Les Menuires

Les Menuires is one of the most practical and best-value gateways to the Three Valleys — the world’s largest linked ski area with 600 km of pistes. Sitting at 1,850 m in the Belleville Valley, between Méribel and Val Thorens, it combines altitude, convenience, and affordability with direct access to the same world-class slopes as its more glamorous neighbours.

Built in the 1960s as a purpose-built resort, Les Menuires has steadily modernised its architecture and infrastructure. Today, alongside its functional apartment blocks, you’ll find attractive chalet-style developments, modern residences, and upgraded facilities. Its strength lies in snow reliability, ski-in/ski-out convenience, and value — making it a favourite with families and groups who want Three Valleys skiing without the Courchevel price tag.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Les Menuires is right at the heart of the Three Valleys, with fast access to Val Thorens, Méribel, and Courchevel. Locally, it offers 160 km of pistes, with terrain for every level.

• Beginners: Wide nursery slopes in La Croisette and dedicated beginner zones make learning straightforward. Gentle greens like Montagnette are ideal for progression. Ski schools are well established and family-friendly.
• Intermediates: This is paradise for intermediates. Long, rolling blues and reds dominate the local slopes — perfect for mileage. Runs like Jerusalem and Bouquetin are firm favourites. The links to Méribel and Val Thorens expand the playground to an almost endless scale.
• Experts: There’s plenty for advanced skiers too. The La Masse sector is a highlight, with steep reds, blacks, and some of the best off-piste in the Three Valleys. Black runs like Dame Blanche and Leo Lacroix test legs and lungs, while powder fields on La Masse offer freeride adventure with fewer crowds.
• Freestylers: The resort has a snowpark and boardercross zones, while Val Thorens and Méribel offer world-class freestyle terrain nearby.

La Masse is arguably Les Menuires’ trump card: quieter than the main Three Valleys arteries, it offers excellent snow, varied terrain, and spectacular views of the Belleville Valley and Mont Blanc.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Les Menuires passes are part of the wider Three Valleys system.

• Les Menuires / Saint-Martin local pass (160 km): ~€63/day | ~€315 for 6 days
• Three Valleys full area pass (600 km): ~€74/day | ~€370 for 6 days
• Child (5–12): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes offer discounted rates.
• Reduced beginner passes available for nursery areas.

More info at the Les 3 Vallées ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Les Menuires is spread across several distinct quarters, all connected by lifts, pistes, and free shuttles:

• La Croisette: The central hub, with shops, restaurants, and the main ski school meeting points.
• Les Bruyères: A lively, family-friendly area with its own gondola, swimming pool, and leisure centre.
• Reberty & Preyerand: More modern chalet-style developments with ski-in/ski-out residences, popular with families and groups.
• La Masse: A quieter, high-altitude sector with challenging slopes and excellent off-piste.

The lift system is modern, with high-speed chairs and gondolas ensuring quick links across the valley. The resort is compact and highly functional, with most accommodation offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. Snow reliability is strong thanks to altitude, aspect, and snowmaking.

Accommodation

Les Menuires offers some of the best-value accommodation in the Three Valleys.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments in La Croisette or Preyerand.
• Mid-Range: 3★ hotels, residences, and chalet-style apartments in Les Bruyères and Reberty.
• Luxury: Though not as opulent as Courchevel, Les Menuires has higher-end options such as the 4★ Hotel Kaya and Chalet Hôtel Isatis, with spas, fine dining, and slope-side locations.

Browse options via the Les Menuires accommodation page.

Dining & Après

On the slopes, Les Menuires has some great mountain restaurants, including La Ferme de Reberty and Le Chalet du Sunny, both known for hearty Savoyard fare and sunny terraces.

In the village, the dining scene mixes traditional alpine cuisine with international flavours. It may not match Courchevel’s Michelin-starred density, but you’ll find excellent Savoyard dishes, pizzas, and brasseries at fairer prices.

Après-ski is lively but more low-key than Val Thorens. Bars like Le Challenge and Le Kube offer live music and atmosphere, while family-friendly venues provide a relaxed vibe. Those seeking all-night clubbing can head up to Val Thorens.

Non-Skiing Activities

Les Menuires has a strong reputation for family and off-slope activities:

• The Sports Centre with swimming pools, wellness, and indoor games.
• Toboggan runs, including the Speed Mountain rail luge.
• Snowshoeing and walking trails.
• Paragliding and snowmobiling.
• Weekly family events, torchlit descents, and local markets.

Village Character & Access

Les Menuires may not have the prettiness of a Savoyard hamlet, but its mix of traditional-style chalets in newer quarters and the unbeatable ski-in/ski-out convenience give it strong appeal. It’s practical, functional, and increasingly attractive as redevelopments continue.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Moutiers, then 40 min transfer.
• By car: Around 9 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Les Menuires is one of the smartest ways to access the Three Valleys. It offers the same world-class slopes as Courchevel and Val Thorens, but at a fraction of the cost. The local terrain is excellent for families and intermediates, while the La Masse sector adds real challenge for advanced skiers.

It may not have the glamour of its neighbours, but for snow reliability, convenience, and value, Les Menuires is one of the most underrated resorts in the French Alps.

Les Menuires – The Perfect Spring Skiing Choice

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