# A ski area for all levels in the heart of the French Alps

Les 3 Vallées, a ski area in the French Alps, ranks among the largest in the world. Its network of pistes and ski lifts spans several resorts, including Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Menuires, giving snow-sports enthusiasts of every level ready access to the mountain.

## One of the Alps' largest ski areas

Les 3 Vallées covers 600 km of pistes served by 156 ski lifts. Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the two resorts linked to the area, account for 81 pistes and 30 ski lifts between them. Skiers can reach the whole ski area from either resort without a lengthy detour.

Sun exposure shifts through the day: the Masse slope catches the morning light, while the Mont de la Chambre slope gets the afternoon sun. Skiers can plan their routes around the sun's path.

## Snow conditions boosted by altitude

The ski area sits at high altitude: 85% of its terrain lies above 1,800 metres. This limits the impact of uneven snow cover as the season progresses. Snow cannons, machines that produce artificial snow to supplement natural snowfall, cover 52% of the area.

## A learning ground designed for beginners

Les Menuires stands out for its beginner-friendly pistes. Across Les 3 Vallées as a whole, 16% of pistes are green and 41% are blue, meaning more than half the area's pistes are rated easy. Beginners can put together varied routes without facing serious technical difficulty.

Blue runs lead to every summit in the area, so skiers of all levels, including those still learning, can reach the highest points and enjoy them. Ski schools also run instructor-led lessons designed specifically for people new to the sport.

## Challenges and varied snow sports for every profile

Les 3 Vallées also caters for experienced skiers: 33% of pistes are red and 10% black, alongside off-piste routes. These more technical routes suit skiers seeking sharper thrills than easy pistes offer.

Beyond alpine skiing, the area hosts several snow sports, including snowboarding, cross-country skiing and ski touring. It has 36 fun zones, combining themed pistes, snow parks and beginner areas, plus 10 sledging areas. At Les Menuires, the Roc'n Bob toboggan run winds 4 kilometres through snowy bends, while the La Mine alpine coaster sends riders down the slopes with views over the surrounding landscape.

## Key points

- Les 3 Vallées ski area, in the French Alps, has 600 km of pistes and 156 ski lifts.
- Les Menuires and the neighbouring resort linked to the same area account for 81 pistes and 30 ski lifts.
- 85% of the ski area lies above 1,800 metres, and snow cannons — machines that produce artificial snow — cover 52% of its terrain.
- More than half the area's pistes (16% green and 41% blue) are accessible to beginners, and blue runs lead to every summit.
- Experienced skiers have 33% red and 10% black pistes, plus off-piste routes, alongside 36 fun zones and 10 sledging areas, including a 4-kilometre run at Les Menuires.
