The 3 Valleys Ski Resort is the largest ski area in the world. Known as Les 3 Vallées or Les Trois Vallées in its native country, it can be found in the Savoie department of France and offers no less than 600 kilometers (373 miles) of interconnected slopes. Serving these slopes are 180 ski lifts that come in the form of cable cars, gondolas, chair lifts, and surface lifts. The minimum altitude level for skiing or snowboarding at the 3 Valleys Ski Resort is 1300 meters (4,265 feet), while the maximum level is 3230 meters (10, 597 feet). Of the 25 accessible summits, 10 are higher than 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). Since the 3 Valley Ski Resort’s more than 300 different runs have either an easy, intermediate or difficult rating, the collective domain caters to all, even beginners and children.

Les 3 Vallées Ski Resorts

The 3 Valleys Ski Resort is actually a collection of eight different ski resorts, which helps to explain why it is sometimes referred to as  “the skiing supermarket of France.” These resorts are Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, St-Martin-de-Belleville, and Orelle. In the resort centers, pedestrian-only streets are commonplace, as are restaurants and other amenities. Courchevel, which is the most exclusive ski resort in the 3 Valleys region, actually boasts more than 70 restaurants and is proud of its six Michelin-star chefs. Also spread throughout the 3 Valleys Ski Resort area are numerous villages. You can gain more insight into the layout of the 3 Valleys Ski Resort by consulting the ski map below.

The various French Alps villages that are found in the 3 Valleys Ski Resort area are situated at different altitudes and offer their own atmospheres. Visitors can choose accordingly while considering such things as proximity to a specific ski resort, lodging prices, and access to the slopes. Regardless of where skiers and snowboarders ultimately choose to stay at the 3 Valleys Ski Resort, they can purchase lift tickets that allow them to enjoy the entire ski area. Better yet, natural snowfall is in good supply during the winter season, and if the natural stuff isn’t falling, the resorts are equipped with 2,000 snow making machines. Together, these machines can actually cover at least 1/3 of the total ski area. The 3 Valleys Ski Area guarantees snow cover from the beginning of December until the end of April.

France Map

Les 3 Vallées Accommodations

The eight different resorts in France’s 3 Valleys Ski Area offer a vast array of accommodations. These accommodations range from low cost options to luxurious five star establishments. In addition to hotels and lodges, area visitors can choose from apartments, condos, cottages, chalets, and other types of rentals. This allows parties to find something that truly suits their needs and budgets. Depending on the lodging in question, direct access to the slopes might figure among the various perks. This kind of ski-in and ski-out versatility is ideal for those who don’t want to waste any time when looking to make some turns.

Generally, the lodging prices in the 3 Valleys Ski Area drop with the altitude. Thus, cost-conscious visitors might try to book accommodations in one of the lower satellite villages. The main drawback to such villages is that they aren’t as convenient for doorstep skiing or the apres-ski festivities in the various resorts. That being said, some of the lower satellite villages are linked to the resorts by ski buses or even ski lifts, so visitors don’t have to sacrifice all conveniences for price.