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The French Alps ski specialist
Brides les Bains Ski Town
1 of 6 Brides les Bains Ski Town
Meribel Ski Slopes
2 of 6 Meribel Ski Slopes
Meribel Ski Slopes
3 of 6 Meribel Ski Slopes
Brides les Bains Gondola
4 of 6 Brides les Bains Gondola
Meribel Ski Slopes
5 of 6 Meribel Ski Slopes
Brides les Bains at night
6 of 6 Brides les Bains at night

Brides les Bains

Thinking of skiing in Brides-les-Bains? Brides les Bains is a lovely French Savoyard town renowned for its spas and exceptional value-for-money, with easy access to one of the world’s best ski areas.

Why Brides-les-Bains Ski Resort?

  • Gateway to 600km of pistes in the 3 Vallées (reach Meribel in 25mins by ski gondola. Meribel is a 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families)
  • Superb value-for-money ski holidays
  • New large spa centre offering traditional baths, steam rooms and saunas
  • Offers bars, restaurants & nightclubs as well as the only casino in the 3 Valleys

Brides Les Bains (3 Vallées) Information

The high-speed Olympe gondola connects Brides-les-Bains to the bottom of the slopes in Méribel in 25 minutes and then allows access directly to the heart of the famous 3 Vallées ski area (Méribel, Méribel Mottaret, Courchevel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens).

Brides-les-Bains has a number of bars and restaurants as well as two nightclubs and the only casino in the Three Valleys, all with prices well below those of Méribel and Courchevel.

Non-skiers or après-ski enthusiasts can relax in the new large spa centre which offers traditional oriental baths, aromatics steam rooms and saunas.

Brides-les-Bains is widely recognised as offering an exceptional value-for-money gateway to one of the world’s most prestigious ski areas.

Peak Retreats offers a range of Brides-les-Bains accommodation options. All of Brides-les-Bains' ski apartments and hotels have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (3 & 4*), providing the ideal base for a 3 Valleys ski holiday.

BRIDES LES BAINS SKI AREA

The Méribel valley is part of the largest ski area in the World: The 3 valleys ski area, with slopes suitable for all abilities, has 220 ski lifts, 600km of slopes between 600m up to 3200m and 1300 snow cannons. To the west, on the Saulire slope, you’ll find the valley of Courchevel and La Tania while to the east you can discover the Belleville Valley with Les Menuires, Saint Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens. There are nine high points on the ridges above Méribel - two entry points to the Courchevel valley, and six entry points to the Belleville valley.

The 3 Valleys benefits from excellent snow coverage - the minimum altitude level for skiing is 1300m and the maximum is 3230m. This means that a huge 85% of the ski area is located above 1800m. Some 2000 snowmaking machines cover one-third of the ski area as well. In Méribel itself, snow cover is guaranteed on 51% of the ski area thanks to 711 snow cannons. The 3 Vallées pistes are situated between 1300m and 3230m and 85% of the ski area lies above 1800m. Twenty-five peaks are reachable by lifts, ten of which are above 2500m. 

There is no actual skiing in Brides itself so the high-speed gondola from the village (built for the 1992 Olympics) takes you to Méribel where you have access to the 3 Valleys ski domain. South of Mottaret you’ll find some of the best slopes in the Valley (Plattières-Vallon sector). Most of the slopes in Méribel are above the tree-line but there are some sheltered runs for bad weather days. At the end of the day skiers and snowboarders return to Brides by gondola. There are off-piste routes you can ski to mid-station (so you’ll only need to catch the lower section of the gondola down). And if conditions are exceptionally good you can actually ski off-piste all the way down to Brides itself.

For children, Méribel-Mottaret also benefits from the ‘Magnestick’ lift system. See more information on the ‘Resort’ section above under Childcare. Courchevel/La Tania/Méribel-Mottaret are always on top of technology for skiers’ safety. Three years after the development of Magnestick®KID - special safety equipment for children on chairlifts - La Société des 3 Vallées (S3V) which operates the Courchevel / La Tania/ Méribel-Mottaret resorts will be the first skiing area in the world with 100% of its chairlifts equipped with the new Magnestick®BAR.

Magnestick®BAR is a universal safety-bar locking device. This innovative system can be adapted on all brands and all types of chairlift. It works with the same "magnestism" technology as Magnestick®KID. When the passenger pulls down the safety bar, the bar locks automatically. It is then impossible to pull up the safety bar. It is automatically unlocked until just before the arrival station. So no skier can raise the bar too early, which can sometimes make other passengers feel uncomfortable.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

Meribel Valley local area - 150km, 42 lifts (13 gondola, 17 chairlifts, 7 draglifts, + 4 carpet), 71 slopes:

Green slopes: 8
Blue slopes: 26
Red slopes: 28
Black slopes: 9

BRIDES LES BAINS SKIING

BRIDES LES BAINS BEGINNERS

For beginners Méribel has a few excellent slopes and beginners areas, including three enclosed areas (‘Zen Zones’) at Plattières above Mottaret. There’s an excellent long green run (tree-lined lined and gentle) at Altiport. A green run goes from the mid-station of the Saulire gondola so that novices are able to ski from that point.

 A new play area was created recently inside the Espace Ski Cool, next to the Blanchot slope. It includes a rest area with tables and benches, new games for the children and two new slopes for sliding and simply having fun!

BRIDES LES BAINS INTERMEDIATES

Méribel and the 3 Valleys are considered a ‘paradise’ for intermediates. The 3 Valleys have one-third intermediate slopes with big lift networks. For less adventurous intermediates, the Sittelle blue run from the top of the new Plattières gondola back down towards Mottaret is an ideal cruise. However even early intermediates should find Twenty-five over in the other valleys within their capabilities - there are a vast amount of opportunities!

BRIDES LES BAINS EXPERTS

For experts, you are well catered for! The “Face” run was built for the women’s downhill in 1992 Olympics. There are steep runs running from Tougnete back to Méribel. Also, Mont du Vallon has lots to offers for experts. The start of Méribel’s most notorious black run, the Vertical Xperience was completed in 13/14. Only the bold tackle this 37-degree couloir - the majority prefer simply to watch. Enjoy the spectacle of experts tackling this impressive slope from the top of Saulire Express gondola lift.

BRIDES LES BAINS OFF-PISTE

There are lots of runs suitable for the more accomplished. Mont Vallon offers a big choice of routes –quite steep at top with easier slopes from the middle.

BRIDES LES BAINS SNOWBOARDERS

Méribel is a favourite amongst the British snowboarders with good, varied terrain and tree snowmaking. Steep free riding can be found untracked on Mont du Vallon. Lots of red runs for intermediate boarders and plenty of blues and greens for those starting out.

Brides les Bains Ski Hire

Pre-book your Brides les Bains ski hire with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6.  Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.

Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire


Brides les Bains Ski Passes

Pre-book your Brides les Bains lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

If you wish to book only half day or a day pass, or perhaps a few days consecutive or non-consecutive (Peak Retreats usually only pre-book 6+ days passes), then these can be bought in resort at the lift pass office, in €'s. This may suit those who only ski a few times during the week or who only want to ski the immediate local area rather than the full area (there are usually various lift passes on offer that cover different parts of the ski area). Each resort usually has a beginner's pass too which covers a small area in which to learn, which may be all you need for a few days as a beginner (some areas are even free). Prices can be found on the tourist office website if you need a guide.

Mini pass - if you’d like a gentle initiation to skiing or snowboarding then the Mini Pass is a pass you can buy in resort. Make your first turns on specially designated green pistes so that you can improve your technique at your own pace in a tranquil environment. 

There are several free lifts for beginners in Meribel: Loupiot, Cotes drag lift (at le Rond Point) Altiport drag and Fontany telecord and also some in Mottaret. 

Meribel Ski School

Brides les Bains has no skiing itself - you need to take the gondola from Brides to Meribel. Ensure your lessons start at La Chaudanne, Meribel. Peak Retreats do not book ski school.

Meribel group lessons (not pre-bookable, book direct):

Various group lessons available with ESF Meribel. Club Piou Piou starts from 3 years old. It is necessary to have a lift pass for Piou Piou. Lift passes are free for children under 5 years old. Please go to lift pass office in resort.

How to book:
You can book online with ESF Meribel or contact them by phone on 0033 4 79 08 60 31. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as instructors get very busy, especially in Peak times.

Meribel private lessons (not pre-bookable, book direct):

Individual tuition can only be purchased directly from the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons usually start from 2 years old and have no maximum age.

How to book:
You can book online with ESF Meribel or contact them by phone on 0033 4 79 08 60 31. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as instructors get very busy, especially in Peak times.

Prices vary from resort to resort but are around €40-80 per 1 hour lesson for 1 or 2 people (the more people you have the cheaper it usually is so you can split the cost). Most resorts offer a choice of 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hour lessons. These may be in the morning or afternoon and are usually at select times. If you only fancy just one private lesson, this is usually fine. Otherwise, you can book a course of private lessons over as many days (consecutive or non-consecutive) as you'd like. However, it is more cost-effective to book group lessons for the week (which we pre-book).


Meribel non-skiing childcare (not pre-bookable, book direct)

Meribel has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.

There is no childcare in Brides Les Bains. You will need to take the gondola to Meribel.

Les Saturnins day nursery (Meribel)
Located in the grounds of the Olympic Park at La Chaudanne, the daycare centre welcomes your children from 18 months to 3 years old. They are fully equipped and the centre is specially designed for young toddlers.

Your child will be entertained by the professionally trained team of instructors and supervise the children in many fun and educational outdoor and indoor activities. The indoor activities range from reading, singing and drawing and the outdoor activities include tobogganing, various snow games and snowshoe walks in the snow. Open 9am-5pm.

Heath books needed.

How to book:
Please contact them direct for prices and to book. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times.

Les Saturnins
0033 4 79 08 60 31

Top winter activities to experience in Brides les Bains/Meribel

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.

Ice sculpting workshop
Every Tuesday during French school holidays, free! Learn how to make a sculpture out of a block of ice – adults & children.

Concerts
Every Wednesday night, free! Outside bar will open. See the programme online or at the Tourist Office.

Mulled wine or hot chocolate at the Parc Thermal
On Sundays, free! Perfect way to meet people and find out what’s going on in the resort.

Winter Yoga
Recharge your batteries with the perfect combination of summits and yoga while taking in the beautiful panoramas of Méribel. Yoga classes are for all levels. 

Snowshoeing in Brides les Bains/Meribel
Leave your tracks in Méribel's forests, disappear into breathtaking panoramas, enjoy silence and tranquility at the heart of the mountains...Brides-les-Bains Tourist Office invites you to surround yourself with serenity.

Méribel's French Ski School instructors and other professional partners will adapt the route to suit your wishes and your ability, for hikers wishing to take in the scenery, as well as the more sports-focused.

Largest Spa in the Alps in Brides les Bains (renovated in 2018)
The Grand Spa Thermal had two years of renovations and it cost €17 million. Brides-les-Bains is widely renowned as a health and wellness resort.

In the winter you can relax after a day’s skiing with a massage or treatment or to visit the aquatic area, which covers 600m2. This aquatic area consists of three different zones:

  • One swimming lane of 25 x 2.5 metres.
  • An aquafitness pool of 5×5 metres.
  • A ‘fun’ pool, complete with two hot tubs, two ‘bubble beds’, underwater jets and an underwater circuit. 

There is also a 55m2 terrace with an incredible view over the surrounding peaks. 

Treatments have been specially developed in partnership with the French brand Sothys, who have been partnered with the Grand Spa Thermal for twelve years. Facial treatments range from classic facials to rejuvenating seasonal treatments, intensive moisturising options and anti-aging boosters.

Walks
At the foot of The 3 Vallées, the area around Brides-les-Bains resort offers the very best winter walks. Discover unmissable, breathtaking views from snow-capped mountain summits.

To reach the peak of health, Les 3 Vallées has also thought of pedestrians and offers a “Pedestrian Pass” from the resort, available from all sales points.

Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.           

Brides-les-Bains Tourist Office       

BP 28, 73572 Brides les Bains.
Tel. 0033 4 79 55 20 64

Website: www.brides-les-bains.com


Meribel Ski Activities

There are many activities to be found in the larger Meribel resort. We have mentioned a few below. If you are interested in main Meribel, please see our sister company Ski Collection.

The Yeti Park
The fun slope for family fun! On the slopes of Méribel-Mottaret, Yooni - our friendly blue yeti - awaits your arrival… Fun for small and big skiers alike! You can enjoy the marvels of the Yeti Park on skis or on foot. The winding green run is a safe and accessible wide piste with fun features including gongs, trumpets and prayer wheels, just like in Yooni’s Himalayan home. Ski the dual slalom and see a film of your race; listen to magical tales in the secret grotto and take a mystery tour through the tunnels and igloos, not forgetting to fly down the tyrolienne zip wire…Magical adventures guaranteed in this fun area!

Piste Des Inuits
According to legend, a long time ago the Inuit people took refuge in the heart of the Altiport forest because it reminded them of their distant lands. Since then, skiers have been transported into the Inuit world, enjoying games involving chimes, igloos, ice fields, penguins, bears and seals. Halfway along this piste you will find the Inuit Village, the ideal place for little adventurers to take a pause in the Far North. While their children enjoy the games organised by Inuit entertainers, parents can relax in the Méribel sunshine.
This year, the Inuit Village will be even more fun, offering new games and entertainments to amaze the children. And the little ones who have been goodwill discover the Inuit are generous with their gifts.

Olympic Centre
The Olympic Park is a sports and relaxation complex which includes a swimming pool, an ice rink, a spa and a fitness area.
Swimming pool:
25m indoor swimming pool with sports pool (lane for a swimmer), big flume (from 6 years old), paddling pool and an outdoor terrace. Special events and activities are organized throughout the season. Family entertainment, themes evenings. Activities: Paddle, Diving, Aqua-gym, Aqua-bike, Aqua-Baby, swimming training and swimming lessons on reservation,...
Children under 5 years: free entrance (except group). Children under 8 must be accompanied. Swim shorts are permitted. Swimming trunks can be bought at the pool
Bowling:
The bowling alley is located within the Olympic Park sports complex, in the La Chaudanne area of Meribel. It offers 6 automated bowling lanes, pool tables, arcade games, bar, large TV screen to show live sports, Wi-Fi internet access, themed evenings, entertainment and live music.
Ice skating rink:
Located within the Olympic Park sports complex in La Chaudanne area of Meribel.

Meribel carrousel - children's ride
Do not leave our beautiful resort without offering a ride! Our carousel is beautiful with its rocking horses, fire truck and plane, guaranteed memories and beautiful holiday pictures. Pancakes & churros nearby.

Brides les Bains & Meribel Resort News and Events 

Resort news:

  • Following a €15 million refurbishment which completed last year, the Grand Thermal Spa now offers 2,700 m2 of luxury treatment and water pool areas - making it one of the biggest spa and well-being centres in France
  • Snowmaking has doubled in recent years with the expansion of the Altiport and Combes high altitude reservoirs. 4 runs will benefit this year: Bouvreuil Rouge, Mûres Rouge, sections of Combe du Vallon, Choucas
  • Two new red runs open in the Roc de Fer area which to date has mostly been served by blue slopes. The Gypaete and Daguet pistes can be accessed by the Cherferie and Olympic lifts respectively
  • Renovation of Méribel-Mottaret’s lift pass office has been completed to make it more spacious, bright and convivial, now with ‘open sales’ desks
  • Brides-Les-Bains, in partnership with the ESF Meribel, will be running guided tours of the whole ski area every Sunday morning & afternoon to help guests get their bearings and show off the hidden gems based on the local knowledge of ski instructor guides. Book at Brides-Les-Bains’ Tourist Office on Saturday before 17.30. Tickets are €25 per person. Groups of eight people will be guided but you can reserve with fewer people & you’ll be buddied up. Skiers must be intermediate level or higher.
  • Kids aged 6-12 can get pampered. Beauticians at the 4-star Mercure Grand Hotel de Thermes will teach them how to wash their face properly using fun smelling products – candyfloss, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry
  • Family Cool – near the Altiport, this is a family area serviced by blue slopes.  During school holidays, Intuit entertainers will delight the kids with eagle shows, ice carving, biathlon taster sessions and other surprises. What’s more….it’s FREE
  • After a season off, Jack’s Bar returns to Meribel located in new premises – formerly Meribar – on the roundabout near the Parc Olympique. Take in the famous après ski, live music, comedy, themed nights, along with delicious homemade pizzas and top-notch cocktails
  • Courchevel and Meribel to host THE ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS! To provide the best possible welcome to athletes, journalists and the general public, a number of projects are already underway.

Events taking place in Brides Les Bains/Meribel in the 2022/23 season:

  • Méribel in Lights opening show 10th December 2022 
  • Christmas Festivities 24th December 2022
  • Ice Skating Gala 29th December 2022
  • New Year's Eve Celebrations 31st December 2022
  • Winter Film Festival 3rd January 2023
  • Childrens Show 21st February 2023
  • SoundClash 25th March 2023
  • Zen Altitude 25th March 2022 - 7th April 2023
  • Children's show 10th - 11th April 2023

Check the Meribel tourist office website for more exciting news and events: www.meribel.net

Brides les Bains Restaurants, Bars & Casino

Brides les Bains has a handful of restaurants (including a pizzeria and takeaway) and a few bars. There is also a large casino that is open until the early hours.

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Meribel for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2012, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018, Les Arcs in 2019. Meribel FD is accessible to everyone (minors accompanied by their parents). Pedestrians, 5-minute walk (recommended snow shoes). Last descents by gondola at 4.45pm. Otherwise access via ski.


Brides les Bains Amenities

Brides les Bains is served by a range of amenities including bank, bakery, shops, hairdresser, vet (in Bozel or Moutiers), doctor, chemist, perfume shop, mini market (Spar open 7 h30 – 12h00 / 15h00 – 19h 30), tabac, newsagent, gift shop, garage, laundrette, pharmacy, post office.

Getting to Brides-les-Bains, France

By Road:

Driving Distance from Calais to Brides-les-Bains 568 miles or 8hrs. Motorways access to Moutiers. Motorway and dual carriageway just 6km from Brides-les-Bains. Then follow Bozel valley signs.

By Rail:

Lyon – Moutiers: 2hrs30; Turin – Moutiers: 4hrs; Paris – Moutiers: 4hrs30

Moutiers train station private transfer - pre-bookable with Peak Retreats.

Airports:

Chambery Airport is 91km from Brides-les-Bains (1 hour)
www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble Airport is 160km from Brides-les-Bains (1 ¾ hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon St Exupery is 167km from Brides-les-Bains (1 ¾ hours)
www.lyonairport.com

Geneva Airport is 170km from Brides-les-Bains (1 ¾ hours)
www.gva.ch/en

Public shuttle bus transfers from airports

Lyon Airport - Brides via Moutiers (www.lys-altibus.com). 

Geneva Airport - Brides via Moutiers (www.coach-station.com). 

Chambery Airport - Brides via Moutiers (www.lys-altibus.com). 

Access around Brides les Bains

Free ski shuttle from Brides-les-Bains accommodation to Olympe gondola (which takes you to the Meribel ski area).

Free shuttle bus service on Tuesday evenings to take you to your après ski activity, shopping or dinner in Méribel.

Brides les Bains Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here



Brides Les Bains Opening Dates 

Brides Les Bains ski area is open: 10/12/22 - 21/04/23

Before you leave… Sorry to see you go. Before you do, would you mind just telling us why?

Also, don’t forget you can give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk if you couldn’t find what you needed.
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