchevel Le Praz.
2. Vallée de Méribel: Méribel is centrally located within the Three Valleys, making it a popular base for exploring the entire ski area. It has a charming alpine village atmosphere with traditional chalet-style architecture. Méribel also includes Méribel-Mottaret, which is higher up and closer to the ski slopes.
3. Vallée des Belleville: This valley is home to several ski resorts, including Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, known for its excellent snow conditions throughout the season. Les Menuires offers more affordable options for families while still providing access to the full Three Valleys ski area.

These valleys are interconnected with an extensive network of ski lifts and runs, allowing skiers and snowboarders to travel between them with ease. The Three Valleys offers terrain suitable for all levels, from beginner to expert, along with breathtaking alpine scenery.

Where to Stay

The Three Valleys offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and chalets to family-friendly apartments and budget options. The best places to stay depend on your preferences, such as luxury, family-friendliness, or proximity to ski slopes. Here are some recommended options in each valley:

1. Courchevel

• Luxury:
• L'Apogée Courchevel: A 5-star hotel offering luxury amenities, ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, and stunning views.
• Cheval Blanc Courchevel: An ultra-luxury hotel with direct slope access, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
• Family-Friendly:
• Hotel Le K2 Altitude: A 5-star property with family suites, kids' activities, and easy ski access.
• La Tania - A Family Friendly Resort: La Tania is a family friendly resort that offers something for everyone. And If you've got a young family it could be the perfect destination for your trip to Courchevel. It has excellent access to the three valleys, its own ESF ski school, magic carpet area for beginners, great nightlife and restaurants. La Tania has a broad range of accommodation options too so there's something to cater for every budget.
• Budget-Friendly:
• Courchevel Moriond (1650): Offers mid-range hotels and self-catered apartments at a more affordable price compared to Courchevel 1850.

2. Méribel

• Luxury:
• Hotel Le Coucou Méribel: A chic 5-star hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, a beautiful spa, and an elegant atmosphere.
• Le Collectionist: Choose from their luxury chalet collection for an unforgettable stay in the mountains.
• Family-Friendly:
• Hotel Alpen Ruitor: Located in Méribel-Mottaret, this 4-star hotel is perfect for families, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to beginner slopes.
• Residence Pierre & Vacances: Well-equipped, self-catered apartments, convenient for families seeking more space.
• Budget-Friendly:
• Méribel Village: Offers affordable accommodation options, such as chalets and apartments, while still providing quick access to the ski lifts.

 

3. Vallee des Belleville (Les Menuires and Val Thorens)

• Luxury:
• Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge (Val Thorens): A 5-star property with a cozy atmosphere, great dining, and ski-in/ski-out access.
• Hotel Koh-I Nor (Val Thorens): One of the most luxurious options in Val Thorens, offering spacious rooms, a spa, and amazing views.
• Family-Friendly:
• Les Menuires: Known for being more budget-friendly and family-oriented, with ski-in/ski-out apartments and family-friendly services like ESF ski schools.
• Club Med Val Thorens Sensations: A great all-inclusive option for families, offering activities, meals, and childcare.
• Budget-Friendly:
• Les Menuires: Offers numerous budget-friendly apartments, like those in the Residence Les Combes, which provide easy access to the ski slopes at reasonable prices.
• Le Hameau du Kashmir (Val Thorens): A 4-star hotel with comfortable apartments at a relatively affordable price compared to other luxury options in the area.

 

Additional Tips:

• Courchevel 1850 is ideal if you're looking for the ultimate luxury experience.
• Méribel is a great central location with traditional charm, perfect for accessing all the valleys.
• Val Thorens is the highest resort, ensuring good snow conditions and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for younger crowds and party-goers.
• Les Menuires offers more affordable options and is popular with families.

 

What about the ski runs?

The Three Valleys ski area (Les Trois Vallées) is known for its extensive network of ski runs, catering to all levels of skiers. Here is an overview:

Number of Ski Runs:

• Total Runs: Approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) of ski runs.
• Green Runs (Beginner): 51
• Blue Runs (Intermediate): 132
• Red Runs (Advanced): 106
• Black Runs (Expert): 32

These runs are spread across the interconnected valleys of Courchevel, Méribel, and Vallee des Belleville (including Les Menuires and Val Thorens), providing a wide variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Elevation:

• Highest Point: 3,230 meters (10,597 feet) at the Cime Caron in Val Thorens.
• Lowest Point: 600 meters (1,968 feet) in the village of Brides-les-Bains, which is connected by a gondola to Méribel.

The wide elevation range ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season, especially at higher altitudes in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe.

Cast your eye over the full skiing area by clicking here

How much is a ski pass?

The cost of ski passes for the Three Valleys varies depending on the type of pass, the duration, and the season. Here's an overview of the typical ski pass prices for the 2023-2024 season:

1. Three Valleys Ski Pass Prices (Access to Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens/Les Menuires)

Adults (13-64 years old):

• 1 Day: Approx. €76
• 6 Days: Approx. €378
• 7 Days: Approx. €439

Children (5-12 years old):

• 1 Day: Approx. €61
• 6 Days: Approx. €302
• 7 Days: Approx. €351

Seniors (65-74 years old):

• 1 Day: Approx. €68
• 6 Days: Approx. €340
• 7 Days: Approx. €395

Family Pass:

A family pass is available for families of at least 4 people (including at least 2 children under 18). Discounts are generally provided for each pass, making it more affordable for families.

2. Local Valley Ski Pass Prices (Access to individual valleys like Méribel, Courchevel, or Val Thorens)

If you don't need access to the entire Three Valleys, you can opt for a local valley pass at a reduced rate.

Adults:

• 1 Day: Approx. €67 (varies slightly by valley)
• 6 Days: Approx. €330

3. Seasonal and Special Passes:

• Season Pass: A season pass for the Three Valleys costs around €1,480 for adults.
• Beginner and Pedestrian Passes: Special rates are available for beginners or pedestrians who only want to access specific lifts and zones.

Notes:

• Dynamic Pricing: Some resorts offer dynamic pricing where pass prices vary based on demand and booking time.
• Discounts: Early booking, group discounts, and promotions can offer lower rates. There are also discounts available for youth and seniors outside of the regular senior age group.
• Online Purchase: Passes are generally cheaper when purchased online and in advance.

The exact prices may vary, and it's always best to check the official Three Valleys website or the respective valley’s website for the most current rates and offers.

How do I get there?

Getting to the Three Valleys in the French Alps is quite convenient, as the area is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here are the main options:

1. By Plane

The nearest airports to the Three Valleys are:

• Chambéry Airport (CMF): Approx. 1.5-hour drive.
• Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB): Approx. 2-hour drive.
• Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): Approx. 2.5-hour drive.
• Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland: Approx. 2.5-hour drive.

From these airports, you can take a shuttle bus, hire a private transfer, or rent a car to reach the Three Valleys.

2. By Train

The closest train station to the Three Valleys is Moutiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains. It is served by high-speed TGV trains from major cities like Paris, Lyon, and London (via Eurostar).

• From Paris: The direct TGV train takes about 4.5 hours.
• From London: The Eurostar offers a direct train to Moutiers during the ski season, taking around 8 hours.

Once you reach Moutiers, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to reach the resorts. The drive from Moutiers to the resorts (Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, etc.) takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3. By Car

If you prefer driving, the Three Valleys is accessible via well-maintained roads:

• From Lyon: Take the A43 and A430 motorways to Albertville, then follow N90 to Moutiers. After that, take the local D roads to the specific resorts.
• From Geneva: Drive via the A41 motorway to Annecy, then continue on the A430 to Albertville and the N90 to Moutiers.

Parking is available at all the resorts, and some accommodations even offer covered parking.

4. By Bus or Shuttle

• Private Shuttles: Companies like AlpyBus, SnowBus, and Ski-Lifts offer shared or private shuttle services from nearby airports and train stations.
• Public Buses: There are public buses from the Moutiers train station that connect to the different resorts in the Three Valleys.

Tips:

• If you're traveling with ski equipment, check with your airline or train provider for luggage requirements.
• Booking transfers in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure a spot and get better rates.