Being conveniently located is what sets Les Menuires Ski Resort apart from the rest of the 3 Valleys resorts. In some situations, all you have to do is catch one Gondola like the Bruyeres 2. Then from there ski (mix of red and blue runs) to the next resort.
With connecting chairlifts and blue runs, skiing and snowboarding to the other resorts is easy for all abilities. not just confident skiers. I think this is also great for families who could be at different skiing levels and want to explore together.
Les Menuires in the winter
Les Menuires Ski Resort France forms part of the 3 Valleys (also known as Les 3 Vallées ) ski area, interlinking resorts across France giving you access to over 600kms of ski runs. It is considered to be one of the biggest ski areas in the world, meaning there is something for everyone from a complete beginner to seasoned skiers.
Unlike Val Thorens and Courchevel that also form part of the 3 Valleys, Les Menuires Ski Resort used to be considered the ugly duckling of the 3 Valleys due to the era of construction in the 1960’s. However, after having been to these other ski resorts before, I was more than keen to head to Les Menuires to explore the skiing and see what else this underrated Ski Resort had to offer. Then I could make up my own mind.
About Les Menuires Ski Resort
There are 5 resort district areas that form Les Menuires Ski Resort, Preyerand, La Croisette, Les Fontanettes, Les Bruyeres and Grand Reberty. The original being La Croisette which is where the older outdated building is situated. However, in recent years these have slowly started to restore and revamped the building making them easier on the eye.
I stayed in the more modern and stylish Reberty area, which are more traditional chalet buildings that are ski-in/ski-out.
Up until the last couple of years, Les Menuires Ski Resort was always overshadowed by the other resorts in the 3 Valleys, trendy Meribel, posh Courchevel and high altitude resort of Val Thorens. These days, Les Menuires is definitely catching up with its famous connecting neighbours and reminds me of fine French wine, it is only getting better with age.
Quick overview of Les Menuires Ski Resort Area
- As it is a high altitude resort the slopes are mostly big and open without many trees around.
- This also means there is plenty of off-piste skiing available but remember this is at your own risk.
- 86 Piste slopes (12 green / 44 blue / 22 red / 8 blacks )
- 34 Ski lifts
- 1 SnowPark Area
- 125 kms of runs
- Mini Kilometre Lance (A mini speed run for children)
Top to when skiing
- On a clear day, head up to Col De La Chambre to take advantage of the 360 panoramic views. There are both blue and red slopes back to the resort. If you are not skiing you can catch the gondola.
€ Looking to save money on your next ski or snowboarding trip, then read these great tips.
Skiing Les Menuires Ski Area
With over 125 kms of ski slopes just in Les Menuires, that is plenty of ski fields to explore. Our first day of skiing was a complete whiteout and it felt like you were skiing off piste due to all the snow. Even without any visibility, our ESF guide Jerome was able to take us around. He showed us what Les Menuires ski slopes had to offer and took us to the snowpark. Where there was a little speed area “Mini Kilometre Lance” with the snow up to our knees.
The second-day skiing
The second day could not have been more different, freshly groomed slopes, beautiful clear blue skies. We wanted to take advantage of this so the lovely Francesca, the owner of Powder N Shine Luxury Chalet company (Where we stayed), kindly offered to take us to some great places for photos.
We headed up to the Mont de la Chambre which had stunning 360 panoramic views of the 3 Valleys and Mont Blanc. Before making our way taking pictures and skiing.
Les Menuire Ski Passes
Ski passes are available for Les Menuires (and St Martin) Ski Area or for the 3 Valleys Area (Les Menuires, Saint Martin, Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, La Tania, Orelle, Brides Les Bains).
Apart from your usual single day, 2 days or 6 consecutive days, you can also get different types of group passes.
Types of Ski Passes
Duo (2people) – The duo ski pass offers a reduced price for two people, who are staying the same length of days of 6 days and over.
Tribu (3 People & more) The tribu ski pass offers a reduced price for 3 people or more, who are staying the same length of days of 6 days and over.
Family Pass ( 2 adults + 2 children (5 to 17 years old)) – The family ski pass offer proposes a reduced price for all purchases of 4 ski passes, who are staying the same length of days of 6 days and over.
Top Tip
- If you get a ski Pass for Les Menuires and then decided that you want to ski in the 3 Valleys then you can get an add-on to your pass for an additional cost.
- Free ski pass for children under the age of 5 years old.
Upload the Les Menuire App
Upload the Les Menuires App to keep you up to date with everything happening in the Les Menuires ski resort. You can even find where you are on the piste map, check the forecast and see what other activities you can do.
You can even recharge your ski pass without going to a ski ticket office.
Dog Sledding in St Martin de Belleville
Dog sledding through the snowy forest is on most people’s bucketlist when they think of winter wonderland adventures. I am no different and I am a huge fan of dog sledding, so much so that I have been lucky enough to do it in some amazing places like on a frozen lake next to the Ice Hotel in Sweden. I love being able to pet them before, during a break, and after the Dog Sled ride.
Dany and Bernard (the owners) with their dogs invite you for a dog sledge ride through the heart of the winter countryside in St Martin de Belleville. Spend a fun and exciting time being pulled in a husky sledge with the dogs side by side in pairs. While at the same time, taking a break so you can learn about each of your dogs and why they are so important in the position that they hold in the group.
I did ask why they bark so much when he stops and he explained that they just want to go, go, go, all the time, and stopping gives them a break. If they don’t have a break they will exhaust themselves out. Whether you are with family or a group of friends, dog sledding is something for everyone to enjoy.
Information about the dog sledding
- From – Late Dec to End of March, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
- Held Between – 10 AM and 4.30 PM.
- Duration – 30mins
- Price – 39 € Per Adult and 29 € Per Child (6-12 y.o. free under 3 years old)
- Start and End Point – Sentier du Doron Saint Martin de Belleville, 73440 Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Depending on snow conditions. The activity can be stopped in case of high temperatures or bad snow conditions on the track.
Please Note
- Reservations only in the Tourist Offices in Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville from Saturday morning for the following week. Telephone bookings not possible.
Feel like you are Dog sledding with me through the heart of the winter countryside
Roc’n Bob – Toboggan
If you want a break from skiing/boarding or want to try something different that is adventure driven, zoom down the Roc’n Bob. A 4km of tobogganing run that has a series of long bends “the Roc rapids” and small bends “Never ending Canyon”. It reminded me a little of flying down the mountain on the toboggan during winter in Pays de gex Jura France.
Roc’n Bob is situated at the top of the Roc 1 gondola which you can catch from La Croisette but don’t worry you don’t have to have a lift pass to get up there. When you purchase your toboggan ticket it will include your lift pass and sledge to the top of the Roc 1 gondola. All you need to do is turn up with warm waterproof clothes.
This activity is not only for kids but for adults as well, who will have just as much fun.
Additional Information
- From: – Late Dec to End of March, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Held Between: – 2 PM and 6.45 PM
- Prices: – 1 descent : 11 € / 2 descents : 20 € / 5 descents : 44 € or Family (1 descent for 4 persons) : 40 €
- Where to Purchase your ticket: from the sledge office located at the base of Roc 1.
- Start Point: – Top of Roc 1 gondola
Where to eat Les Menuires
As I was in a catered chalet, a delicious dinner was provided for us every night during our stay. We did, however, stop off at some great places for a drink and lunch. Here are a couple of recommendations you may like for lunch or drink :
Bouchea Oreille – On the Mountain
There is a saying ‘Room with a view’ well this is a ‘Restaurant with a View’. Arguably Bouchea Oreille mountain restaurant on Mont de la Chambre has one of the best 360 views in Les Menuires and on a clear day, you can see over the 3 Valles, as well as Mont Blanc.
Don’t worry though if you don’t ski or snowboard because as you can reach Bouchea Oreille via chairlifts and gondola. Then from there, it is only a small walk from the top of one lift to the other.
I never ate here, instead, I had a coffee and a couple of cheeky glasses of wine to get out of the freezing cold (it was -10). However, I hear that the food is pretty good and I would expect that considering the restaurant run by the same family as the Michelin starred restaurant La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
Restaurant-Pub La Ferme de Reberty
It serves traditional cuisine and mountain specialities, like cheese dishes and pasta. We ate here for lunch with the tourism board and the food was excellent. The portions are really big too which is great after a heavy session on the slopes.
Tip
- Open early in the morning for a coffee before you hit the slopes.
Accommodation
With a wide range of accommodation types spread across the 5 resort district areas Preyerand, La Croisette, Les Fontanettes, Les Bruyeres and Grand Reberty there is something for everyone. From 4-star hotels, catered chalets to serviced apartments, it really does depend on what you are looking for.
If you are on a budget then there is a hostel called ‘Hostel HO36’. All the areas are connected via a bus during the day, so it is not a problem getting around. I stayed in a luxury ski-in and ski-out catered chalet, situated in Grand Reberty on the piste and 5minutes from the ESF ski school.
Out with my Head Skis about to take the first run of the day – Les Menuires Ski Resort France
Getting to Les Menuires
Geneva Airport
The closest international airports to Les Menuires Ski Resort are Geneva International Airport, Chambery or Grenoble. The best way to get there is either via transfer, bus or car hire as there are no direct trains, it all depends on your budget.
Geneva has two arrivals areas, there is both a Swiss side and a French side to the airport. Check with the airline as some of them allow you to check your skis on the plane for free.
Transfer from Geneva to Les Menuires
It is expensive to organise your own transfer to Les Menuires Ski Resort when you are not in a group. If you have booked a package deal check to make sure the company has organised a transfer for you.
Catching a bus from Geneva to Les Menuires
You can take a public bus from the Geneva airport departure area to Les Menuires called the Altibus. It takes around 3 and a half hrs including the stop over to change and runs a couple of times a day.
Beware though if you take the Altibus for your return on a Saturday or Sunday, you will need to confirm your return ticket 48 hours in advance. You can do this via phone or at the ticket counter located at the bus station.
Top Tip for Les Menuires Ski Resort
- Les Menuires ski resort is situated at 1850 m, so best to make sure that you have Snow Chains and know how to put them on. Even though the road will be cleared, it can still be covered in snow.
- If your smartphone is getting flat from taking all those ski video’s, there is a phone charging point near the Les Menuires sign
- There are 4 Bus Routes (Red, Blue,Yellow & Green) that service Les Menuires Ski Resort
- We cannot seem to live without social media these days, so Les Menuires has 10 Free wifi areas. Which you can find on your piste map.
- If you don’t feel like skiing there is a Bus that goes between Les Menuires Ski Resort and Val Thorens Ski Resort and another Bus that goes from Les Menuires to Saint Martin De Belleville
Would I Recommend Les Menuires Ski Resort
There is a British TV show called ‘Location Location’ which helps people find their perfect house in the right location. Well, that is the first thing I think of when Les Menuires Ski Resort France comes to mind in regards to skiing in the 3 Vallees. If you are wanting to enjoy activities on and off the slopes, Les Menuires Ski Resort France is your place.
If you are wanting convenience and affordability in one of the worlds largest interconnect ski areas, the 3 Valleys. Then Les Menuires Ski Resort is definitely the right place for you. I really liked it and would not hesitate to go back there especially for a week to ski.
It has great ski slopes that everyone can enjoy, most of the accommodation is ski-in and ski-out. There is also a large range of activities to do on and off the mountain. As well as a nice variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.
⇒ Read More – 6 Top Tips for Saving Money for a Ski Weekend
Admiring the ski slopes on a clear day – Les Menuires Ski Resort France
Other French Resorts
If you are interested in discovering other French Ski Resorts you can check out my posts on Val Thorens, Morzine and Les Gets Ski Resorts. All are great options for a ski trip with friends or with family.
Thank you for reading this article ‘Enjoying Activities on and of the slopes Les Menuires Ski Resort France’, I hope it helped you to decide where to go for your next Ski Trip. Les Menuires Ski Resort is truly a charming resort.
Have you been to Les Menuires Ski Resort France before? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
If you liked this article Les Menuires, please, share!
Disclaimer: Even though I was there as a guest of the Les Menuires tourist office. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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wow such a thorough article – I know everything I would ever need to know about Les Menuires! I have not been but I have been to nearby St Martin de Belleville a few times. This is a super cute little town with some great restaurants
I went to St Maratin de Belleville to do the Dog Sledge and also to have a glass of wine at the Michelin star restaurant
It is so cute that you can do dog sledding here! I recently tried it in Latvia and loved it but had no idea it was possible to try it out closer to home. Super fun 🙂
I think I read your post on Dog sledging in Latvia, I remember it because of where it was and I never knew you could do that there.
This is a great post, l loved to ski & I’m always looking for new places to go. With over of 600kms l am definitely keen for this place next year.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your kind words and definitely a great place to ski on your next trip.
Never been much of a skiier (I’m more of a sun and sand kind of a girl!) but this location looks spectacular! Great pictures.
You don’t have to go here to ski, as there are lots to do like food tasting at the Michelin star restaurant. Definitely, recommend it.
Lovely post! Compilation of all the information. I loved the photos too 🙂
Thank you very much
Skiing in France is a dream for so many travelers, myself included! It just sounds so romantic to ski all day and enjoy an apres ski at a fabulous lodge. Les tres vallees looks like a prime destination!
This area, in general, is amazing to learn how to ski in especially the beginners’ slopes. I hope you get there one day
Dog sledding has always been on our bucket list and yet we’ve never been able to try it, because in all honesty we don’t ski so we tend to avoid the snow in winter. I’ll note down the place of Danny and Bernard in case we make it there!
You would love the dog sledding there it is a lot of fun going through the forest when it is all covered in snow.
Thrilling views… I haven’t skied since I was 7 years old but wow… the panoramas simply do take your breath away! Makes me reconsider 🙂
I just love to ski and this place is amazing, they have created the slopes that everyone can enjoy.
There is so much to do if you are a known skier here and lots of great blue and green runs for beginners.
Location Location Location! So true, not just for skiing but for any trip, I place a lot of value on the right location, more than most other factors that I also consider. For skiing that makes even more sense as you need to consider access to the slopes and to the apres-ski!! I love the idea of connected resorts where you can ski from one to the next, what a great way of exploring the area! Good to know about the add on for 3 Valleys ski pass once you have your Les Menuires one.
This is definitely a great location for a ski resort. I hope you get to go there one day 🙂
Ski is on my bucket list for a long time, and you made me love this place to try it for the first time. It looks incredible! I have a question, it is hard to ski the first time? I love snow but I never try, so please let me know if the first time is not that hard. Love your post.
I have been skiing a long time but for a first-time skier it is a great place and you will feel safe. Another great beginners resort is Les Gets https://www.melbtravel.com/more-to-offer-than-skiing-a-beautiful-french-village-les-gets-france/
I have been snowboarding in all continents apart from Africa and France tops the list for best slopes. Honestly there are many other things in where they could improve, but when it comes down to skiing/snowboarding these mountains are unrivalled. Long and wides tracks, groomed and ungroomed and best of all all mountains are connected with lifts. Loved it! And the fact that these resorts nowadays have these mobile charging points is absolutely brilliant! 🙂
You have gotten to snowboard in Antarctica? That is pretty cool, I took have skied in all continents apart from Antarctica and Africa. Definitely on my list for the next couple of years though.
Very thorough and informative! I’m not much of a skier, but I would LOVE to go dogsledding! Also, you weren’t kidding when you said there was a great view from Bouchea Oreille – that view is exquisite.
Thank you very much, you don’t have to ski to go there as there is so much else to do off the slopes
Off late I am coming across a lot of posts on skiing and every time I look at the snow covered hills I get an adrenaline rush, though I have never experienced skiing, but its one of those thrilling experiences that I definitely want to explore. You have some amazing pictures and I just cant take my eyes off them
I think because it is snowing so much this season that the season is longer. There are lots of places to go if you haven’t skied before like Morzine which I highly recommend https://www.melbtravel.com/why-morzine-france-should-be-your-next-ski-destination/ and thank you in regards to the pictures
Congratulations on putting together such informative and detailed post. Topped with beautiful vibrant pictures. Though I have never been to this resort and never indulged in Skiing, I am excited as I leave for Iceland in a week and i would be going for Dog sledging which is quite exciting. This place looks amazing and straight it goes in my bucket list for later travel. Thank you for sharing
Thank you very much, I appreciate it alot 🙂 Have an amazing time in Iceland, I went there years ago and loved it
Les Menuires Ski Resort looks appealing as it has 3 skiing valleys with interconnected ski areas. It is good this resort is picking up business against tough rival competitors from nearby ski resorts. Also this resort have 10 free Wi-Fi zones which is great, because we cannot think of staying away from internet nowadays. I would also love to do Dog sledging.
It is a great resort and the area is getting bigger and bigger which I just love. Hidden gem for sure
Wow this ski resort is so astoundingly beautiful! I am more of a tropical destination kind of person but I can’t deny that the snow-filled slopes are calling my name. The great food at the restaurant/pub is a bonus too! It looks like such a fun adventure I must try at least once.
It is a really pretty resort when it is all covered in Snow, in the lower areas. Definitely a ski resort you should add to your list.
I haven’t been skiing since I was a little girl, but the views from Les Menuires Ski Resort have me considering it! Can’t believe just how much snow there is–looks like a fairyland. So glad you guys had a great time on the slopes (and with the food!).
This a lovely place to go even if you don’t ski as there is so much more you can do. It was really pretty especially on the blue sky day
This resort is gorgeous! Your photos are like something out of a James Bond movie. I have never been skiing in Europe and am a bit nervous about it, but I’d like to try. But more than that, I’d like to go dog sledding!
Why thank you very much in regards to my pictures, I appreciate that a lot 🙂 You don’t have to be nervous there is lots of amazing places to go to learn in like Les Gets https://www.melbtravel.com/more-to-offer-than-skiing-a-beautiful-french-village-les-gets-france/
I have been looking for somewhere to go over Easter because the conditions have been so good. Great article and a lot good information.
Thank you very much, definitely a great resort to go to over Easter and if you a good skier then do the whole 3 Valleys pass.
I am already overwhelmed reading your post on Les Menuires Ski Resort France and the activities. It reminded my time in Finland where I did skiing, snowshoeing, Reindeer safaris and The Roc’n Bob. It was so much fun in the snow. The landscape from the resort is breathtaking. Only for the jaw-dropping landscapes I will visit this amazing resort.
I would love to go skiing in Finland it is definitely on the list