Ski Holidays in the Three Valleys
Ski holidays in the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) are among the most popular in Europe, offering something for beginners, families, intermediates and expert skiers alike. Located in the French Alps, the Three Valleys is the world’s largest linked ski area, with over 600km of pistes, 200 lifts, and some of the highest ski resorts in Europe.
With 14 resorts, hundreds of ski chalets and hotels, and lift-linked access across the entire domain, it’s easy to see why skiers return year after year.
Ski chalets in the Three Valleys - book now
Hotels in the Three Valleys ski area
The Three Valleys ski area is made up of three separate valleys that roughly run parallel to each other, each with a distinct character:
The Courchevel Valley
Ski chalets in the Courchevel Valley
The Courchevel Valley is the most diverse area of the Three Valleys, offering everything from world-class luxury to excellent-value, family-friendly ski resorts.
At the top end is Courchevel 1850, one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the Alps. It is renowned for its luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and exclusive ski chalets, attracting celebrities and high-profile visitors from around the world.
For skiers looking for better value, Courchevel Moriond (1650) is a popular choice, particularly for families. It offers excellent intermediate skiing, a lively atmosphere and a strong selection of good-value chalets and hotels.
Lower down the valley, Courchevel Village (1550) and Courchevel Le Praz (1300) provide excellent value accommodation while retaining fast lift access to the wider Three Valleys ski area. Le Praz is particularly attractive for those seeking a more traditional Alpine village atmosphere.
Also within the Courchevel Valley is La Tania, a car-free, forest-set resort that is ideal for beginners and families, with gentle nursery slopes and a strong selection of catered chalets.
The Meribel Valley
Ski chalets in the Meribel Valley
The Meribel Valley sits at the heart of the Three Valleys ski area, making it one of the best locations for skiers who want easy access to all three valleys. Originally developed by a Brit, Meribel remains especially popular with British skiers and offers a wide choice of chalets, hotels and apartments across several villages.
The main resort of Meribel is a large but attractive Alpine town with a lively après-ski scene, good nightlife and an extensive selection of shops, restaurants, hotels and chalets.
Higher up the valley, Meribel Mottaret offers excellent ski-in ski-out access and is one of the most snow-sure bases in the Meribel Valley, making it ideal for keen skiers and families who want maximum time on the slopes.
For a quieter stay, Meribel Village provides a charming, low-key atmosphere with easy lift links into the main ski area and a popular après-ski bar.
At the base of the valley, Meribel Les Allues is a traditional Savoyard village offering good-value chalet accommodation and a peaceful setting, with quick access to the slopes via lift.
With nearly 150 ski chalets across the valley and a central position within the Three Valleys, Meribel is an excellent choice for mixed-ability groups and skiers who want variety both on and off the mountain.
The Val Thorens Valley
Ski chalets in the Val Thorens Valley
The Val Thorens and Belleville Valley forms the westernmost part of the Three Valleys and is best known for its high altitude, snow-sure skiing and long season. At its heart is Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, with a season that often runs through to May. Most accommodation here is ski-in ski-out, making it a convenient choice for families, beginners and keen skiers.
Below Val Thorens lies Les Menuires, a family-friendly resort offering good-value apartments and chalets with direct lift access into the wider Three Valleys ski area. Higher up the valley, Reberty provides a quieter, chalet-style base with excellent ski-in ski-out access.
At the bottom of the valley, Les Menuires – Bettex offers some of the best-value chalet accommodation in the area. For a more traditional Alpine experience, St Martin de Belleville is a charming village resort with modern lift links and a reputation for excellent local restaurants.
When to go to the Three Valleys
Thanks to its high altitude and extensive terrain, the Three Valleys offers some of the most snow-sure skiing in the Alps, making it a reliable choice throughout the winter season. High-level skiing is always accessible in both the Courchevel and Val Thorens valleys, while Meribel benefits from access to Mont Vallon (2,952m) with excellent north-facing slopes.
Snow conditions are influenced not only by altitude but also by slope aspect. The predominantly north-facing slopes in the Courchevel Valley allow good early and late-season skiing, even down to resorts such as La Tania (1,350m) and Courchevel Le Praz (1,300m). Some sunnier return slopes into Meribel can be less reliable late in the season, particularly during warmer spring conditions.
A common misconception is that St Martin de Belleville is too low for early or late-season skiing. In reality, at 1,400m, it sits at the same altitude as Meribel and benefits from fast gondola access to higher terrain, making it a viable option throughout much of the season.
For early December or late April skiing, the most snow-reliable resorts include Courchevel 1850, Meribel Mottaret, and Les Menuires, Reberty or Val Thorens in the western valley.
Whichever resort you choose, the sheer size and variety of the Three Valleys ensures exceptional skiing all season long, with enough terrain to keep even expert skiers coming back year after year.
How to get to the Three Valleys
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Getting to the Three Valleys from the UK is easy enough. The closest airport is Chambery which is about 90 minutes away. Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble all have transfer times of 2.5 – 3.0 hours. If you’re lucky enough to hire a private plane or helicopter, you can fly into Courchevel or Meribel altiports.
The Three Valleys are also within easy driving distance of Calais so those who don’t like to fly or travel light can get there within 9 hours. Read more on driving to the Alps.
Moutiers train station is within 30 - 40 minutes’ drive of all the ski resorts within the Three Valleys. Both Eurostar (day and night trains) as well as French TGV trains from Paris stop at Moutiers station which means that ski holidays by train to the Three Valleys are very do-able.
Activities for non-skiers
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For non-skiers the Three Valleys area offers plenty of activities to do away from the slopes. From classic ski resort activities such as tobogganing and horse drawn sleighs to more extreme options such as hot air ballooning, snow mobile rides and helicopter tours of the area. You definitely won’t be bored!
Courchevel Village (1550) has a genuinely exciting toboggan run - best navigated when totally sober.
The Aquamotion Centre in Courchevel Moriond (1650) is one of the best waterparks in the Alps. With 11 pools, water slides, wild rivers and a wave surf zone (all heated to 32 degrees) as well as a wellness area with sauna and steam room the whole family will be entertained.
The Olympic Park in Meribel is a sports and relaxation complex which includes a swimming pool, an ice rink, a spa and a fitness area.
Ski schools in The Three Valleys
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The resorts within the Three Valleys are some of the most developed ski resorts in the Alps. The larger resorts in the area all have excellent infrastructure and facilities which includes a fantastic collection of ski schools.
The ESF (Ecole Ski Français) is the ubiquitous state run ski school. With the growth of independent ski schools the ESF has had to up its game which it has done admirably in the Three Valleys area. Its ski instructors and childcare are just as good as with the smaller independent ski schools but being French you must expect French children in the classes and sometimes French used as the first language in the lessons. Some clients like this international flavour but others do not.
Of the independent ski schools aimed squarely at the British market new Generation, Magic Ski School, BASS and Parallel Lines are the best.
