Patrick Thorne, Author at InTheSnow

Time is a remarkable thing. Back in the 1950s and 1960s when the French built mountain resorts in isolated locations high in the alps they were something like a cross between a moon base, a motorway services and perhaps miniature bits of Dubai or Las Vegas. They were praised for making skiing simpler, everything available right by your apartment door, but criticised for their lack of character, having no soul. Fast forward 60-70 years, a lifetime for many of us, and these purpose-built resorts have transformed into real communities of their own. They may not have centuries of history rooted in agriculture, or mining, but they have, with time, developed their own authenticity and personalities. Les Menuires was created 60 years ago with the ambition of being perfect for ‘normal’ (non-rich) families to have a great ski holiday and visiting six decades later you have to feel they got it right. It’s ever changing, evolving, upgrading of course, but now as you walk along the corridors in the apartment complexes and the labyrinth of shopping mall at the base of the original heart of the resort, you can almost hear the echo of ski boots clomping along from generations of families that have ski holidayed here before you. Its signature blend is just keeping it simple, affordable and above all friendly. I love the place because at its heart it is purely about skiing and not a lot else. It always has been. Croisette_CREDIT G Lansard Les Menuires Sitting at a snowsure 1850m high in the Belleville Valley, Les Menuires is of course part of the legendary 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski domain on the planet. With 600km of pistes linking seven resorts, including Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, it offers seamless access to a vast alpine playground. From gentle greens to challenging blacks, more than an incredible 330 runs in total with 83% of its ski area above 1,800m and snow making covering 57% of the terrain. Les Menuires is an integrated resort, purpose-built for ease. Most accommodations offer ski-in/ski-out access. Footpaths and free shuttles connect the resort’s various districts, each with its own atmosphere—from the lively centre to quieter, more residential zones. This layout makes it ideal for families, groups, and solo travellers alike. No long walks in ski boots, just step outside and glide into your day. Value Without Compromise For six decades, Les Menuires has championed accessible skiing. It’s the most affordable gateway to the 3 Vallées, offering a wide range of accommodation—from luxurious four-star hotels to budget-friendly residences. Les Menuires CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg It’s even done its research and found 1 in 4 of its visiting holidaymakers earns less than €3,000 (£2500)/month or £30,000 per annum. The average income of a British adult is currently £31,600. The average family staying there has a combined income of €5,146 (£4400) a month. During high season, a week-long family stay (four people) including ski passes and lodging starts from €71 per person per day. In low season, that drops to €58 for a group of six. The resort also runs standout offers like the Saturday ski pass for just €39, and the Family Flex deal, where everyone skis at the child rate when booking as a group. It’s a pricing model that reflects the resort’s ethos: skiing should be for everyone. A Resort That Grows With You Les Menuires is a haven for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. New skiers are well catered for, with gentle slopes and dedicated learning zones. The Piou-Piou Village introduces children to skiing from age three, while mini-club lessons, packages for teens and family-friendly packages make it easy for parents to relax and enjoy their own runs. For thrill-seekers, the Liberty Ride zones offer ungroomed terrain for safe off-piste exploration. The Pixel Area snowpark and boardercross add freestyle flair, while the Friendly Natural Park blends fun with education—introducing younger skiers to local wildlife and alpine ecology. Masse Sommet CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg La Masse: Untamed and Unmissable On the western edge of the ski area lies La Masse, a quieter, wilder sector that’s become a cult favourite. Its ultra-fast gondola whisks skiers to 2,800m in just seven minutes, unlocking long descents of up to 1,000 vertical metres. With fewer lifts and more open space, La Masse offers serenity, authenticity, and some of the best off-piste routes in the 3 Vallées. It’s also home to the Friendly Natural Park and a designated tranquillity zone for black grouse, developed in partnership with the Vanoise National Park. This ecological stewardship is part of a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, with Les Menuires boasting a carbon footprint 10% lower than the national average for French ski resorts. Beyond the Slopes: Activities for All Les Menuires is more than just skiing. The resort offers a rich menu of winter activities, from dog sledding and snowmobiling to snowshoeing and alpine farm visits. Indoors, you’ll find yoga classes, fitness sessions, a cinema, and wellness centres offering treatments from brands like Sothys, Deep Nature and Nuxe. There’s a full schedule of events both through each week and through the season. The Thursday Night Show is a weekly highlight—an open-air spectacle of light, music and performance that transforms the resort into a stage. The Winegrowers’s Week each January (this coming season from 5th to 8th January 2026) is a great attraction for wine lovers when growers from across France set up their stands in the sports centre with tastings for all, a very popular and merry event. And for those seeking something truly unique, the “Complètement à La Masse” event in March delivers a wild slalom course packed with moguls, boardercross, biathlon stands and more. A Culinary Landscape to Savour With over 70 restaurants, Les Menuires serves up a diverse culinary experience. From traditional Savoyard fare to creative bistro concepts, there’s something for every palate. La Marmite, a Maîtres Restaurateurs venue, showcases fresh, local ingredients in imaginative settings—including gondola cabins and igloos. Là-Haut offers cosy evenings by the fire, while La Terrasse de l’Ours Blanc pairs gourmet dishes with panoramic views. For après-ski with a twist, Roc 7 delivers Italian cuisine, DJ sets and a dedicated Maison Veuve Clicquot terrace. Les Menuires CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg You’ll Want To Come Back Les Menuires has one of the highest return rates in the Alps—71% of guests come back. That’s no accident. The resort’s friendly atmosphere, fair pricing, and wide-ranging appeal make it a place people feel at home. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier, there’s a sense of belonging here that’s hard to replicate. Easy Access Located just 80 minutes from Chambéry Airport or four hours from Paris by train, Les Menuires is one of the most accessible French resorts. London travellers can reach Moûtiers in around 8 hours from St Pancras, making it a viable weekend destination as well as a longer escape. Its proximity to the valley floor means less time on winding mountain roads—and more time on the slopes. Les Menuires may not shout the loudest, but it speaks volumes to those who listen. With its unbeatable access to the 3 Vallées, thoughtful infrastructure, and warm, inclusive spirit, it’s a resort that proves skiing can be both exceptional and approachable. Whether you're chasing powder, sharing family moments, or simply soaking up the alpine lifestyle, Les Menuires delivers—quietly, confidently, and with a smile. More Info Inghams have 7 nights at the Residence Le Cour des Loges, Les Menuires. Departing 7th February 2026 from London Gatwick from £749 per person. Based on 4 people sharing. All flights and transfers included. Resort website: https://lesmenuires.com/en/ Image top: Brelin at Les Menuires Credit Vincent Lottenberg Discover the ideal destination for your next getaway with our comprehensive Resort Guide. Explore top vacation spots, find travel tips, and plan your perfect trip effortlessly. Visit Resort Guide for all the essential information you need.

Feature

Les Menuires: Born For Skiing

News

Snow Diversity

Feature

11 of the Best Ski Resorts by Train

Feature

Earlier Easter 2026 = Better Snow = Booking Boom

News

Adults-Only Ski Holidays in Italy

News

VIP SKI’s ‘New Era’ Chalet 2003m Up At La Plagne

Ski From A Chateau

AI OK

Feature

Rails to Resorts: Ski the Alps by Train in 2025–26

Feature

Paradise on a Plate

Feature

Les Menuires: Born For Skiing

News

Snow Diversity

Feature

11 of the Best Ski Resorts by Train

Feature

Earlier Easter 2026 = Better Snow = Booking Boom

News

Adults-Only Ski Holidays in Italy

News

VIP SKI’s ‘New Era’ Chalet 2003m Up At La Plagne

Ski From A Chateau

AI OK

Feature

Rails to Resorts: Ski the Alps by Train in 2025–26

Feature

Paradise on a Plate

Get exclusive updates and offers!