If you are looking for a ski holiday in Europe and with the broad variety of resorts available out there can’t make up your mind where to go this season, the Three Valleys in France is difficult to beat. And here are the reasons why:
1. It’s the biggest interlinked ski area in the world
When it comes to skiable terrain, size does matter. The Three Valleys boast 600kms of runs, 328 pistes, 166 ski lifts, over 2000 snow cannons, 105km2 of skiing area. Impressive, isn’t it? This means you can explore this huge area without taking off your skis! Believe it or not, the quality of the runs is on a par with their quantity. You will be amazed at the excellent conditions for skiing/snowboarding. Though, we bet even a week is not enough to explore all the slopes available in the resorts. Why don’t you come and see for yourself?
2. It boasts the highest winter resort in Europe
The Three Valleys are crowned with Val Thorens – the topmost European resort located at 2300m. This means VT is a snow-sure destination that operates from mid-November till the beginning of May.
Talking about height, 85% of the runs in the Three Valleys lie above 1800m and, unlike many other European resorts, provide good skiing conditions even in spring.
3. It offers amazing versatility
The Three Valleys include 8 resorts, and each of them is different in style. Meribel (1500-1700m) and Courchevel (1300-1850m) are known as upscale winter destinations with cosy chalets from a TV ad, neatly perched on the wooded slopes. You can enjoy tree-lined wide runs, lively bars, and high-end restaurants in these resorts.
Les Menuires (1850m) and Val Thorens (2100m) are purpose-built skiing stations that have less glitz than their Three Valley neighbours. Because of the higher altitude, the soil is barren there, and all you can see around is snow-capped mountain peaks and winding slopes. In the evening Val Thorens transforms from a skiing- to a party paradise and becomes a buzzing place which attracts the international crowd to its numerous après-ski venues.
St-Martin-de-Belleville (1400m) is a traditional 16-century village which has a unique French ambience. La Tania (1350m), the newest resort of all, was built in 1992 as a village for athletes who participated in the 16th Winter Olympic games. Brides les Bains (600m) is a spa resort located at the foot of the Tree Valleys that serves as an affordable base for exploring the 3 Vallées. Orelle (900 m) is situated in Maurienne valley but is connected to Val Thorens with a cable car.
4. It caters to any level of expertise
From nursery slopes to off-piste couloirs – there is a wide choice of runs for any skiers and snowboarders. By getting a ski pass to the Three Valleys, you get access to an XXXL ski domain that won’t leave you bored.
5. It’s much more than skiing
It’s fresh Alpine air, magnificent landscapes, finger-licking French cuisine, astonishing wine, new friends, lively entertainment, fresh snow, a surge of energy and a great boost at the beginning of a year that will let you carry on till the next season with positive vibes!
