In The Three Valleys (also known as Les Trois Vallées, or The 3 Valleys), the largest ski area in the world, the numbers speak for themselves...
There are a combined 600km of pistes across 7 resorts and nearly 160 runs
The Three Valleys’ incredible lift system transports an estimated 260,000 skiers an hour
85% of the ski area sits above a snow sure altitude of 1,800m
There are more than 2,700 snow cannons, allowing the region to to supply top quality snow conditions 150 days per year
As you’d imagine, a ski area as vast as this can cater just as well to first-timers as it can to the most experienced of skiers.
In fact, out of the Three valleys 342 runs, there’s a roughly equal share of beginner to intermediate-level (green and blue) pistes and advanced to expert-level (reds and black) pistes, ensuring everyone will have a wonderful week on the slopes.
Even non-skiers are guaranteed a good time. You could relax at the spa, indulge in some famous Savoyard cuisine, or get active in the leisure centre.
Or, if you don’t ski but you still want to enjoy the snow, you could try anything from tobogganing to snowmobiling.
Skiing doesn’t get much better than Les Trois Vallées.
Whether you’ve been before but barely scratched the surface or you're completely fresh to the world’s biggest ski area, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
The Three Valleys ski area consists of 7 resorts across - you guessed it - three valleys
Ski Resorts in The Three Valleys
There are seven resorts in the Three Valleys.
Courchevel and La Tania occupy the first valley, Meribel and Brides les Bains the second, and Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville the third.
Best of all, with a Three Valleys pass, you gain access to nearly 160 lifts across all of the above resorts, so you can explore the whole area for only a little more than the cost of a local resort pass.
Courchevel
Courchevel has a reputation for luxury and glamour, and deservedly so, with its many Michelin-starred restaurants, 5-star hotels, and designer clothes shops.But the skiing on offer in this most premium of resorts is also superlative, especially for intermediates, though there’s much for beginners and experts to sink their teeth into, including one of the region’s gnarliest runs, the Grand Couloir.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy Courchevel - there are plenty of cheaper accommodation options, especially if you opt for one of the many budget-friendly apartments.
La Tania
Purpose-built for the 1992 Olympics, today, the picture-perfect resort of La Tania has a relaxed, cosy atmosphere and a car-free centre that makes it the perfect choice for families with young children.
It also benefits from an enviable position between Courchevel and Meribel, with both just a couple of lift rides away. There are free lifts and nursery slopes to enjoy in La Tania, and adults can leave the kids with the ski school while they venture further afield.
Meribel
It’s said so often that it’s become a little cliche, but Meribel really is the heart of The Three valleys, both literally (as it’s in the middle) and metaphorically, because it epitomises everything that makes the ski area one of the most popular in the world.
With its wood-clad chalets and snow-capped pines, it has that traditional Alpine prettiness that ski holiday dreams are made of, as well as a little sprinkle of Val Thorens’ legendary après scene and a hint of Courchevel’s glamour.
Likewise, the range of pistes on offer will delight every member of your group.
If you can’t decide exactly which of the Three Valleys resorts is right for you, you won’t go far wrong if you choose Meribel - no wonder it’s one of our bestselling resorts.
Brides Les Bains
If you’re skiing on a budget or you want to squeeze maximum value out of your ski holiday, look no further than Brides Les Bains.
Around 850m further down the valley from Meribel, the resort’s slightly less convenient location means it can offer accommodation at much more reasonable prices
And don't worry, you can still whizz up to Meribel on the Olympe Gondola - so called because, you guessed it, it was built especially for the 1992 Winter Olympics - in 25 minutes.
The resort itself is compact and is notable for its spas, a great way to soothe your aching ski legs after a day on the slopes.
Image credit: Brides Les Bains Tourist Office
Val Thorens
If your priority is partying, Val Thorens is the only place to go in The Three Valleys.
As the highest resort in Europe (it sits at 2,300m), Val Thorens’ 150km of pistes are the most snow sure in the area, granting it a longer season than its neighbours, typically from late November to early May.
As a result, most of the accommodation in the resort is ski-in-ski-out, which is great for experienced skiers who want to maximise their time on the slopes, and for beginners as it makes it easy to get around.
Reds and blues are especially plentiful in Val Thorens, making it a great spot for intermediates, and probably the ski area’s best off-piste up on the Chaviere or Peclet glaciers.
What of that famous après?
Well, there are more than 40 bars, including the highest altitude outpost of that famous Alpine institution, Folie Douce, which self-styles as the dance floor at the top of the world.
You’ll also find three night clubs, which regularly host big name DJs, and stay open pretty much all night long: ski, drink, dance, repeat.
Les Menuires
Les Menuires has long been considered the ugly duckling of The Three Valleys, but more fool those who write off this excellent little resort.
There’s much to recommend it, including its close proximity and easy lift connections to both Val Thorens and Meribel, affordable slope-side accommodation, and chilled out vibes.
Saint Martin de Belleville
A charming and traditional village, with wooden ski chalets and a baroque church, Saint Martin de Belleville is probably the most quaint and quiet of the seven resorts in The Three Valleys.
If you want a relaxing ski holiday but you also want to be able to access the full range of skiing on offer in the world’s biggest ski area, it’s the perfect base for you.
Ski Holidays in The Three Valleys
Booking a ski holiday to an area you’ve never been to before can often feel like a gamble, but if that area is The Three Valleys, be assured that you’re making a very safe bet.
Why is that? Where to start…
With an altitude range between 1,100m and 3,230m and 10 peaks above 2,000m, skiable terrain is virtually guaranteed in all resorts between December and April, and from November to May up in Val Thorens.
You’ll also find every kind of ski slope imaginable, including gentle greens, sweeping blues, challenging reds, and crazy blacks, as well as tons of freestyle parks and a wealth of off-piste opportunities.
The piste maintenance is excellent, with a fleet of 70 grooming machines driving up and down the mountain every night to ensure they’re in pristine condition for the following day.
Top reasons to choose The Three Valleys for your ski holiday
Here are the top reasons why we think you should choose the Three Valleys this winter.
World’s largest ski area
The Three Valleys is the world’s largest connected ski area thanks to its excellent lift system, which makes it easy to get around and explore everything the seven resorts have to offer. You can go back year after year and discover new runs every time.
Snow sure
With lifts going up to a maximum altitude of 3,230m, an excellent snow record (its upper slopes enjoyed more than 200cm of snow depth this last season), and over half of its pistes covered by snow-making facilities, The Three Valleys is extremely snow sure.
In fact, all three of The Three Valleys' major ski resorts make it into our list of the top snow sure ski resorts in France.
Incredible variety of accommodation
Beautiful old chalets, both luxury and affordable hotels, and apartments to suit all budgets, whatever your preferences, you can find accommodation to make your perfect ski holiday in The Three Valleys.
A fast and efficient lift system
The lifts in The Three Valleys are modern, comfortable, and, in many cases, fast. That means less time queuing or sitting in a swinging old cable car and more time on the slopes.
Some of the best partying in the alps
Val Thorens might lay claim to being the biggest name in Alpine après, but whichever resort you stay in, you’ll find fantastic mountain bars and late night clubs. Live music, table dancing, DJs - it’s all there.
Group ski holidays in the Three Valleys
The Three Valleys is great for groups, but particularly Meribel and Val Thorens.
Meribel benefits from large chalets that can accommodate even the largest of groups, as well as a good range of pistes to suit all levels of abilities within your group. Added to that, its central location makes it the best place to stay if you want to access all the other resorts.
Val Thorens is great for groups that want to party and offers plenty of cheap hotels, which is perfect if you won’t be sleeping much anyway!
If you're looking to organise a group ski holiday, make sure to get in touch with our ski specialists for all the advice and help you need to book an amazing trip.
If it's your first time booking a group ski trip, make sure to check out our guide on how to book a group ski holiday for expert insights from our ski specialist, Laura Waple.
Family ski holidays in the Three Valleys
Fun family ski holidays are guaranteed in The Three Valleys, especially in Meribel and Courchevel.
Again, the range of accommodation options ensures you can find the perfect base for the week, whether you’re travelling with two young children or a small gang of teens, or looking to stay in style or on a budget.
Likewise, there are loads of dining options, so even the fussiest eaters will be satisfied.
Courchevel has some amazing nursery slopes around its villages and free lifts that are perfect for little skiers who are just scoping out the sport.
Meribel has brilliant ski schools that, if you’re a parent, you can comfortably leave your kids with while you go off and explore the Three Valleys.
Beginner ski holidays in the Three Valleys
If you’re skiing experience is limited or even if you’re a complete novice, the Three Valleys is an excellent destination.
Meribel’s 8 greens and 25 blues, gentle, tree-lined runs, and plethora of ski schools make it a great choice for beginners.
You could spend a whole week doing the long, wide green of Altiport and the beginner-friendly runs that feed into it, or you could stay around Mottaret, which has an enclosed beginner area with a magic carpet.
Courchevel’s 12 free lifts and the pistes they serve are also a great choice for beginners, while Val Thorens has four dedicated beginner slopes, each with a magic carpet.
Read more:
Read our beginners guide to skiing in Val Thorens to find out why Val Thorens is a great resort for beginners (particularly beginners with an appetite for apres!)
Read our beginners guide skiing in Meribel to find out why Meribel is a great resort for beginners (it's a great all-rounder, ideal for families and those looking to have a few drinks!)
The Three Valleys: Key Information
Here, you can find out all the key information you need to know about The Three Valleys.
Where is the Three Valleys located?
The Three Valleys is located in the Savoie department of Southeastern France, just south of the town of Moûtiers, high up in the Tarentaise Valley.
Where is the nearest airport to the Three Valleys?
The closest airport to the Three Valleys is Chambéry, which is around 1 hour and 15 minutes away from each of the main resorts.
However, thanks to the greater choice of flights, most visitors fly into Geneva in Switzerland (between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours away from the lower resorts like Courchevel and Meribel, and closer to 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes to the higher up Val Thorens).
Grenoble (2 hours) and Lyon (2 hours 15 minutes) are also options.
What is the highest point in the Three Valleys?
At 3,230m, Le Bouchet is the highest point you can reach in the Three Valleys, which offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area and, in particular, the Bouchet glacier.
You can get there by taking the Orelle gondola, followed by the Peyron and Bouchet chairlifts from Orelle. Or you can take the Portette chairlift from Val Thorens, then the Thorens gondola, and then the Peyron and Bouchet chairs.
What’s the longest run in the Three Valleys?
The longest run you can do in the Three Valleys is the route that goes from Mont Vallon to Meribel Mottaret.
It starts at 3,000m with the long winding red of Combe du Vallon, then you’ll take the Ours piste to Mottaret.
As well as being challenged by some fun and technical skiing, you’ll be blessed with spectacular views over Meribel and Lake Tueda.
What’s the most difficult run in the Three Valleys?
Without a doubt, the most difficult run in the Three Valleys is Le Grand Couloir in Courchevel.
It’s the steepest run in the whole ski area, with a 33° average gradient and reaches nearly 39° at its gnarliest point.
Are there any glaciers in the Three Valleys?
There are several glaciers in the Three Valleys. The largest is the Gébroulaz glacier - from 2,600m to 3,500m - which is on Mont Vallon.
There’s also the Glacier de la Pointe Renod at the summit of the Three Valleys in Orelle, the Glacier de Thorens, and the Glacier de Péclet.
What are the top apres bars in the Three Valleys?
When it comes to après, the Three Valleys does not disappoint. These are some of the top apres bars in The Three Valleys:
Folie Douce - Val Thorens and Meribel/Courchevel
Bar 360 - Val Thorens
Frog and Roast Beef - Val Thorens
Malaysia - Val Thorens
Rond Point - Meribel
La Mangeiore - Courchevel
Les Caves - Courchevel
Funky Fox - Courchevel
There’s a Folie Douce in both Val Thorens (the highest of the franchise up at 2,600m) and on the border between Meribel and Courchevel next to the Saulire gondola.
If you’ve never been to Folie Douce, you’re in for a treat - it pulls out all the stops when it comes to mountain partying, including cabaret shows, DJs, fireworks, paragliders, table dancing, and flowing drinks every day of the week.
But be sure not to miss some of Val Thorens’ other amazing après bars, such as 360 Bar, The Frog & Roastbeef, and, if you want to party all night, Malaysia.
Meribel’s Rond Point is also a fantastic après bar and a great place to head after Folie Douce wraps up for the day. It has live music late into the evening.
In Courchevel, check out La Mangeoire or Les Caves for premium late night parties, or the Funky Fox in Moriond.
How much does a Three Valleys lift pass cost?
You have a few lift pass options in the Three Valleys.
All of these passes grant you access to use the lifts across the entire ski area, prices reflective of the 2024/25 season.
The Adult’s 6-day Solo Pass: €395
Low season pass: Between December 7th and 20th, and April 12th to 21st, you can get a 6-day pass for the lower price of €355.50
Adult’s 7-day Solo Pass: €456
Family pass: If you are visiting the Three Valleys as 2 adults (18-74) with at least one child (5-17), everyone skis for the child price of €323.90 per person for 5 days
6-day pedestrian pass: If you do have any non-skiers in your group, they can access the lifts for €89.50
Discover the best deals on Three Valleys Ski Holidays
Can’t wait to carve your skis through the velvety corduroy of the Three Valley’s expertly groomed pistes?
Book your next ski holiday through igluski.com and take advantage of our amazing deals on accommodation in Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, and beyond.
Whether you want to stay in luxury or affordable comfort, we have both package and non-package deals available on chalets, hotels, and apartments across the Three Valleys. Discover your perfect base for exploring the world’s largest ski area with Iglu Ski.