Accommodation
Quick answer: Saint Martin de Belleville is best for skiers wanting a genuine, traditional Savoyard village with full access to the Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world. It’s less suited to those wanting a large, bustling resort centre with extensive nightlife, shopping, and ski-in/ski-out convenience from every chalet.
Quick resort facts
Ski area: 600km of pistes, 166 lifts (Les Trois Vallées) · Altitude: from 1,450m · Ski pass area: Les Trois Vallées · Nearest airport: Geneva
Written by the InTheSnow editorial team. Last updated: 29 July 2026. Resort facts checked against official Saint Martin de Belleville sources.
Saint Martin de Belleville is the most authentic base in the Three Valleys, a traditional Savoyard village of stone and wood chalets clustered around a 17th-century church, offering full access to the world’s largest linked ski area without the purpose-built feel of some of its neighbours.
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Saint Martin de Belleville sits at around 1,450m in the Belleville Valley, between Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Unlike its purpose-built neighbours, it has retained its traditional Savoyard character, with old stone farmhouses, a historic church, and a relaxed, village feel that appeals to those who want charm alongside big-mountain skiing.
Saint Martin de Belleville links directly into Les Menuires’ ski area, giving full access to Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world, with around 600km of pistes and over 160 lifts shared with Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and La Tania. A gondola and chairlifts connect the village to the wider network, with the local slopes tending to be quieter than the main resort centres.
Beginners: There are gentle slopes close to the village, with more extensive beginner terrain a short lift ride away in Les Menuires.
Intermediates: The area suits intermediates well, with pleasant, quieter runs back down to the village and easy access to the wider Three Valleys network.
Advanced: More challenging terrain is a short lift ride away on the La Masse sector above Les Menuires, or further afield towards Val Thorens.
Best ski-in/ski-out areas: Chalets closest to the village’s main lift stations offer the most direct access.
At around 1,450m, Saint Martin de Belleville benefits from the same high-altitude Belleville Valley snow record as Les Menuires and Val Thorens, with the skiing above the village rising well over 2,000m. January and February typically offer the most reliable conditions, with the higher slopes remaining skiable well into spring.
Lift passes cover the full Three Valleys area, giving access to Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Courchevel, Méribel and La Tania on a single pass. Local passes covering just Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires are also available for those wanting a lower-cost option. Prices vary through the season, so it’s always worth checking the official Les 3 Vallées ski pass page before booking.
Comparing options for a Three Valleys trip? See the latest ski holiday deals or browse more resorts in our ski resort search.
ESF operates a ski school in the village, offering lessons for all ages and abilities. Ski hire shops are available locally, generally at more competitive prices than in the larger Three Valleys resort centres.
Sorting kit before you travel? Our ski gear guides can help you choose the right gear.
Accommodation is mostly in traditional-style catered chalets and small hotels, with a more intimate, village feel than the larger resorts nearby. Many properties are a short walk or free shuttle ride from the lifts rather than true ski-in/ski-out.
Dining is a genuine highlight here: the village is home to La Bouitte, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant run by René and Maxime Meilleur, alongside a good spread of well-regarded traditional Savoyard restaurants. Après-ski is relaxed rather than raucous, with a handful of cosy bars rather than big nightclubs.
Beyond skiing, the village offers snowshoeing, sledging, and a small ice rink, along with easy access to the wider Three Valleys activity offering in Les Menuires and Val Thorens for those wanting more.
Travelling with children? Our family skiing guide has more tips for planning a family ski trip.
By air: Geneva is the main gateway, with Chambéry and Lyon also within reach, all roughly 2-3 hours away by road. By train: Eurostar to Paris then a connecting TGV to Moûtiers, followed by a road transfer of around 20-30 minutes.
Comparing Saint Martin de Belleville with other options? See our full guide to skiing in France for more resorts across the Alps.
Pros
Cons
Saint Martin de Belleville is the pick for anyone who wants the full Three Valleys ski area without sacrificing traditional Alpine charm. It’s particularly well suited to families and intermediates who value character and good food as much as piste time, while those wanting a livelier scene might prefer basing themselves in nearby Les Menuires or Val Thorens instead.
Is Saint Martin de Belleville part of the Three Valleys? Yes, it links directly into Les Menuires and the wider Trois Vallées ski area.
Is Saint Martin de Belleville good for beginners? Yes, though more extensive beginner terrain is a short lift ride away in Les Menuires.
How high is Saint Martin de Belleville? The village sits at around 1,450m.
What is the nearest airport to Saint Martin de Belleville? Geneva, with Chambéry and Lyon also within reach.
What is skiing like for advanced skiers in Saint Martin de Belleville? More challenging terrain is a short lift ride away on the La Masse sector above Les Menuires, or further afield towards Val Thorens.
Are there local lift pass options for Saint Martin de Belleville? Yes, a local pass covering just Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires is available for those wanting a lower-cost option, alongside the full Three Valleys pass.
What is the food and après-ski scene like in Saint Martin de Belleville? The village is known for good, characterful restaurants including traditional Savoyard cuisine, with après-ski that’s relaxed rather than raucous.
Is Saint Martin de Belleville good for families? Yes, beyond skiing it offers snowshoeing, sledging, and a small ice rink, with easy access to the wider Three Valleys activity offering in Les Menuires and Val Thorens.
How do I get to Saint Martin de Belleville from the UK? By air, Geneva is the main gateway, with Chambéry and Lyon also within reach, all roughly 2-3 hours away by road. By train, Eurostar to Paris connects to a TGV to Moûtiers, followed by a 20-30 minute road transfer.
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