Les Menuires is part of the Vallée des Belleville en Tarentaise (linked with Saint Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens), and is part of the 3 Valleys ski area. With a ski area at the forefront of innovation, this accredited ‘Family Plus’ resort is internationally known for its quality of snow and numerous ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Les Menuires ski resort - 3 Valleys ski area
You’ll discover 600 kilometres of powdered pistes that link to other well-known ski resorts in the area, namely; Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel.
Les Menuires ski resort and the surrounding area is served by 33 lifts, with a mix of gondolas, slow chairlifts and five magic carpets for the youngsters in your holiday group. The Les Menuires ski area is linked to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. From 1400 to 2805 meters of altitude, it extends over 160 km of slopes.
Les Menuires boasts the Famille Plus label, which guarantees stress-free family ski holidays. There is daycare available for children from 3 months to 5 years of age, as well as dedicated beginners' areas and fun ski zones. The shared ski area between Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville has 37 blue pistes, 12 green pistes and 4 magic carpets. This is paradise for beginner skiers. Young and old alike can learn to ski in total tranquility, gradually upgrading to the more difficult slopes as their ability level improves. As a bonus, children under the age of 5 ski free.
Les Menuires skiing
Les Menuires is a resort adapted for skiers and snowboarders of all capabilities. Whether you’re new to the snow or you’ve been skiing for years, you’ll find something to enjoy in this glistening ski region.
Beginners: Beginner slopes are right where you want them, draining down into the resort’s central Croisette area. This area is served too by a long lovely green, La Violette, which is a great first step for newbies ready to make their first move away from the nursery slopes, but within reassuringly familiar territory. And the wide-open network of cruisey blues just south are the ideal next challenge.
Intermediates: In Les Menuires, intermediates are best served of all. Lingering, spacious blue runs fan out above the resort from 3 Marches and Col de la Chambre peaks, and stretch out in the direction of Val Thorens. Mont de la Chambre and Boulevard du Sunny are particular highlights, while the glorious, swooping Jerusalem makes for a very satisfying mission down to the picturesque village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. And while most of the higher runs down from Pointe de la Masse across the valley may be outside an intermediate’s comfort zone, the lovely Bouquetin and Vallon provide some less heart-pounding blue descents that mean non-experts needn’t miss out on the area’s stunning scenery and blessed seclusion.
Experts: The upper reaches on both sides of the valley are rich in pacey reds and some pulse-raising blacks. Rising to 2804m, Pointe de la Masse offers 1000m of speedy vertical drop including some of the 3 Valley’s most challenging terrain, and with north- and east-facing slopes holds its snow beautifully.
Les Menuires off piste
You can enjoy the thrill of off-piste skiing in the safety of one of the three Liberty Ride zones which have been created across the ski area. These non-groomed slopes are perfect for leaving your own traces in the powder:
La Masse (accessible via the Masse 2 gondola), La Riondaz (accessible via the Saint-Martin 2 chairlift), Les Pylônes (accessible via the Sunny Express chairlift).
The Park des Menuires AVD allows off-piste enthusiasts to train in searching for avalanche victims (access via the Roc 1 gondola lift).
Les Menuires terrain park
Rebranded the Pixel Area, Les Menuires’ local park off the Becca chair or Sunny Express lift had a major overhaul last winter and boasts new rails and tables.
The Pixel Area snowpark is the ideal spot for novice snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The jumps range in size from XS to L, so you can multiply the challenges and progress at your own pace.
Apress ski
Les Menuires might not quite have the same reputation for revellers as Val Thorens and Méribel, but there’s still a marvellous selection of eclectic spots to eat, drink and be merry. Here are some of the après-ski highlights in Les Menuires: Le Tilbury is a warm and welcoming pub in La Croisette where you can unwind with locals and visitors alike after an energetic day on the slopes – the atmosphere is convivial and it’s a brilliant place to slake your thirst with a cold beer, Le New Pop is situated close to the hotels in La Croisette and it’s one of the resorts two nightclubs – a soundtrack of Europop classics accompanied by ample alcoholic refreshments will help you dance like no one’s watching, Le Plan B is at the bottom of the slopes in Les Bruyères and is open for business between 10:30am and 2am, serving beer, wine and cocktails on its sun-kissed terrace. With regular live music and fancy dress theme nights, partying in Le Plan B is always a night to remember.