Les Menuires

Les Menuires ski area

Les Menuires is part of the large ‘Les 3 Vallées’ ski area (the largest ski area in the world), which many skiers rightly regard as the greatest intermediate ski-playground in the world! This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 8 ski resorts:

• Val Thorens
• Orelle
• Les Menuires
• Saint Martin de Belleville
• Meribel
• Brides-les-Bains
• Courchevel
• La Tania

Les 3 Vallées offers you a total of 600km of high altitude and snow-sure ski slopes - every ski enthusiast’s dream! Amazing skiing can be had right from the beginning of the winter season in the Les 3 Vallées ski area and there is something for everyone - no matter what your style or ability. 

The 3 Valleys benefit 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 a third of the ski area as well. The 3 Valleys offer wide ski runs that are maintained nightly by 80 piste grooming machines.

Les Menuires probably holds the best position within the Les 3 Vallées ski area - is set above the treeline and has almost entirely open, very wide slopes. The majority of the slopes are spread across the west-facing mountainside between Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville. One side will take you down into Meribel, which then allows you quick access into Courchevel. Alternatively, you can drop down into nearby Saint-Martin de Belleville or head much higher towards Val Thorens.

Les Menuires offers an efficient and fast lift system for the most.

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

Half the size of the 3 Valleys pass, the Belleville area covers Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville only - 300km of pistes

Les Menuires/Saint Martin local area - 160km of pistes, 31 lifts (7 gondola, 11 chairlift, 5 draglift + 7 carpet), 89 slopes:

Green slopes: 13
Blue slopes: 43
Red slopes: 24
Black slopes: 9

Les Menuires skiing info

Beginners
If you thought beginners would be best suited to the lower slopes, think again! In Les Menuires, the Easy Rider 3 Vallées label promises wide descents and gentle slopes, even way up high - accessible to experienced skiers, improvers and total beginners.

Novices are well catered for in Les Menuires, making it an ideal choice for families with young children and beginners. There are 2 beginner areas where you can learn and improve in complete safety. 5 free magic carpets (1 of which is covered at Les Bruyeres) and 1 free drag lift, both allow completely free and easy access to the slopes for beginners and novices.

Once you feel more confident, you can ski from Les Menuires down to Saint Martin de Belleville on blue slopes the whole way. Progression is generally very easy from green to blue slopes throughout the area.

Intermediates
The terrain on the Les Menuires side of the valley is gentler, making it perfect for intermediates. The ski areas above Les Menuires and Val Thorens offer great skiing for intermediates with a good selection of wide, open and cruising slopes. There is a great long red/blue run towards Saint Martin de Belleville called Jerusalem which is very enjoyable.

Although the 'Pointe de la Masse' sector at 2804m is a little steep and does have a couple of blacks, it is still good for intermediates and the views from the top of the gondola are certainly not to be missed.

If you take the Roc des Trois Marches gondola then ski over to take the Mont de la Chambre chairlift this will take you right up to 2850m. From here, you have the option to head straight into Méribel, or choose from a great selection of reds and blues back towards the village – perfect for practising those parallel turns!

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Les Menuires has great terrain for experts. 'La Masse' sector of Les Menuires at 2804m offers advanced skiers some excellent long and technical blacks as well as off-piste runs, which all tend to be less crowded. The snow coverage here is amazing. 

You can enjoy the thrill of off-piste skiing in the safety of one of the three 'Liberty Ride' zones which have been created across the ski area. These non-groomed slopes are perfect for leaving your own tracks in the powder:

• La Masse which is accessible via the Masse 2 gondola
• La Riondaz which is accessible via the Saint-Martin 2 chairlift
• Les Pylônes which is accessible via the Sunny Express chairlift

At the top of the Roc des 3 Marches gondola you will find the DVA Park (Avalanche Victim Detector), where off-piste enthusiasts can practice their skills at searching for avalanche victims.

'Pointe de la Masse' and nearby 'Cîme de Caron' offer exceptional off-piste skiing, probably the best in the 3 Valleys ski area.

As always we highly recommend hiring a mountain guide or instructor to find the best possible off-piste skiing that Les Menuires and Les 3 Vallées have to offer, ensuring your safety along the way.

Les Menuires mountain fun zones

There is huge amount of terrain for free riders in Les Menuires. Le BK Park is located in the 'Becca' area which is accessible via the Becca chairlift. There are 2 boarder-cross (1 blue and 1 red) for the racers as well as bump and rail zones. It has three different areas to suit different levels and it had a makeover in 2018.

The big air bag is located at the bottom of the slalom stadium in the La Croisette area of Les Menuires and is perfect for trying out your tricks and jumps in complete safety. Helmets are compulsory and are available on site. 

On the Masse 1 gondola, Walibi Gliss is a fun zone for families that has a slalom course and boardercross.

Les Menuires nordic skiing

There are 28km/17 miles of prepared trails along the valley floor between Saint Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens. From Les Menuires you can start from Plan de l’Eau along the Doron River and head towards the villages of Saint Martin de Belleville and Châtelard.

Les Menuires group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years in Les Menuires with Peak Retreats. 3-5 year olds will go into Club Piou Piou. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+. 

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Les Menuires private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Les Menuires for private lessons - 0033 4 79 00 61 43

Les Menuires childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 3 months-5 years (non-skiers)

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

From 3 months to 30 months and from 31 months to 5 years.

Please contact ESF Les Menuires direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 00 61 43.

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Les Menuires

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Les Menuires as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

My first torch-lit descent
From age 3 years and up. Available during the school holidays, booking required at the ESF French ski school.
Price: €5 per child, including torch and hot chocolate. 

'La Mine' mountain coaster
A really unusual toboggan run on rails, landscaped from beginning to end for a real change of scenery, excitement and breath-taking souvenirs!
On individual sledges, children and adults take on Boukty, the resort’s mascot, over a 1000m long run on the twists, descents and raised bends... and all in a sumptuous setting. The run is landscaped (little stone house, tree trunk...) and has about ten Boukty challenge themed signboards: the aim is to beat his record! Open to children from 5 years old sharing a toboggan with an adult.

Mini KL
Beat your speed record and see who’s the fastest thanks to the new amateur Speed skiing piste in Les Menuires. Access with the Sunny express Chairlift, and Bruyères 2 Gondola.
This dedicated zone allows everyone, from beginners to experts, to measure their top speed in complete safety! Access is via the Sunny Express chairlift, the zone is located near the blue slope of Les Pâturages. Minimum age is 6 years old.

Roc'n Bike - fat bike
Come down the first track of the Roc'n bike in Fat bike, an unforgettable and guaranteed glide sensation two runs of 4 km of the track!! Accessible to all, this initiation allows you to learn braking, the passage of turns and achieve beautiful slides on a snow-covered track, dedicated and secured.
Further information and booking at the checkout of the Roc'n bob office, no later than the day before. The lift pass, the FAT, the full-face helmet and protections are included in the service. From 12 years old.

DVA Park
So that off-piste enthusiasts can practice searching for avalanche victims, a DVA park is installed at the top of the Roc des 3 Marches gondola. The DVA (an Avalanche Victim Detector) is a vital security tool for all those who leave the marked ski area, and it is essential to know how to use it effectively with a shovel and probe.

Roc'n Bob toboggan run
Roc'n Bob is 4km of tobogganing on a snow-covered run. A magical moment to be shared with the family. Enjoy the pleasure of steering your way down a long series of bends "the Roc rapids" and quickly into the "Neverending Canyon" with smaller turns. From 7 years old. Accessible via the Roc des 3 Marches gondola.

You can also do the toboggan run on a scooter! With all the proper kit, you can now race down the 4km snow run with its 22 banked turns, including the ‘Roc rapids’ and 450-metre vertical descent. Fantastic fun in the safe hands of a qualified activity organiser. Price for 2 descents (includes: pass, scooter, helmet and protection) From age 14 and up.

Pixel area
For experts at amazing tricks and thrill-seekers! Les Menuires snowpark was reinvented for winter 2018-2019. A new snowsports zone with moguls, rails and kicks. Not forgetting the new boardercross, where you’ll be able to see how you measure up to other skiers and snowboarders. Less experienced freestylers can enjoy the equipped blue level area.
Numerous added bonuses:
The new chill zone will be kitted out so you can sit comfortably and enjoy the show. The video spot films skiers from their descent, to their jump and their landing. The souvenir video is then sent by SMS. Access: 4-seater La Becca chair lift or 6-seater Sunny Express chair lift.

Snowshoe outings
Discovery of the environment and rich heritage of the "La Vallée des Belleville" Different outings each day every afternoon, from Sunday to Friday.
Full day snowshoe outing one day per week. Transport and loan of snowshoes included. Information at the French Ski School. From 12 years old.

Cross-country skiing Les Menuires/Saint Martin de Belleville
Everyone can discover the joys of cross country skiing on the 28km of marked-out pistes. Starting from the Plan de l'Eau in Les Menuires along the Doron river, to the villages Châtelard and Saint Martin de Belleville.
Map of cross-country pistes available at the Tourist Offices of Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville. Free.

Dog sledging
Dany and his dogs invite you for a dog sledge ride in the heart of the winter countryside.
Easy Trott - Electric Scooters
100% Electric Snow Scooters. Accompanied by cycling instructor, Gérald, in groups of 5 people, come and explore our beautiful snowy mountain paths on an electric scooter.
The scooters are 2 wheel drive, have wide snow tyres (3"), powerful suspension and hydraulic brakes for a unique and alternative way to get down the mountain.

First Tracks - Magic Morning
Enjoy before the opening of the ski area with a nice breakfast on top of the Mountain. Take your ¨First-tracks-ticket¨ appointment at the Ski ticket office or the lift pass website.
Meeting at the bottom of the Gondola Masse-1 for an unforgettable experience supervised by mountain's professionals.

Gondola or chairlift outings
Certain lifts are open to pedestrian or snowshoe users, giving access to the altitude paths or simply to the exceptional views of the mountain peaks.

Pedestrian path on a piste basher
The ‘services des pistes’ in Les Menuires are offering you the opportunity to get behind the scenes and find out how the footpaths are groomed and prepared each night. After an hour on a piste basher, you will be dropped off for a Savoyard aperitif breathtaking Alpine sitting. From 6 years old.

Scoot'Evasion skidoo outings
Accompanied outings every evening when the pistes are closed. These new generation snow scooters cannot be beaten for their lack of noise and low CO2 pollution. From 10 years old.

Ski touring under the stars
For anyone who fancies giving ski touring a go but has never dared take the first step, Les Menuires have created the Étoilée. A relaxed evening session (272m vertical climb) takes you up to Refuge du Lac du Lou. Fully kitted out (water, helmet, AVD, shovel and probe, touring skis and special boots), participants set off from the French ski school at Les Bruyères or La Croisette at 1,760m for a climb up to 2,030m. Yannick the warden serves pre-dinner drinks on arrival and a hearty mountain meal is available. A groomed run takes you back down again. Guaranteed high-energy fun! Access possible without a ski pass. Safety kit (AVD, shovel and probe provided, touring equipment extra).

Electric snow scooter
Trialled last year, the all-terrain electric scooter (twin-engine, fat tyres, hydraulic brakes, suspension) is back in Les Menuires for adventures on the trails around the Plan de l’Eau – as a family, with friends or solo. It’s only available to try out at three resorts in the whole of France. 90-minute accompanied session (includes pass, scooter, helmet and protection). From age 14 and up. Groups of 2 to 5 people.

Snow groomer evening
If you’ve always dreamt of a different kind of mountain experience, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Christophe invites you to climb aboard a piste groomer! After reaching the top at 2,300m, everyone goes back down to enjoy the sunset, followed by a traditional Savoyard fondue or grilled prime rib. You’ll head back to the resort at night by starlight. Price includes the ride and meal, but no drinks.

Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.

Les Menuires Tourist Office
www.lesmenuires.com

Top activities to experience in Les Menuires

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Les Menuires as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

Microlight
Discover some exceptional views by flying over the Vallée des Belleville in a two-seater microlight. Realise your dream in total security and collect some unforgettable souvenirs. From 8 years old.

Leisure areas
Les Menuires is home to two leisure complexes dedicated to well-being, treatments and relaxation: Les Bruyères Aquafun & Wellness Centre (3,500 m2) and La Croisette Sports Centre (4,500 m2), as well as some 10 different spa areas in apartment complexes and hotels, open to all.

Aqua Cross-Training Taster
Inspired by cross fit, aqua cross-training comes to Les Menuires’ sports centre straight from the USA. It’s a lot more than just cycling in the water, using resistance bands, dumbbells and other accessories to intensify effort and make different parts of the bodywork simultaneously through a combination of exercises and techniques, 

Museum of Saint Martin, 150 years of a high valley's history
Situated in the heart of the village, in an old Bellevillois farm, the Saint Martin Museum retraces one hundred and fifty years of this high Savoyard valley's history. Headphones are available for English speaking visitors.

Pointe de la Masse museum - called 'The Machine Room'
Shows how the lift was built and is operated day to day – fun and interesting experience for adults and kids. Features a large LEGO® model of the lift – shows lots of detail to illustrate the complex engineering involved. Free entry.

Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.

Les Menuires Tourist Office
www.lesmenuires.com

Les Menuires news & events

What's new for 2023/24 season:

• Les Menuires turns 60 in 2024! Programme of events to come in 2024 with more information to be announced.
  
• Roc 1 gondola upgrade - new seats, new plexiglass and
  300m² photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Roc 2 garage that powers the lift,
• New investment in digital signage - 6m² LED screen at La Croisette on the snow front, other signage also modernised,
• Pointe de la Masse museum - called 'The Machine Room'. Shows how the lift was built and is operated day to day – fun and interesting experience for adults and kids. Features a large LEGO® model of the lift – shows lots of detail to illustrate the complex engineering involved. Free entry.

Events taking place in the 2023/24 season:

• December 2023 - Christmas and New Year 
• 2024 - Les Menuires turns 60 - In 2024, Les Menuires celebrates turning 60! A guided tour, "Les Menuires en pleine lumière", will be ran during French school holidays allowing you to discover the DNA of the resort. Visitors will be able to take home keepsakes created by artist Docteur Paper to mark the 60th anniversary, whilst visitors born in 1964, much like Les Menuires, can bring home special posters.
• 8th - 11th January 2024 - The Week of the Winegrowers - The very best French winegrowers are coming to Les Menuires, all winegrowing regions are represented by their passionate winegrowers who come to share their knowledge. Tasting evenings are available.
• 31st March 2024 - Les 3 Vallées Enduro Competition - For over 15 years, more than 1,000 skiing fans have come to visit and explore the 3 Vallées (the largest ski area in the world) through timed events that are open to all. Trios can sign up as a professional, amateur or family team for the memorable experience of battling it out on skis.
• 8th - 12th April 2024 - Yogiski 8th Edition - Les Menuires celebrates Yogiski week for the 8th time, featuring an action packed programme all about relaxation including yoga, hiking, meditation and more.

Les Menuires apres-ski, bars & restaurants

In Les Menuires, there are over 60 bars and restaurants, which includes a dozen mountain restaurants, plus a few other late-night bars/nightclubs offering lively après-ski.

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Val Thorens for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2009, 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, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018, Les Arcs in 2019. Val Thorens FD is accessible to everyone (minors accompanied by their parents). Only those over 18 are allowed on the main terrace from 2pm until closing. Access via ski. Pedestrian access: by Pioneer chairlift for La Fruitière Restaurant only by reservation. Ski back to the centre until the slopes close at 5pm. Last chairlift departure for Méribel, Les Menuires and Courchevel at 4.30pm. Pedestrians: no return by chairlift. Pedestrians must wait for the slopes to close at 5pm and descend on foot accompanied by our security team (20 mins descent). Bring snow shoes! La Fruitière pedestrian customers are invited to wait until 5pm and the radtrack will take them down to Parking P0.

Another great addition is the Igloo Village. The highest of its kind in Europe, it offers an unforgettably cool experience - a living and fun space made from snow and ice. The amazing grotto promises to take people of all ages into a spectacular magical frozen world where they can eat, drink, sleep and play. Set on the Combe de Thorens green slope, the Igloo Village can be reached on skis or by foot. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to take a break between ski descents or to soak up amazing views over the resort. Covering an area of 150m2, it houses several different zones:

• A 50m2 Ice Bar. Open every day from 10am to 5pm, guests can choose from a large selection of drinks and admire the snow and ice sculptures
• A 35m2 restaurant. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Savoyard fondue all snuggled up in warm blankets. The Igloo Village is open every Wednesday evening for dinner. The €49 set menu includes a fondue and platter of cured meat, as well as wine and dessert. Booking is required
• A specially designed area to host events and business conferences.
• Bedrooms carved from ice. Chill out for a super cool night like no other! There are two rooms
  available
• New 21/22, an ice cave of 150m2 has been added. It contains about 20 ice sculptures which have a pirate theme. €2 for access. 

Les Menures amenities

Les Menuires provides a good selection of 90 shops and services. These include banks, post office, chemists, doctor's surgery and medical centre, physiotherapist, dentist, supermarkets, grocery stores, regional product shops, bakeries, butchers, hairdressers, laundrettes, garage, petrol station, taxis, newsagents, souvenir & gift shops, sports shops and fashion shops.

Getting to Les Menuires, France

By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Driving distance from Calais: 590 miles, approximately 9 hrs. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English.

From Calais, take A26 Motorway to Reims and Troyes, then A5 Motorway to Dijon, then A39 Motorway to Lons-le-Saulnier and Bourg-en-Bresse, then A40-A42 Motorway heading towards Lyon. Take exit 8, drive through Ambérieu-en-Bugey, follow N504 towards and up to Chambéry, then take A43 motorway and A430 motorway to Albertville. Continue on N90 to Moûtiers and take D117 following signs to Les Menuires.

By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Les Menuires is roughly 65 miles, approximately 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Les Menuires is roughly 118 miles, approximately 2hrs 30
Geneva Airport to Les Menuires is roughly 120 miles, approximately 2hrs 30
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Les Menuires is roughly 124 miles, approximately 2hrs 30 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station to Les Menuires is 27km away in Moûtiers.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

Resort shuttle bus:
The free Les Menuires resort shuttle bus links: La Croisette to Reberty 1850 and 2000, Le Hameau des Airelles, Le Hameau des Marmottes, Les Fontanettes and Les Bruyères. Preyerand and Brelin are linked by a cable car and lift.

There is also a free valley shuttle bus that runs Sunday - Friday between Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Pedestrians & nordic skiers only between Les Menuires and Val Thorens). All users authorised between Saint Martin and Les Menuires.

Other stops on request: Saint Martin Grangeraies, Saint Marcel, Les Granges, Praranger, Le Levassaix, Le Hameau des Airelles, Preyerand, Chalet-Hôtel Le Menuires, Les Menuires bus station, Les Fontanettes, La Masse, Les Sonnailles, La Chasse, P4 accès Caron/UCPA and Val Thorens.

Resort parking:
There are public underground car parks located in La Croisette and Les Bruyères areas of Les Menuires. 

There are also free outdoor car parks in all areas of Les Menuires.

Les Menuires opening dates

Les Menuires is open 10/12/22 - 28/04/23

See resort opening information