Les Menuires Ski Resort is a popular high-altitude winter destination in the French Alps. The resort boasts reliable snow conditions and excellent skiing, with modern lifts linking the slopes. As part of the world-famous 3 Vallées ski area, it provides access to over 600 kms of ski runs for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike. Beyond skiing, visitors can also enjoy activities such as Roc’n Bob tobogganing, dog-sledging, alpine coasters, and wellness experiences, making Les Menuires a well-rounded choice for a memorable winter holiday in France.
This Les Menuires winter guide highlights the ski areas, the ski resort and winter activities. It also covers where to eat and the best area to stay in Les Menuires, which offers ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
Overlooking the slopes in the 3 Valleys
Les Menuires Ski Resort
Les Menuires is a village in Savoie, France, between Val Thorens (Europe’s highest ski resort) and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. There are 5 resort districts that form the Ski Resort village: Preyerand, La Croisette, Les Fontanettes, Les Bruyeres, and Grand Reberty. Although the 5 districts are separate, there are footpaths, free-access lifts and gondolas for pedestrians, and a ski bus, making it easy to get between them.
The main district and the central part of Les Menuires is La Croisette. It is where key amenities such as shops, après-ski, restaurants, ski school, and the main ski lifts are located. La Croisette is also where the underground parking is and where the main shuttle bus station is based. I stayed in the Reberty district, which features traditional chalet-style buildings, mostly on the slopes. It is the best place to stay in Les Menuires if you are looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Les Menuires in the winter
Les Menuires Ski Resort sits at an altitude of 1850 metres (6,070 ft), with its ski slopes reaching up to 2850 metres (9,350 ft) at the highest point, Mont de la Chambre. Being a high-altitude resort means snow is guaranteed during the winter season. The winter season runs from early December to mid-April, depending on ski conditions. The resort is part of 2 ski areas, Les Menuires and the Saint-Martin Ski Area, as well as the larger Les 3 Vallées (The Three Valleys).
It forms part of an interlinked skiing area of 7 ski resorts in France, giving you access to over 600 km of ski runs. One of the biggest ski areas in the world. In the Les Menuires and the Saint-Martin Ski Area, you have a good range of slopes with 160 kms of runs across 81 Piste slopes connected via 30 Ski lifts. Our first day of skiing was a complete whiteout, and it felt like we were skiing off piste because the snow was so deep on the piste. The second day could not have been more different: freshly groomed slopes and clear blue skies. Here are Les Menuires live webcams.
Skiing on the wide open slopes of Les Menuires, France
Overview of Les Menuires and Saint-Martin Ski Area
- 160 kms of runs
- 81 Piste slopes (12 green, 39 blue, 22 red, 8 black)
- 30 Ski lifts
- 28 km of cross-country skiing
- 2 sledging runs, 5 fun zones (Friendly Natural Park, Pixel Area, etc.)
- 2 Freeride Areas (St Martin Express and Pointe Dela Masse)
- 1 SnowPark Area known as the Pixel Area (Becca or Sunny Express chairlift).
- Mini Kilometre Lance (A mini speed run for children)
Make sure everyone has their ski helmet for skiing or snowboarding on the French Piste, both on- and off-piste and the snowpark area.
Skiing Les Menuires Ski Area
The Les Menuires and Saint-Martin ski area has over 160 kms of ski slopes, connected via 20 ski lifts. At altitudes of 1,450 m to 2,850 m, skiing is snow-sure. As it is a high-altitude resort, the slopes are mostly large and open, with few trees around. Plus plenty of off-piste skiing available, but remember this is at your own risk. Les Menuires is great for families and beginner skiers, with over 12 green and 39 blue runs that are wide and open.
There are even some great blue slopes down from some of the peaks, like at the top of Roc 1 or the Becca chair lift. You can even ski from Val Thorens back to Les Menuires via the Bd Cumin blue slope. For the more advanced skiers, you have 22 red, 8 black and 2 Freeride Areas. There are some nice red and black slopes at the top of the Pointe de la Masse gondola.
On a clear day, head up to Col De La Chambre at 2850 meters to take advantage of the 360 panoramic views. Its a great spot for taking pictures. Then ski back down via both blue and red slopes to the resort. If you want something a little more challenging, then take the Léo Lacroix black slope.
Selfie during a whiteout – Les Menuires Ski Resort
Les Menuire Ski Pass
Ski passes are available for the Les Menuires and St Martin Ski Areas or for the Les 3 Vallées Area, which includes Les Menuires, Saint Martin, Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, La Tania, Orelle, and Brides Les Bains. The Les Menuires & Saint-Martin-de-Belleville ski area is great for beginners or those who want to stay in the area. The Les 3 Vallées ski pass covers over 600 km of pistes connected by 161 lifts across the domain.
Les Menuire ski passes range from a 4-hour pass to 1 to 8 consecutive days. Weekend and Saturday discounts are also offered. If you get a ski Pass just for Les Menuires and then decide you want to ski in the 3 Valleys, you can add an add-on to your pass at an additional cost. Here are the prices and where you can purchase your Les Menuires ski pass online.
Family Ski Passes
The family ski pass offer offers a reduced price for all purchases of 4 ski passes, provided they are for the same length of stay of 6 days or more. It is suitable for all types of families, including single parents, duos and grandparents. Free ski pass for children under 5 years old with ID.
Make sure you have the correct travel insurance that covers skiing and winter sports in France. Explore Travel Insurance covers individuals, couples and families for single or annual trips.
Activities Les Menuires Ski Resort
Les Menuires Ski Resort offers a range of winter activities for everyone. Families can enjoy options such as Roc’n Bob sledging, snowshoeing, or paragliding for the more adventurous. You can also check out these 17 activities in Val Thorens, the adjoining resort.
Alpine Coaster – La Mine
Try the adventure-driven activity La Mine, an alpine coaster that descends 1000 metres of twists and turns. Visitors can go at their own pace, controlled by a brake on the sledge. 5-year-olds and those under 1.10m must be accompanied by an adult in the same sledge. Those aged 10 and over and 1.40m or taller can go on their own.
Alpine Coaster is located opposite the aquatic centre “Bulle des Bruyeres”. Tickets are available for 1, 5, 10 or 20 descents. It is open daily during the winter season from 3 pm to 7 pm and is one of the top things to do with families in the evening at the Les Menuires ski resort. The toboggan is also open in summer, just like the one in Pays de Gex, Jura, France.
Ski the piste in 3 Vallées on the Les Menires side
Dog Sledging in St Martin de Belleville
Dog-sledge ride through the heart of the winter countryside in St Martin de Belleville with Dany and Bernard (the owners) and their dogs. The sledges are pulled by 6 to 8 dogs of various breeds, and the session lasts 30 minutes. Start and End Point: Sentier du Doron, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Sledging is held from 10 am to 4.30 pm every Monday to Friday and on weekends from 2 pm to 4.30 pm.
Prices are for a 2-person sleigh, plus 1 child or plus 2 children. This winter activity runs from late December to the end of March and is subject to weather conditions. Whether you are with family, a group of friends or a couple, dog-sledging is an activity in the Les Menuires ski resort that everyone can enjoy. How about checking out dog sledging at the Ice Hotel in Sweden?
Roc’n Bob – Sledging
The Roc’n Bob is a sledging run that is fun for the whole family over 7 years old. Zoom down a 4km tobogganing run with a series of windy bends, which have surprises at every corner. The Roc’n Bob is at the top of the Roc 1 gondola, which you can reach from the La Croisette chairlift. 1 ride is €14 per sledge, 2 rides are €26, and a family pass (4 people) is €48.
Tickets include the sledge, your lift pass, and a ride to the top of the Roc 1 gondola. All you need to do is turn up with warm, waterproof clothes, a ski helmet, and ski gloves. The sledge run is open Tuesday to Friday during the winter season from 2:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and on Mondays during school holidays.
The Roc’n Bob Winter Activity – Photo Provided by the Les Menuires Tourist Office
Restaurants Les Menuires Ski Resort
Restaurant options range from casual alpine eateries to traditional Savoyard cuisine, highlighting favourites such as cheese fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. Since I stayed in a luxury catered chalet, dinner was provided each night. However, I took the opportunity to visit some great places for drinks and lunch.
Here are a couple of recommendations you may like for eating or for a drink:
Le Bouchea á Oreille – On the Mountain
Arguably, Le Bouchea á Oreille mountain restaurant on Mont de la Chambre has one of the best 360-degree views in Les Menuires. On a clear day, you can see over the 3 Valleys to Mont Blanc. The restaurant is located at the top of the Bouchea Oreille, which can be reached via chairlifts and gondolas.
Mont de la Chambre restaurant is managed by the same family that owns the Michelin-starred La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. The food is French mountain cuisine. It is also great for a coffee or a glass of wine when you want to get out of the cold.
Restaurant- Pub La Ferme de Reberty
Situated right on the slopes in front of our chalets in the Reberty area is Restaurant – La Ferme de Reberty. Due to its location, it is a great place to ski and meet people who are not. La Ferme de Reberty serves traditional cuisine and mountain specialities, such as cheese dishes like Tartiflette and pasta like carbonara. We ate here for lunch, and the food was excellent. The portions were significant, which is great after a heavy session on the slopes.
La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
If you’re looking for a special dining experience during your ski vacation, I highly recommend La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. As of 2024, it boasts two Michelin stars. This restaurant specialises in traditional Savoyard cuisine, crafted by a talented father-son duo who emphasise bold flavours inspired by the mountains.
La Bouitte offers a variety of dining options, including multi-course tasting menus ranging from 3 to 8 courses, à la carte selections, and even a kids’ menu. Additionally, the restaurant accommodates various dietary needs, providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Although it is on the pricier side, the experience is well worth it.
Carbonara pasta for lunch at La Ferme de Reberty
Les Menuires Accommodation
Les Menuires ski resort offers a wide range of accommodation types across the 5 resort districts: Preyerand, La Croisette, Les Fontanettes, Les Bruyeres and Grand Reberty. Most places are right by the slopes and offer ski in ski out options. Other properties are connected via easy-access lifts and free buses, making the most of your time on the snow, especially in the Reberty and Bruyères area.
⇒ Search for availability and prices across the five resort districts of Les Menuires during the winter.
Here are some accommodation recommendations in Les Menuires and its various districts.
Grand Reberty
Perched at 2000 m, Grand Reberty is super convenient for skiers wanting ski-in, ski-out accommodation, especially catered chalets. Grand Reberty was where I stayed in a luxury catered chalet, 5minutes from the ESF ski school. Appartement Les Menuires is a self-catering property in an ideal location, with direct access to the slopes. If you’re looking for a hotel, I suggest Chalet Hotel Kaya, which also has piste access.
La Croisette
La Croisette is the heart of the resort, making it the perfect choice for those seeking shops, restaurants, nightlife, ski schools, and supermarkets. This area features a variety of hotels, including the 4-star ski-in/ski-out Higalik Hotel and the Ours Blanc Hotel & Spa, which caters to guests seeking a wellness experience. For those on a budget, I recommend Hostel HO36, which is also in the same district.
Taking the first run of the day in the Les Menuires ski area
Getting to Les Menuires Ski Resort
Best airports for Les Menuires
Chambéry Airport (CMF) is the closest airport to Les Menuires, located approximately 112 km away, with a transfer time of around 2 to 2.5 hours. However, it offers limited flight availability. Geneva Airport is a better choice for flights from London and regional airports, as it has more flight options, transfer choices, and generally more competitive prices.
Another alternative is Lyon or Grenoble airport, but both are smaller. Trip.com is a helpful tool for comparing prices and booking flights to all three airports from the UK.
Transfers to Les Menuires 3 Vallées
There are several options for transfers from Geneva Airport and other airports to Les Menuires, with an average travel time of around 3 hours in good conditions. If you have booked a Les Menuires ski holiday package, most transfers to the resort will be included. Both Intui Travel Transfer and HoppaUK offer private and group ski transfers from Geneva Airport.
Shuttle Bus Geneva to Les Menuires
If you’re looking for cost-effective travel to the 3 Vallees ski resorts, the shuttle is your best option. You can take the Altibus from Geneva airport to Les Menuires. It takes around 3 and a half hours, including a stop to change, and runs a couple of times a day. It also goes to Val Thorens Ski Resort.
Ski Bus Les Menuires
You can easily get around Les Menuires using the free ski bus. It operates four routes (Red, Blue, Yellow & Green) that cover the entire resort. There is a bus that runs between Les Menuires and the Val Thorens Ski Resort. There’s another that runs from Les Menuires to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville if you don’t want to ski.
Skiing in Val Thorens from Les Menuires, 3 Vallées, France
Top Tip for Les Menuires Ski Resort
- Best time to visit: As it is a high-altitude resort, early April is the best time, when there are fewer crowds and good-value deals, especially for families.
- Charging points on the piste: If your smartphone or iPhone is running flat from taking all those ski videos, there is a phone charging point near the Les Menuires sign.
- Free Wi-Fi Areas: Les Menuires has 10 free Wi-Fi areas, marked on your piste map. Accessible via the “MENUIRES FREE WIFI” network.
- 3 Vallées app: Download the 3 Vallées app, which gives you everything you need to know across the resorts, including lift information, check the forecast and bus timetables. You can even find your location on the piste map.
- Snow Chains: Les Menuires is situated at 1850 m, so it’s best to make sure you have them and know how to put them on. Even though the road will be cleared, it can still be covered in snow.
- Visit the Leisure Centre: I suggest the Bubble, an aquatic and wellness centre, if you want a break from skiing or are looking for activities. It offers a swimming pool with a children’s area, as well as a wellness section with massages and body and facial treatments.
- Photo Points: Head to the Pointe de La Masse or the Col de la Chamber peaks for the best panoramic views in the ski resort. You can either ski down or catch the gondola back.
Admiring the ski slopes on a clear day – Les Menuires Ski Resort, France
High Altitude Ski Resorts in Europe
Looking for comprehensive ski guides to high-altitude ski resorts in Europe? I recommend the articles below. Alternatively, visit our skiing page for more inspiration.
- Skiing Guide Verbier, Switzerland, sits at about 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).
- Winter Guide Avoriaz Ski Resort, France, sits at about 1,800 meters (5,905 ft).
- Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort in Italy sits at about 2,050 meters (6,725 ft).
Have you been to Les Menuires Ski Resort in France before? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: Even though I was there as a guest of Les Menuires tourism. 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