Posted on 17 January 2021
When it comes to skiing in France, the unbeatable 3 Valleys resorts attract thousands of skiers and snowboarders every day. As the largest ski area, not only in France but in the world, it gives seven ski resorts direct-access to a marvellous outdoor playground for everyone from beginners to adrenaline-seeking experienced skiers who also enjoy off-piste skiing and freestyle. The ski-area covers 105 square kilometres that make up the perfect base for an alpine ski-holiday in the French Alps.
With most people using Geneva airport as a base to get there, you can settle into a cosy and luxury ski chalet within two hours transfer time. Also, enjoy stunning mountain views, over 300 downhill, ski slopes, easy access through 163 ski lifts, 32 gondolas, three cable cars, an average five-month ski season, beautiful terrain, and the best apres-ski scenes. But where should you stay? Take your pick from seven resorts that offer the best of the Alps.
Resorts in the 3 Valleys
1: Luxury in Courchevel
When it comes to high-standard, look at Courchevel. Long known as a hang out destination for the rich and famous, it is one of France’s most luxurious resorts. Ski chalets are the favourite form of accommodation, and although pricy, offer all modern cons including indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor hot tub.
For gourmet dining, choose to go self-catered, hire chefs to cook in your kitchen, or head out to one of many five-star, Michelin restaurants. Courchevel consists of four villages, of which 1850 is most renewed for luxury and ski-in ski-out chalets. More about the top five luxury resorts in France.
2: Meribel Resort
Visitors to this ski-resort enjoy excellent snow conditions because of the high-altitude. Once again accommodating every type of skier, including those who like glacier skiing, as well as snowboarding fans, it makes an ideal get-away since the nearest airport Chambery is roughly, 70 minutes’ drive away.
Breaking down into three villages, they all sit within Vanoise National park. For a family ski holiday, expect many childcare facilities choices, while off-slope activities include paragliding and dog sledging. Meribel is also a highlighted summer resort with many biking trails for lovers of the great outdoors.
3: Brides Le Bains
When you go skiing in the alps, you will find that this mountain resort keeps a low profile compared to its neighbours. Sitting 20 minutes from Meribel, this is where you will find the three valleys only casino. Consider this place for well-priced ski deals, but don’t think it comprises on standards because of this. For accommodation, choose a four-star catered chalet, or a designer chalet hotel apartment.
4: Family-Friendly Les Menuires
Sitting in the 3 valleys’ heart, Menuires is often labelled as the best ski resort for families. Enrol your kids in a ski-school or sign them up for private snowboard lessons. When not on the slopes, a healthy choice of activities keeps everyone occupied every day. The family-friendly theme carries on into the non-lively Apres-ski social scene, that is cosy enough for all family members, young or old. Don’t forget to jump on board the Roc n Bob tobogganing run either. Open to anyone aged seven or over, this is 4 kilometres of pure fun.
5: Saint Martin De Belleville
Ski holidays in Belleville carry with them a certain charm, admiration of wine and dedication to authentic Savoyard cuisine. Also expect beautiful old churches, and a small welcoming community full of hospitality. Belleville is one of those French ski resorts to expand past skis and snowboard parks into a healthy summer destination, brimming with activities for those who love the great outdoors. Belleville is a holiday destination that transports you into another worldly atmosphere admired for authentic architecture in chalets and shops. Find out more in our area guide here.
6: Valley Charm in Val Thorens
Expect plenty of snowfall in Val Thorens thanks to its high altitude. With everything on your doorstep, enjoying a skiing holiday is easy because of exceptionally well-priced lift passes, and well-maintained chair lifts, and five magic carpets. Most slopes fall into the blue and red category, although there are also eight black and 11 green. When booking your chalet, look for a ski-in ski-out one. Val Thorens specialises in them. Besides the ski-slope, enjoy the zip line, tobacco run, snow parks, and a sports centre.
7: Purpose Built La Tania
Initially built for the 1992 Olympics, La Tania is a quiet alpine ski destination, yet offers oodles of charm. Sitting at 1400 metres and neighbouring Courchevel, the traffic-free village centre has a splattering of shops, restaurants, and ski hire shops. It also excels in schools offering ski lessons making it the perfect place for beginners. The village heart is Pub Le Ski Lodge, offering fully catered dining area for when you feel sociable. Otherwise, enjoy tranquillity at its best.
About Us: We are Skiing Property, and we’ve helped thousands of buyers invest in French real estate. If you are looking at 3 valleys resorts with an aim to buying a chalet or apartment, get in touch with us today. Alternatively, see our range of chalets and apartments for sale in many French alp resorts.
Also of Interest
Espace Killy Guide: Ski areas of France come into the limelight, with Espace Killy, home to Tinges and Val d’Isère. As another destination for fun-filled skiing holidays and investment property, this guide is full of useful tips and advice for first-time visitors or property hunters.