There’s something wonderfully honest about Les Menuires. While other Alpine resorts polish their chalets and preen for social media, this place quietly gets on with offering some of the best skiing in Europe. No fuss, no filters—just 600km of interconnected pistes, snow that sticks around for the long haul, and a warm, unfussy vibe that feels refreshingly real.
© Marine Vernaz
Perched at the centre of the mighty Les 3 Vallées, Les Menuires gives you front-row access to the world’s largest ski area without the hefty prices or over the top glamour. It’s the resort that doesn’t try to be trendy—because it’s too busy being brilliant for skiers, families, and anyone who values proper mountain time over posing.
Skiing Made Easy – and Excellent
© Vincent Lottenberg
Let’s start with the numbers: 85% of the ski area is above 1,800 metres, and 57% has snowmaking back-up, meaning no more slushy lower-mountain problems. From your chalet door, you can cruise straight into 600km of linked pistes—flit over to Méribel before lunch, try Courchevel’s couloirs by tea, and be back at base for tartiflette without once unclipping your boots.
And unlike its flashier neighbours, Les Menuires doesn’t do queues. The lifts here are fast, modern, and refreshingly efficient. No dramas. No shoulder-to-shoulder bottlenecks. Just peaceful ascents and more time spent doing what you actually came to do—ski.
A Freerider’s Playground
For those who like their snow untracked and their lines a little wild, Les Menuires sits on the freeride doorway of Les 3 Vallées. Dip off-piste between lift-accessed powder fields or tackle steeper couloirs that hide behind La Masse. The snow comes often, stays late, and rarely sees a queue. It’s the kind of terrain that’s thrilling without being terrifying—and you can still make it back to the bar for a post-run vin chaud.
Family Resort That Actually Gets Families
© Vincent Lottenberg
Les Menuires wears the Famille Plus label like a badge of honour, and rightly so. This isn’t “kid-friendly” in theory—it’s the real deal. Babies from 3 months are welcomed at crèches, toddlers from age 3 start ski lessons in the magical Piou-Piou Village, and even the most hard-to-please teenager is likely to crack a smile when they spot Roc N Bob—a four-kilometre sledge run that’s equal parts adrenaline rush and non-stop fun. There’s also Boukty Camp, a friendly sledging and play zone for little ones, and the twisting La Mine roller coaster that winds through snowy turns with just enough thrill to keep things exciting.
And for older kids looking to level up? The ESF Les Menuires teen ski courses offer tailored options for ages 13 to 18. Whether it’s group or private ski lessons, snowboarding clinics, or even biathlon sessions that combine cross-country skiing with laser rifle shooting, teens can push their skills and discover new sides of the mountain on their own terms.
© Thibault Forcet
Indoor fun gets its due too, with aqua parks and soft play centres ready to absorb any leftover energy. And then there’s the clincher: the Family Flex lift pass. Two adults and at least one child (aged 5–17) all ski at the child rate—yes, adults too. The deal covers families of three or more, and up to six kids can be included. Factor in up to 40% off ski hire (if booked by 31 October 2025) and up to 15% off accommodation, and suddenly that big Alpine escape looks a lot more doable. All these offers are exclusively available through the official Les Menuires booking centre.
Ski Patrol Experience: Learning the Mountain Way
Among the many touches that elevate Les Menuires, one truly unique highlight is the Ski Patrol Experience—a 3,300m² educational adventure where children discover what it really means to look after the mountains.
Here, budding pisteurs can test-drive mini snowmobiles, manoeuvre electric snow groomers, and simulate a helicopter rescue—all while learning about mountain safety, slope etiquette, and the important work of ski patrollers. It’s entertaining, enlightening, and makes kids safer skiers—what’s not to love?
Ski Touring Beneath the Stars
If you’re seeking something a little more soulful, Les Menuires also offers one of the most magical mountain experiences imaginable: guided night ski touring (provided by ESF) to the Lac du Lou.
It’s a gentle 272m climb, guided by headlamp beneath the stars. At the summit: a remote mountain refuge bathed in moonlight and stillness. You can enjoy an alpine aperitif or hearty meal, then ski back down with the night at your back and the world completely quiet. It’s skiing stripped back to its purest form—and it’s unforgettable.
Events That Add a Bit of Magic (and Madness)
Winter in Les Menuires isn’t all piste and powder. The resort puts on a seasonal show that ranges from traditional Alpine charm to outright snow-stoked lunacy.
© Maximilien Bree
THE MAGICAL – The Christmas Market
During Christmas week (dates TBC), the centre of the resort morphs into a twinkling Savoyard village, complete with artisan stalls, steaming vin chaud, hand-carved gifts, and festive tunes that actually feel festive. It’s the kind of market where kids beam and even the grumpiest uncle might hum a carol or two.
THE EPICUREAN – Winemakers’ Week (5–8 January 2026)
Ski by day, sip by night. This après-ski meets oenophile’s dream blends mountain air with vineyard flair. Sample everything from bold Rhône reds to alpine whites, meet the winemakers, and pretend you totally know the difference between oaky and toasty.
THE CRAZY – Completely at La Masse! (March, date TBC)
A no-holds-barred end-of-season party where 280 participants race, relay, hammer-lift, and costume their way down La Masse. There’s music, food stalls, giveaways, and pure Alpine chaos. Come to compete or just to watch the madness—either way, it’s a brilliant way to say goodbye to winter.
Getting There Is Easier Than You Think
For Brits, Les Menuires is remarkably simple to reach:
- Chambéry Airport (1h45) has seasonal UK flights.
- Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble are all about 2h30 by car.
- Moûtiers train station is just 27 km away, served by the Eurostar Snow train via Lille. Depart London at 09:01 and you’re in the Alps by 17:00—with just a 40-minute transfer to follow.
Why You’ll Come Back
© Marine Vernaz
Les Menuires isn’t about ego or exclusivity. It’s about epic skiing without the circus, family experiences that actually work, and those little Alpine moments—vin chaud on a sunny terrace, a kid’s first turn, a quiet glide beneath the stars—that stay with you long after your skis are packed away.
So if you’re looking for a resort that delivers the goods without breaking the bank, where skiing is still the main event (but not the only one), and where your family will thank you instead of test your patience, make Les Menuires your base this winter.
Main Image © Vincent Lottenberg